DVD Collectors Online

Baron Blood, a review by Jimmy

Title: Baron Blood (1972)

Genre: Horror
Director: Mario Bava
Rating: Unrated
Length: 1h38
Video: Widescreen
Audio: English
Subtitles: None

Stars:
Joseph Cotten
Elke Sommer
Antonio Cantafora
Massimo Girotti
Rada Rassimov

Plot:
An American student's family curse, an ancient Austrian castle of torture and a demonic incantation that resurrects the infamous 16th Century sadist known as 'Baron Blood'. Director Mario Bava returns to his gothic roots -- albeit with a modern day Technicolor twist -- in this indelibly atmospheric thriller that pays tribute to the sumptuous horror classics of the '30s and '40s while delivering the black humor and grisly shocks of the drive-in '70s. Joseph Cotton, Elke Sommer and Massimo Girotti star in one of the most visually haunting films of Bava's later career, now presented in its uncut European Version featuring footage not seen in the original American release.

First thing to say is that this film is a festival of accent and a subtitle track would have been much appreciated. Like the precedent gothic horror film directed by Mario Bava this one is well done. The cinematography is very good (the night scenes are a perfect exemple of it), but it isn't a surprise since the cinematographer is the maestro himself. The story is interesting, but I've found the two protoganists (Elke Sommer & Antonio Cantafora) incredibly stupid to go on with the ceremony two times. We can say congratulation to our two heros for the dead of many innocent because they are two idiots... I agree that Elke Sommer is really annoying (to be generous) when she act frightened. The rest of the cast is ok and even if Joseph Cotten is first billed don't expect to see him on screen a long time (maybe 15 minutes), but he plays quite an important role. Another surprise for me the doctor little girl is played by an uncredited Nicoletta Elmi who is probably one of the best child actor I've seen (I recommand Deep Red if you really want to see her in a much important role).

Another good film even if the end looks a little bit rushed...

Rating :

(From Mario Bava marathon on July 19th, 2009)

The Witches of Eastwick, a review by Dragonfire

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The Witches of Eastwick

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I decided to start early with this one late Sunday night.  I know it isn't exactly horror, but I like watching it closer to Halloween.  This is the first time I've watched it in a few years.  The movie is entertaining, though I could have done without the nasty snakes at one point.  I think it would have been interesting if they had explored more of the abilities of the women.  I've been interested in reading the book for a while, but I haven't yet.  I need to look for that again.  I did really notice when watching the movie this time that the picture quality isn't that good - blu-ray has spoiled me I think - and some of the effects stand out a lot and are very dated looking.  The movie is still entertaining and worth checking out.

I did write about this one here before.  I also posted a longer review on Epinions a few years ago.

The Witches of Eastwick




(From Marie's 2013 Halloween/Horror Marathon on October 1st, 2013)

Tom's Random Star Trek Reviews, a review by Tom

Star Trek: The Next Generation
6.25 Timescape
Writer: Brannon Braga (Writer)
Director: Adam Nimoy
Cast: Patrick Stewart (Capt. Jean-Luc Picard), Jonathan Frakes (Cmdr. William Riker), LeVar Burton (Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge), Michael Dorn (Lieutenant Worf), Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher), Marina Sirtis (Counselor Deanna Troi), Brent Spiner (Lt. Commander Data), Michael Bofshever (Romulan / Alien), John DeMita (Romulan), Joel Fredericks (Engineer)

The Enterprise is frozen in time together with a Romulan Bird of Prey. At first glance it looks like those two where in battle. But is this really the case? Picard and company, arriving from a seminar, have to investigate. I like this episode. You have to suspend disbelieve dealing with this premise, but if you do, it is an enjoyful episode.

Rating:

(From Tom's Random Star Trek Reviews on November 1st, 2011)