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

ADDITION: Mondo Macabro Blu-ray (February 2021): Mondo Macabro have transferred Jorge Grau's Blood Ceremony to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "Brand new 4k transfer from original negative". The package offers both the 'Fully uncut International version' and alternate Spanish version that runs about a minute shorter. The quality of the two is the same (see comparisons captures below) but they are separate transfers - not seamlessly-branched. This is a dual-layered disc and produces a supportive bitrate. It looks quite pleasing in 1080P - certainly a ridiculous advancement over the horrid VHS iterations that have existed. Grain textures, colors, detail and contrast all come through impressively. Great HD presentation - especially considering the film's previous treatment on digital.

NOTE: We have added 67 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Mondo Macabro use 24-bit DTS-HD Master mono tracks in the original Spanish and also offering an English language DUB on the Uncut version. It is authentically flat and has a score by Carlo Savina - he is known for Lisa and the Devil, Hudson River Massacre, Fangs of the Living Dead, and conducting Nino Rota's score for Fellini's I Clowns, Juliet of the Spirits and Amarcord.  sounding a bit deeper with more consistent dialogue. Mondo Macabro offer optional English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Mondo Macabro Blu-ray offers a two commentaries. The first has Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson. Howarth describes it as a 'Gateway film' for him into the wonderful world of Euro-horror. They discuss Erzebeth Bathory and this being a fictionalized story or her history, the vampire mania taking place at the time of production, Valentine Penrose's book The Bloody Countess: Atrocities of Erzsebet Bathory, the Hammer film Countess Dracula, Ewa Aulin (requesting The Double to make it to BD), the film mingling of sex and violence - pushing the envelope for the export version, the end-credit-less Italian version of the film that popped up on Japanese LaserDisc. It is at their usual excellent level providing detail and analysis. The second commentary is by Robert Monell and Rod Barnett. They dedicate their commentary to actress Lucia Bosè who passed away in March 2020. She had worked with Fellini, Antonioni and Jean Cocteau... they discuss the film as a political allegory, they discuss Daughters of Darkness, the value of this 1080P appearance, the film's interiors, actress Lola Gaos, Paul Naschy's Panic Beats (simultaneously coming to Mondo Macabro Blu-ray) also with Gaos, the many mirror shots in the film, superstitions and much more. This commentary is also worth the indulgence. There are also two archive interviews with director Jorge Grau. Getting Started -runs 1/4 hour and 'On Blood Ceremony' is about 25-minutes. There is also a Pressbook Gallery, a handful of trailers for the film with its cornucopia of titles and the usual, fun, Mondo Macabro previews.  

Jorge Grau is most notable by many fans for The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue. Lucia Bosè is known for Michelangelo Antonioni's Story of a Love Affair. Blood Ceremony also has Ewa Aulin (Candy) - both adding some class to the production. It is a, somewhat, daring rendition of the Erzebeth Bathory mythology. It hints at vampirism - without the garish fangs - and I enjoyed its mysteries. Yes, it's arty with only suggestions of the genre conventions that fans adore. There are hints at sexuality, unusual use of blood, uncomfortable gore, animal cruelty... but little violence. In the final tally this is an interesting take that is different than a Hammer effort, if that's what you might be anticipating. It intentionally avoids the heavy shock value... and I found that refreshing. Mondo Macabro have achieved another desirable Blu-ray package... especially for fans of Blood Ceremony who have only ever seen it in poor presentations. There is a LOT to like here - notably a very interesting and well-made film - two cuts, the two commentaries and director interviews. I'm going to be keeping this one. Bravo Mondo Macabro - more impressive work!

Gary Tooze