Subtitles:

English, None

Extras:

• Original theatrical trailer for CRYPT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1:54)
• Alternate title card for CRYPT OF THE LIVING DEAD (0:15)
• Bonus feature film: HOUSE OF THE LIVING DEAD
• DVD

Limited Edition of 2,000 units

CRYPT OF THE LIVING DEAD: This meandering, low-budget horror tale explores the vampiric origins of Hannah (Teresa Gimpera), once the wife of Louis VII, who rises from her crypt in the 20th century thanks to the meddling of an archaeologist (Andrew Prine) and his weird son (Mark Damon). Actually, it takes more than an hour for the filmmakers to get around to Hannah's awakening and remarkably brief reign of terror; the interim is wasted with a silly subplot involving a "Wild Man" who dispatches several superstitious villagers to ensure the vampire queen's safety. The film's atmosphere benefits from exotic locations (the film was originally produced in Turkey, then augmented with new footage by U.S. distributors), but the threadbare production values make for tedious viewing. Also known as Hannah, Queen of the Vampires and Vampire Woman.

HOUSE OF THE LIVING DEAD: This low-budget horror production from South Africa features mad scientist Mark Burns conducting hideous occult experiments at the family estate of Brattling Manor, monkeying about with things man was not meant to know, including the transfer and containment of living souls. It's only a matter of time before he begins to experiment on the souls of human beings -- including just about every member of his family. The transference process enables him to assume his brother's identity, allowing him to continue his nefarious activities in secret. This hokey horror melodrama is replete with subplots about ancient magic and family curses, and features a villain who prances around in a cape for no good reason.

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

CRYPT OF THE LIVING DEAD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE OF THE LIVING DEAD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audio :

With the inclusion of HOUSE OF THE LIVING DEAD, as a 1080P supplement there aren't a lot more extras. We get an original theatrical trailer for CRYPT OF THE LIVING DEAD plus a glimpse of the alternate title card for that film and the package has a second disc DVD included. It is stated as being a limited edition of 2,000 units.

BOTTOM LINE:
I can be very forgiving if a film has decent production values. Skimping in this area can immediately, turn me right off (cough, cough, Jess Franco). Crypt of the Living Dead actually has decent effects, cinematography and some semblance of a plot. Although it is weighed down by other factors - I was at least attentive and it didn't seem like an obvious exploitive cash-grab. Someone really tried to make a film here and you can see it if you look hard enough. House of the Living Dead is a bit more of a mess - and the poor video doesn't help matters. The Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray is a an enjoyable way to spend time with these films - if you are one who likes the genre and doesn't mind the production/story imperfections. Crypt is, definitely, worth a spin if you lean this way. House - well, maybe if you are drunk. I doubt the 2,000 limitation will make this a collector's item, but you never know. Their link is only the title (although they have had many incarnations). Bad films can make for a fun film night. I think the price here still offers value to a certain crowd. 

Gary Tooze

October 13th, 2015