This film has a certain crass appeal to it but a classic, it isn’t.
Now, before any of you burst out laughing, I must gently remind you that the comedic elements have already been excised from the film and what you see on screen is supposed to be horrifying and scary.
Okay, you can laugh now!
For a film that tries to take itself very seriously, "I Drink Your Blood" certainly has a numbing but charming satirical feel to it. Undoubtedly, this film falls into the category of: it is so bad that one must make all effort to steer clear of it. For the inquisitive few, make a trek to your local video store and rent it first. Who knows, it might actually appeal to you. For those who are patient or just plain don´t care, why not wait for the Mystery Science Theater treatment. You just know one´s coming!
When "I Drink Your Blood" was released in 1970, its violent images must have shocked a good number of people but by today´s standards, it is at worst, only an R-rated film. Viewers can feast their eyes on limited amounts of nudity and one fleeting sex scene but expect plenty of blood and gore, as exemplified by a decapitation and the lobbing of several body parts. This rather graphic description may sound gory but as I said, it is nothing many of us have not seen before.
Nowadays, I find that the term "classic film" is overused and certainly oversubscribed. Any film, twenty-years old or more that is mildly interesting or slightly shocking by today´s standards, tend to be termed a classic even though it appeals to only a narrow spectrum of a movie-loving audience. Just because a film is first at something, doesn´t mean that it must be a classic. In the case of "I Drink Your Blood", being the first film to be slapped with an X rating for violence only gives it historical notoriety, not instant adulation and certainly not recognition as a classic.
Video:
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 or 4:3, filling the entire screen of a regular non-widescreen television set, the print for "I Drink Your Blood" is nicely restored for this DVD release. Its colors are vividly reproduced and the film even looks better than some of the relatively newer low-budget horror films from the 80s. As can be expected, a small amount of dirt and scratches are still present but they are insignificant and will in no way, spoil one´s visual enjoyment for this film.
Audio:
The original Mono soundtrack is actually quite quaint and provides the film with an atmosphere reminiscent of a drive-in theater that is not possible with a modern 5-channel treatment. Overall, the audio track is excellent as I did not detect any hissing problems or even sound distortions. The dialogue is clear and comprehensible and the background music is enjoyable.
Extras:
It certainly helps the marketing of this film that a nice amount of bonus features have been included with this DVD release. It is sure to please the fans.
First is an excellent audio commentary track by writer/director David E. Durston and the show´s main actor, the late Bhaskar. Durston does most of the talking on this track, with Bhaskar chiming in occasionally. I must admit that I actually enjoyed this commentary track immensely as it is both funny and also quite informational. In fact, in the very first scene, Bhaskar relates how the cast had to act in the nude during a cold night of filming and to cover his modesty, Durston had to stick a long sword in front of Bhaskar´s member, hiding it from the camera.
Next are four "Deleted Scenes" titled "Andy and Sylvia", "Grandpa´s Acid Freak-out", "Original Downbeat Ending" and "Petey Confesses". These four scenes are only mildly interesting and do not add anything to the finished film. Somewhat similar to the deleted scenes is "Outtakes", which are several samples from the cutting room floor.
The most interesting bonus feature on this DVD is a featurette called "The I Drink Your Blood Show". Hosted by Durston, it features interviews with:
- Lynn Lowry, The Mute Girl
- Barney Cohen, The Ad Exec
- Tyde Kierney, Andy
- Jack Damon, Roger
Lynn Lowry is perhaps the most famous cast on this film as she later went on to star in Romero´s "The Crazies" and Paul Schrader´s "Cat People". Also, Durston talks to Barney Cohen, an advertising executive from New York who was the person that came up with the hilarious title for this film. According to Cohen, his contribution "I Drink Your Blood/I Eat Your Skin" actually started out as a one-off joke but was later taken so seriously that it became the official title.
Up next is "Still Gallery" where you get to see production, cast and advertising stills. Also in this feature, over the slideshows, you get to hear Durston talk about his working relationship with Jerry Gross.
Rounding up the bonus features is the "Theatrical Trailer", "Radio Spot" and "Filmographies" of Durston, Bhaskar Roy Chowdhury, Lynn Lowry and Jerry Gross. Finally, in "Coming Attractions", you get to watch trailers for "The Beyond", "Cannibal Holocaust", "Cannibal Feroux" and a bunch of other horror flicks.
Film Value:
"I Drink Your Blood", like most other exploitation horror films from the 60s and 70s, only appeal to a certain type of audience. Beyond that particular base, it is hard to find anyone who will enjoy such movies. Historically, this film´s place in the annals of horror films is already firmly cemented with its unprecedented X rating for its over-the-top violence. I do, however, object to the use of the word "classic" to describe "I Drink Your Blood". This film has a certain crass appeal to it but a classic, it isn´t.
