Religious history and connotations aside, many of us see Halloween as a season unto itself, kicking off around the beginning of October and lasting until the traditional winter holidays hit (or, at least until the pumpkins start to rot). While this is purely pop-culture based and not recognized in any official sense, there is a spooky feeling in the air that provides a nice contrast to the feeding frenzy that takes place just after and ultimately leads to a sugar crash in early January where depression sets in and post-holiday debt skyrockets. To celebrate the season, many of us take to our screens—those of our local theaters and our living rooms—to partake in some eerie, offbeat video fare. This time out, there are quite a few recent, mostly vintage Blu-ray and streaming releases that should be on your radar, to help light the way as we celebrate the spooky season in high style.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
While not the first film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 novella, this 1931 cinematic version stands as one of the very best. Praised at the time for the acting prowess of Frederic March, the film won an Academy Award for best actor and other accolades at the time. Released before the Production Code that required studios to self-censor was fully enforced, the film featured a fair amount of sexual tension and innuendo, that would later be cut out when re-released a few years later (but eventually restored to subsequent DVD and Blu-Ray releases).
One of the great horror icons of the ages, villain Edward Hyde is the drug-addled and sadistic alter-ego of Dr. Henry Jekyll, who, while researching the nature of evil, develops a serum that transforms him into the murderous brute. Shot in stark black and white, the film’s rendering of Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde was innovative and alarming, and still packs a few purposeful shocks, even to this day.This new Blu-Ray restores the original and presents it in hi-def, making for an extra-eerie viewing experience. (Warner Archive)
Mark of the Vampire
You’ve gotta love Bela Lugosi. The unknown Hungarian actor was hard-working and passionate about his craft, so when the opportunity arose to play Count Dracula in 1931, he jumped at it. And while Lugosi nailed the role of the creepy, idiosyncratic horror icon, he would forever be typecast as the campy vampire and struggle to find work beyond B-movie roles for most of his career. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t bright spots, especially for diehard horror fans.
Mark of the Vampire is one such bright spot. Lugosi is typecast once again as the quirky and cringe-worthy Count Mora, who, along with his daughter Luna (played by the incomparable Carroll Borland, who some say was the inspiration for Morticia Addams in the Addams Family), make one helluva kooky pair. When the body of a nobleman is found with bite marks on his neck, all eyes are fixated on the Count and his racy daughter. But, an unexpected—and somewhat absurd twist—ensures that nothing is truly as it seems. Also starring veteran actor Lionel Barrymore as occult expert Professor Zellen, the film’s spooky imagery, hints of incest, and surprising conclusion make for an entertaining view. (Warner Archive)
The Count Yorga Collection
While the 1930s were often seen as the golden age of horror and monster movies, the ’60s and ’70s also had their share of interesting takes on the genre. One take was the positioning of vampires as lust-inducing playboys. Actor Christopher Lee helped to nail the prototype in his portrayal of Dracula for Hammer Studios during the swingin’ ‘60s. In his wake, came dozens of imitations looking to add a little sex appeal into the gothic confines of the vampire universe. One such knockoff that did the formula right was the Count Yorga franchise.
Set in Los Angeles, Count Yorga, Vampire (1970) stars Robert Quarry as the smooth, somewhat hip older vampire with a taste for blood and mini skirts. He scouts his victims on the streets and in the clubs and eventually has his way, one way or another. Shot in vibrant color with a mix of gothic imagery, skin, and ’60s fashion, it’s a visually stunning film that takes the seductive-vampire shtick to its crimson peak. The series expanded with the sequel The Return of Count Yorga in 1971. With a similar tone, this time out, the Count is in desperate search of a wife and all manner of hijinx ensue as he tracks one down. Darker than the first installment, this sequel packs a couple of surprises into the mix. The Count Yorga Collection comes in a plush box set and packs both films along with several extras including new commentary tracks and interviews, plus a host of collectibles. (Arrow Video)
Rollerball
This ’70s dystopian tale takes place in 2018, when the world is run by corporations. War is a thing of the past and to placate the mindless masses, the ruling class offers them rollerball—a violent sport that appears on TV. A jarring combo of roller derby hockey and football, the local team is led by Jonathan E. (James Caan), a troubled athlete who lost his wife to the arms of an upper-classman. Already uncertain about the way the executives are running the game and by implication, the world, Jonathan begins to ask too many questions. Soon, the executives get nervous and go to great lengths to ensure that he won’t make it out of his next match alive.
Part of a clutch of dystopian Sci-Fi films of the ’70s, Rollerball was one of the better ones, creating a universe that focuses less on the fantastical, while fostering a cold, dank atmosphere of pure dread. This new Blu-ray presents the film in hi-def, so you can see every bloody punch and smack in vivid color. (Ronin Flix)
Outlander, Season 6
While not vintage in the technical sense, the cult show Outlander has it all—time travel and other Sci-Fi elements, the supernatural, and lots of violence. Even if you’re not into period pieces (Outlander largely takes place in the UK during the 18th century), the show’s well-crafted storylines, stellar sets and costumes, and uncanny moments work well for a series.
The recently released Season 6 sees our heroes the Frasers attempting to build a new life in the New World. But nothing ever goes smoothly when you’re dealing with people who haven’t lived through history yet or are time-traveling throughout the ages for personal fulfillment. Season 6 may not have quite the epic twists and conflicts of earlier seasons but makes for some good bingeing nonetheless. This new set features the full season in hi-def, deleted scenes, commentaries, and more. (Sony)
For questions, comments, or something you’d like to see, drop me a line: @jimkaz1
