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

ADDITION: Severin Blu-ray (February 2021): Severin have transferred Adrian Hoven's Castle of the Creeping Flesh (aka "Im Schloß der blutigen Begierde") to Blu-ray. It is described as "Now scanned uncut and uncensored from the German negative for the first time ever in America". There was a Subkultur-Entertainment Blu-ray that came out in Germany and the UK in 2017 that may be addressed in the text below. It did offer English subtitles. In the extras of this Severin Blu-ray, is an educational text screen ('Film Notes') that states:

"Since a number of different versions of Im Schloß der blutigen Begierde exist, we would like to give you a brief explanation of the different cuts. After the film was finished and dubbed by Aquila Film, there was only one version: the original 84 minute cut.

Before it reached German cinemas or was released internationally, the film underwent several changes. The only surviving element of the unedited original version is the interpositive (IP) that was copied straight from the original camera negative (OCN). A matching unaltered German optical sound negative was found too. So we are proud to present, for the first time ever, the uncensored original version of the film.

The OCN was edited by the former distributor (Constantin) for the German theatrical release. The film was shortened, rearranged and censored, especially during the rape scenes. Other sequences were extended by a few frames to ensure continuity. This also required small changes to the sound mix. Sadly, the removed materials were subsequently destroyed. Even after extensive restoration, it is still evident that the OCN was damaged by heavy usage and mechanical stress.

The intended title for the international release was APPOINTMENT WITH LUST. A matching credit sequence and trailer do exist, and can be found here as extras. Eventually, the international release was titled CASTLE OF THE CREEPING FLESH. It is based on the uncut original version, with some trimming of the first act. Apart from these changes, the versions are identical. The alternate opening act with all the changes made, including the CASTLE OF THE CREEPING FLESH title sequence can be viewed in the bonus section.
The German home video release is another curiosity. It does not match the German theatrical version. The first rape scene in the hunting lodge is the uncensored version from the original edit, and is therefore different from the German theatrical release. The exit music was also changed. No technical documentation could be obtained regarding the creation of the old videotape master, but the changes are certainly the result of a pre-generation element being used in its creation. All reel changes show video edits and drop several frames. Apart from these alterations, the German VHS matches the German theatrical version."

The 1080P is adept if sometimes appearing inconsistent. Plenty of grain textures are revealed and surprising detail in some close-ups. Royal reds and pea-soup greens can shows pleasing depth. There are speckles and frame-specific damage marks (see samples below.) Around 51-minutes to 62-minutes there is a dream sequences that was intentionally made to look soft and hazy - and it does look compromised. I really enjoyed the visuals presentation of and any of the imperfections visible only seem to add charm to this unique Euro-horror from over 50-years ago. Generally speaking this HD presentation looks quite strong and highly watchable.  

NOTE: We have added 78 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Severin use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono tracks (24-bit) in the original German and an English language DUB. Effects are modest, but effective, and there are no egregious weaknesses. The score is by Jerry van Rooyen (who had done a handful of Euro-horrors including Jesús Franco's Succubus, and Kiss Me Monster plus Freddie Francis' The Vampire Happening), sounding reasonably consistent. Some will recognize the use of Frédéric Chopin's Prelude in E Minor Op. 28 No. 4. Severin offer optional English (SDH) and standard subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Severin Blu-ray includes a 20-minute archival interview with Joyce Hoven and Percy Hoven, the actor/director/writer's son and widow, entitled Adrian in the Castle of Bloody Lust. It has revealing moments. Mark of the Devil Q+A has the Hoven Family at Austrian Pulp Film Fest fielding questions for about 1/2 an hour. Return to the Castle of Bloodlust shows 13-minutes of 'then and now' locations from the film and decades after - notably Burg Kreuzenstein, Leobendorf, Lower Austria. There are trailers and credit sequences from the various versions and a brief alternate VHS End Sequence.

I put Castle of the Creeping Flesh in the same category as German horror genre films like Horrors of Spider Island and Werewolf in a Girls' Dormitory - both on Severin Blu-ray. Castle of the Creeping Flesh doesn't seem to venture to delightful 'krimi' status (often German-produced crime thrillers in black and white) but it has some of that charisma. It's a strange, titillating/exploitive horror. I never understood the constant cuts to the graphic surgical operation sequence?!?  What I enjoyed was the shifting personalities and attitudes once inside the castle wearing the distinctive garb. This probably deserves a commentary. Kudos to Severin for bringing this Blu-ray out and the effort they put into getting this uncut version released. There isn't enough of these 50's and 60's genre films available - warts and all - they are a lovable deviation. I find this another valuable package from Severin and we absolutely endorse... to the appropriate crowd.

Gary Tooze