Doctor Death: Seeker of Souls Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Doctor Death: Seeker of Souls Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 12, 2016

The quest for life after death can easily lead to madness, but for newly widowed Fred (Barry Coe), the need to resurrect his late wife proves remarkably…casual. 1973’s “Doctor Death” lives up to its title, offering a strange odyssey into spiritual switcheroo courtesy of the main character (John Considine), who takes Fred on a special journey into murder and resurrection, while director Eddie Saeta and writer Sal Ponti try to figure out ways to add gore and menace to this horror show, which often leans toward the ridiculous.

“Doctor Death” isn’t concerned with style. It’s often shot like an episode of “The Brady Bunch,” diluting the strange business it’s trying to convey. However, oddity does work for the production, which finds Fred welcomed into an underworld of theatrical magic, trusting the titular character to find a way to bring his wife back to life, only he doesn’t exactly approve of his murderous methods. The body count is impressive, with Dr. Death mowing down the helpless to complete his mission, and there’s a steady current of destructive jealousy concerning supporting players, adding to unrest. Invention isn’t a priority, but Saeta does want to entertain, allowing Considine to go bananas as the bad doctor, overacting in the best possible way.

Doctor Death: Seeker of Souls Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation provides an agreeably detailed viewing experience, pulling out the best of broad reactions and general evildoing, with facial particulars and make-up textures welcoming throughout. Colors are nicely refreshed, emphasizing deep red blood, and costuming hues also make their mark, hitting vibrant primaries. Skintones are natural. Delineation is secure, preserving frame information during the feature's various trips into the night. Source find expected moments of speckling and scratches, but nothing distracts.

Doctor Death: Seeker of Souls Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix runs very hot, so take my advice and lower the volume before playing the disc (the menu is made to startle). Volume doesn't equal clarity, with pronounced hiss carrying throughout the listening event, though dialogue exchanges aren't threatened. Scoring is big, and while it's not precise, it delivers intended mood. Sound effects are appropriately squishy and drippy.

Doctor Death: Seeker of Souls Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (9:50, SD) with John Considine sits down with the star to discuss his role in "Doctor Death," which he won by committing to character during the audition process. Repeatedly mentioning the wealth of dialogue he had to memorize, Considine seems proud of his professionalism during the 12-day shoot, recalling how director Eddie Saeta was barely paying attention to performances. The talk also covers memories of working on "The Greatest Story Ever Told," "The Thirsty Dead," and "Hell Camp."

• Interview (10:03, SD) with Steve Saeta, son of Eddie, walks through casting appreciation and anecdotes, with plenty of attention paid to an appearance by Moe Howard. Steve also shares his father's disappointment with the theatrical release of "Doctor Death," which was quickly buried by its distributor.

• "Doctor Death Introduction" (:30, SD) reunites with Considine, who returns to character to set the home video mood.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (:32, SD) is included.

Doctor Death: Seeker of Souls Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Doctor Death" submerges itself in silliness, but cartoon antics aren't unappealing, keeping viewers interested in the unfolding battle of life and death that's at least passably thought out by Ponti. As B-movie endeavors go, "Doctor Death" has the right attitude, and while it lacks finesse at times, it's never boring.