BRIDES
OF BLOOD (1968)Directors: Eddie Romero, Gerardo de Leon
Image Entertainment
BRIDES
OF BLOOD (1968)BRIDES OF BLOOD was the first
installment in the now famous "Blood Island" trilogy, a series of
Philippines-lensed horror films starring former AIP teen idol John Ashley. BRIDES
OF BLOOD was a big hit on the drive-in circuit (being retitled a number of times
and affixed to several marathon monster festivals) and convinced the company
behind it, Hemisphere Pictures, to continue to produce and distribute anything
with "blood" in the title.
The plot concerns a doctor (the legendary Kent Taylor), his sultry wife (the suitably named Beverly Hills, aka Beverly Powers) and a Peace Core worker (Ashley) who arrive on "Blood Island" to reports of the ill effects of radioactive experiments. They are greeted by a governing plantation owner (Mario Montenegro) who's a Desi Arnaz clone and lives in a mansion with a pack of shirtless dwarf assistants. Montenegro is a mysterious character who is obviously hiding something, but that doesn't stop the nymphomaniac Hills from strutting around in a revealing black nightgown, trying to seduce him in spite of his "migraine."
But
the most unusual occurrences on this island involve an oversized land crab,
an oversized butterfly on a highly visible string, and a forest full of trees
with long thick arms that attack people and bleed red blood when ruptured. But
the star of the show is a hulking, jogging menace that Michael Weldon best described
as "an unbelievable cartoon mess that looks like the Michelin Man's cousin."
The villagers tie young girls to posts, strip them and let the monster visit
at night to rape them and tear them to shreds as a sacrifice.
With an outrageous silly/scary
creature running around and making unearthly noises, BRIDES OF BLOOD is a fun
monster romp that's reminiscent of a 50s B picture. There's a lot of eerie nighttime
photography, and some pre-ratings systems blood and nudity. Giant fleshy tree
vines grabbing small children and clutch various extremities is pretty effective,
as is the appeal of the feisty Hills, who aside from her luscious looks is not
a bad actress either.
For anyone used to the old dingy VHS version retitled "Brides of the Beast" this DVD will provide an overdue treat. BRIDES OF BLOOD is presented in 1.33:1 full frame, and although it's a bit tight on the sides, the picture framing doesn't look too bad. Some flaws still emerge such as minor print grain and debris (and one nasty jump cut), but the colors look rich, with only minimal fading and flesh tones appear accurate. The film's numerous nighttime scenes are well-detailed which is a blessing as it always looked dark on television and on video in the past. The audio track is nicely presented, with dialogue and music being distinct and only minor scratchiness in the background.
Extras
include Sam Sherman's second audio commentary for this six-part "Blood
Collection." Running about 50 minutes or so, Sherman continues to tell
the story of Hemisphere pictures, concentrates on BRIDES in particular, as well
as discussing what happened when the films were sold to TV and some funny John
Ashley anecdotes. Christopher William Koenig provides an essay/introduction
(which rightly hails Sam Sherman as the main force keeping drive-in movies alive
on DVD) and Jim Arena (who caught the film on an independent Long Island, NY
channel many moons ago as "Island of Living Horror") provides the
great liner notes included in an insert booklet.
Other extras are carryovers from all the discs in this collection: Theatrical trailers for BRIDES OF BLOOD, MAD DOCTOR OF BLOOD ISLAND, THE BLOOD DRINKERS, BEAST OF BLOOD, BRAIN OF BLOOD and BLOOD OF THE VAMPIRES (aka CURSE OF THE VAMPIRES) and the "House of Terror" Live Horror Show Promo; the Eddie Romero video interview; and a modest still gallery made up of photos and ad art from the first two "Blood Island" entries. Exclusive extras to this disc are a Beverly Hills Pin-Up Gallery (with some shots from her stripping days!) and the rare "Ring" promotional trailer for BRIDES OF BLOOD that promised female patrons authentic plastic wedding rings! (George R. Reis)