Okay, you can laugh now!
For a film that tries to take itself very seriously, "I Drink Your Blood" certainly has a numbing but charming satirical feel to it. Undoubtedly, this film falls into the category of: it is so bad that one must make all effort to steer clear of it. For the inquisitive few, make a trek to your local video store and rent it first. Who knows, it might actually appeal to you. For those who are patient or just plain don´t care, why not wait for the Mystery Science Theater treatment. You just know one´s coming!
When "I Drink Your Blood" was released in 1970, its violent images must have shocked a good number of people but by today´s standards, it is at worst, only an R-rated film. Viewers can feast their eyes on limited amounts of nudity and one fleeting sex scene but expect plenty of blood and gore, as exemplified by a decapitation and the lobbing of several body parts. This rather graphic description may sound gory but as I said, it is nothing many of us have not seen before.
Nowadays, I find that the term "classic film" is overused and certainly oversubscribed. Any film, twenty-years old or more that is mildly interesting or slightly shocking by today´s standards, tend to be termed a classic even though it appeals to only a narrow spectrum of a movie-loving audience. Just because a film is first at something, doesn´t mean that it must be a classic. In the case of "I Drink Your Blood", being the first film to be slapped with an X rating for violence only gives it historical notoriety, not instant adulation and certainly not recognition as a classic.
Video:
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 or 4:3, filling the entire screen of a regular non-widescreen television set, the print for "I Drink Your Blood" is nicely restored for this DVD release. Its colors are vividly reproduced and the film even looks better than some of the relatively newer low-budget horror films from the 80s. As can be expected, a small amount of dirt and scratches are still present but they are insignificant and will in no way, spoil one´s visual enjoyment for this film.
Audio:
The original Mono soundtrack is actually quite quaint and provides the film with an atmosphere reminiscent of a drive-in theater that is not possible with a modern 5-channel treatment. Overall, the audio track is excellent as I did not detect any hissing problems or even sound distortions. The dialogue is clear and comprehensible and the background music is enjoyable.
Extras:
It certainly helps the marketing of this film that a nice amount of bonus features have been included with this DVD release. It is sure to please the fans.
First is an excellent audio commentary track by writer/director David E. Durston and the show´s main actor, the late Bhaskar. Durston does most of the talking on this track, with Bhaskar chiming in occasionally. I must admit that I actually enjoyed this commentary track immensely as it is both funny and also quite informational. In fact, in the very first scene, Bhaskar relates how the cast had to act in the nude during a cold night of filming and to cover his modesty, Durston had to stick a long sword in front of Bhaskar´s member, hiding it from the camera.
Next are four "Deleted Scenes" titled "Andy and Sylvia", "Grandpa´s Acid Freak-out", "Original Downbeat Ending" and "Petey Confesses". These four scenes are only mildly interesting and do not add anything to the finished film. Somewhat similar to the deleted scenes is "Outtakes", which are several samples from the cutting room floor.
The most interesting bonus feature on this DVD is a featurette called "The I Drink Your Blood Show". Hosted by Durston, it features interviews with:
- Lynn Lowry, The Mute Girl
- Barney Cohen, The Ad Exec
- Tyde Kierney, Andy
- Jack Damon, Roger
Lynn Lowry is perhaps the most famous cast on this film as she later went on to star in Romero´s "The Crazies" and Paul Schrader´s "Cat People". Also, Durston talks to Barney Cohen, an advertising executive from New York who was the person that came up with the hilarious title for this film. According to Cohen, his contribution "I Drink Your Blood/I Eat Your Skin" actually started out as a one-off joke but was later taken so seriously that it became the official title.
Up next is "Still Gallery" where you get to see production, cast and advertising stills. Also in this feature, over the slideshows, you get to hear Durston talk about his working relationship with Jerry Gross.
Rounding up the bonus features is the "Theatrical Trailer", "Radio Spot" and "Filmographies" of Durston, Bhaskar Roy Chowdhury, Lynn Lowry and Jerry Gross. Finally, in "Coming Attractions", you get to watch trailers for "The Beyond", "Cannibal Holocaust", "Cannibal Feroux" and a bunch of other horror flicks.
Film Value:
"I Drink Your Blood", like most other exploitation horror films from the 60s and 70s, only appeal to a certain type of audience. Beyond that particular base, it is hard to find anyone who will enjoy such movies. Historically, this film´s place in the annals of horror films is already firmly cemented with its unprecedented X rating for its over-the-top violence. I do, however, object to the use of the word "classic" to describe "I Drink Your Blood". This film has a certain crass appeal to it but a classic, it isn´t.
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[release]13545[/release]