NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray (January 2023): Vinegar Syndrome have transferred Rafael Romero Marchent's Santo vs. Doctor Death to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "newly scanned and restored in 2K from its 35mm original camera negative and for the first time since its initial release, presented in its intended widescreen aspect ratio". This is a "Luchador film" (or "Lucha Libre film"); Mexican professional wrestling/action/science-fiction/horror films starring some of the most popular masked luchadores in Lucha Libre ("freestyle wrestling".)

We have reviewed other "lucha" films on Blu-ray; René Cardona's Santo in the Treasure of Dracula - advertised as the 2012 resurfaced complied color version El Vampiro y el Sexo with nudity in-tact (actually kinda gross.) As well as the double feature of The Bat Woman and The Panther Women with very compromised image quality but bathed in retro glory. Both these packages were by VCI. We are really looking forward to Indicator's Enter Santo: The First Adventures of the Silver-Masked Man, released at the end of this month, with Santo vs. Evil Brain and Santo vs. Infernal Men - both from 1961.

This Vinegar Syndrome 1080P package of Santo vs. Doctor Death is of vastly superior quality to the initial VCI 'lucha' editions. This restoration looks well transferred - on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate. It is very clean with true colors, pleasing detail in close-ups and instances of depth. Textures are offered in a fairly thick, discreet, grain. Godofredo Pacheco's cinematography is not overly flattering to the production but the overall HD presentation is appealing for fans of this genre.

NOTE: We have added 62 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Vinegar Syndrome offer DTS-HD Master dual- mono tracks (24-bit) in both the original Spanish language or an optional English DUB. Santo vs. Doctor Death has aggressive sequences with gunfire, an explosion and plenty of grappling / wrestling action with cheering crowds. The score is by veteran composer Gregorio García Segura (Claude Chabrol's The Blue Panther), sounding clean and adding some obvious tensions. There is consistent dialogue in the lossless transfer and the DUB is not notably poorly sync'ed. Vinegar Syndrome offer optional English (translation) and SDH subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray offers a brand new 1/4 hour video essay by film historian Orlando Jimenez exporting some observations and production details. There are also original theatrical trailers in Spanish and English plus the alternate English title sequence and a promotional image gallery. The package has reversible cover artwork.

For myself, Luchador films are the height of 'eclectia' - camp abundance and fascinatingly unusual. A total immersion into pure kitsch. Santo was portrayed by Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta in at least 54 movies between 1958 and 1982. The character is more than a "masked professional wrestler" - he is a folk hero and one of the most famous and iconic Mexican luchadores. Santo has been referred to as one of the "greatest legends in Mexican sport". Rafael Romero Marchent's Santo vs. Doctor Death has instances were I can't wipe the smile off my face; when Santo, in constricting silver mask, is walking through a semi-crowded airport attracting almost no attention. A 'superhero' for the everyman who might be found repairing his toaster in the basement, while donning mask and cape. Thankfully Vinegar Syndrome produced this Blu-ray so we can be confident in the a/v quality. They continue to impress me. I remain anxious for Indicator's Enter Santo: The First Adventures of the Silver-Masked Man with Santo vs. Evil Brain and Santo vs. Infernal Men. Santo vs. Doctor Death has whet my whistle for more of this genre and iconic Mexican hero. Don't hesitate!

Gary Tooze