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Count Dracula's Great Love
[Shout Factory]
1972; color
Directed by Javier Aguirre
Starring: Paul Naschy, Haydée Politoff, Rosanna Yanni, Ingrid Garbo & Mirta Miller
Frankenstein's Castle Of Freaks
[Shout Factory]
1974; color
Directed by Robert Oliver
Starring: Rossano Brazzi, Michael Dunn, Edmund Purdom, Gordon Mitchell, Loren Ewing, Luciano Pigozzi, Xiro Papas, Salvatore Baccaro & Simonetta Vitelli
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As our regular readers know, the double feature DVD set is nothing new here at the BMB. Seeing as how both of the films on this particular DVD set have been available in this format previously (Dracula's Great Love was released in 2003 by Sinema Diable / Eclectic DVD & Frankenstein's Castle Of Freaks, a longtime staple of the Something Weird VHS catalog, was released on DVD in 2000) the folks at Shout Factory probably figured they'd need something to distinguish their release from the pack (no argument there) and, to that end, we have everyone's favorite wig-headed, big-breasted, horror movie hostess… and obvious inspiration for one of my favorite Simpsons characters, Boobarella… Elvira. I have to admit that I've never seen the TV show that helped to turn her character into a pop culture icon of sorts (not to mention masturbatory material for many a pimply-faced Goth teen) so I'm still not a hundred percent clear on whether or not these discs feature actual episodes of the show, sans commercials of course, or if these added bits were filmed for these releases specifically but I suppose in some ways it doesn't really matter. The menus allow you to opt out of the Elvira portions anyway, so it's up to the viewer's discretion whether or not they want to add even more cheese and camp to these "clas-sick" films. Speaking of the films, I suppose I should tell you something about them. First up we have Count Dracula's Great Love starring everyone's favorite Spanish werewolf Paul Naschy. Except, obviously, in this one he plays Dracula. Other than that the story is kind of similar to many of his werewolf movies - some intrepid travelers happen upon his relatively deserted homestead and wind up as his guests; one of the female travelers falls for the mysterious stranger; in time his not-so-secret secret identity is revealed; and, ultimately, our hero's fate is decided by his lover. Along the way we see plenty of bloodshed and boobs, as is the Eurotrash way. Needless to say, if you're a fan of Naschy's (and who isn't?) this is required viewing. Our second feature, Frankenstein's Castle Of Freaks, is pretty much exactly what the title implies - a liberal take on the Frankenstein tale featuring a cast of weirdoes, brain damaged cavemen and perverted midgets. Well, OK, I suppose the term freak doesn't necessarily translate into brain damaged caveman or perverted midget but, to paraphrase Wendy Williams, the film is what it is, people. This is definitely one of the most curious European takes on this oft visited tale and therefore also pretty required viewing. Overall I'd give this package a thumbs up. Each of these films are capable of standing on their own and, while not necessarily similar, they go together pretty well. Based on this I would definitely check out the other entries in the series; and, since they were nice enough to send them to me, we will do so sometime in the next few weeks.
—Bunny
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