Blacula
|
List Price: Our Price: $7.50 You Save: $7.48 (50%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $5.00 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Blacula
Movie Review: Cheesy and SOOOOOOOULtastic!
Summary: 4 Stars
I first saw "Blacula" when I was about 9 years old at the drive-in. Being a horror movie fan, I really didn't care much about the story as long as I got to see William Marshall change into Blacula! Watching it again 37 years later brings back great memories. I also find that the story line is actually a pretty ingenious one. "Blacula" was originally an African prince (and a really good man) who went to Transylvania to meet with Dracula, seeking his help to stop the slave trade in the late 1700's. What a big mistake! I wonder how he came up with that great idea ("Hey honey...I hear this Dracula cat is pretty cool with some clout - maybe HE can help...let's go visit him - it'll be a nice getaway!")! When the prince thought Drac was trying to put moves on his wife, the good prince tried to fight back to defend her honor and to escape the castle. That's when the evil Dracula decided to turn the African prince into a vampire. The corniest part of the movie (to me) was how he actually got the name "Blacula". 200 years later, the vampire prince makes his way to America to start his reign of terror! The story is a good mixture of camp and classic horror. It also has campy, comic-book like African American characters inspired from prototypes seen in previous Dracula movies, including Blacula himself sporting the traditional formalwear and an African American version of Van Helsing. The nightclub scene was pretty funny - with the old school Soul Train look and dancing! There was no nudity or extreme usage of any profanity in the movie, so other than a little blood here and there, it's safe for kids over 10 to watch (it is a PG movie). I enjoyed the movie, expecting some degree of corn along with it. If you go into this movie expecting nothing but good clean cheese and a little corn, you'll enjoy it too!Movie Review: Funkadelic Vampirism
Summary: 4 Stars
In "Blacula" the great William Marshall plays Mamuwalde, a debonair African prince, who visits Dracula for help in ending the slave trade. Unfortunately for Mamuwalde, Dracula does not see eye to eye with him, bites his neck and curses him to thirst eternally for blood in a coffin as Blacula. The coffin is unearthed several centuries later and taken to Los Angeles, where Blacula is finally freed and the carnage ensues. The remainder of the plot is an odd gothic romance with unique cultural elements. The film is an excellent example of early 1970's blaxploitation films, featuring prototypical clothes and hairstyles, language, and even a cameo by The Hues Corporation singing songs by Waldo Holmes who wrote their signature smash "Rock The Boat."
The film itself obviously owes much of its substance to the traditions of Dracula films, but Marshall is an excellent actor, and far from being merely a stereotype, provides an excellent performance. Unfortunately, the other actors are not in his league, and some of the supporting performances leave a bit to be desired. Marshall has an amazing emotional range, and the genuine sense of sadness over the loss of his wife is far above the standards of the genre.
The DVD has a trailer and multilingual subtitles, otherwise there are no extras. I would have loved a commentary track (although sadly Marshall passed away in 2003) or a historical documentary putting "Blacula" into cultural focus. While the film is good humored, it has a captivating mixture of genuine horror and camp value that I enjoyed. "Blacula" can be enjoyed on several different levels, and I recommend it.
Movie Review: Afrocentrism meets vampirism
Summary: 4 Stars
"Blacula," directed by William Crain, tells a story that begins in Transylvania in 1780. Prince Momuwalde, a Black African, comes to the legendary Count Dracula to seek his aid in ending the slave trade. Instead of helping the prince, the evil count transforms him into a vampire: Blacula! "Blacula" is an interesting and entertaining blend of the vampire and "Blaxploitation" genres. After the atmospheric opening sequence (and cool opening credits!) the action shifts to urban America in the 20th century. A lot of elements make this film fun to watch: the fashions, hairstyles, music, and dance moves.
William Marshall brings both an animalistic ferocity and an aristocratic elegance to the title role; I would definitely rate his work among the best of cinematic vampire portrayals. Marshall is superbly complemented by Thalmus Rasulala, who brings gravitas and intelligence to his portrayal of the scientific investigator who is on Blacula's case.
Yes, some aspects of the film might strike some viewers as cheesy or dated. And the script fails to fully develop the fascinating concept of an African vampire; I felt that some of the political and cultural issues raised in the opening sequence could have been better explored. Still, "Blacula" is a real treat for fans of both Black cinema and horror films.
Movie Review: Great twist on an old tale
Summary: 4 Stars
Being a big fan of classic and modern vampire films, i was a bit skeptical about Blacula when i first heard about it. After watching it, i can say it is one of the better "Vampire in modern times" films. William Marshal plays the creepy count, who, in another life was tricked by the real count Dracula and sentenced to live for eternity with the curse, and i quote"..I curse you with my name, you will be know as...BLACULA"! The film, released back in 1972 was at the time, pretty daring for the horror venue, but it did draw some crowds and has today become a cult classic. Marshall has poise, charm and sophistication and plays the count with gracefull ease. It has it's scary moments and action as well. I enjoyed it and i'm sure that if you are a fan of Vampire films, so will you! And don't forget the sequel...."Scream, Blacula, Scream", also played by marshall....His bite is outta site! Great movie!!Movie Review: Flashback 1970's Scary Fun
Summary: 4 Stars
I use to watch this late nites on channel 5 or 9, great scary fun. I am happy to see it fully restored by MGM the DVD has only the original Trailer and it would have been nice if they had added some extras as Anchor Bay does with most of the great horror titles they distribute. William Marshall who later made apperances in Pee Wee's playhouse is what makes this movie stand out. Fun twist on the Dracula theme with an almost all black cast and lotsa 70's themes. This movie is no spoof,but a scary action packed horror film which has humor in all the right places. The sequel tho is not as good. I also recomend The Return of Count Yorga which is on VHS only i think, as another 70's scary fun film. Worth buying and adding to your Horror collection.