Planet of the Vampires Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Planet of the Vampires Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman May 17, 2024

Radiance Films is giving fans in the UK and/or Region B a chance to experience the gonzo delights of Mario Bava's Planet of the Vampires, a film that has seen two Region A Blu-ray releases, Planet of the Vampires and a newer Planet of the Vampires. This release includes some of the previously released bonus features along with a rather interesting new documentary about Bava in general and this film in particular. While Radiance sent only a check disc for purposes of this review, it looks from their website description that they're going all out on this limited release, with some deluxe packaging and non-disc swag included to help sweeten the deal.

Those wanting plot summaries and technical analyses, as well as lists of supplements, are encouraged to read Brian Orndorf's Planet of the Vampires Blu-ray review and Svet Atanasov's Planet of the Vampires Blu-ray review.

Planet of the Vampires Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Planet of the Vampires is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Radiance Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1. As mentioned above, Radiance sent a check disc for purposes of this review, and so I'm not privy to any information about the transfer that might be included in the insert booklet, but the label's website mentions a "4K scan of the film from the original negative under the supervision of Lamberto Bava and carried out at Fotocinema in Rome in collaboration with CSC Cineteca Nazionale". The Italian version of the film also features the following prefatory information before the actual feature:

This digital restoration was based on 35mm Kodak Eastman Colour negatives supplied by Italian International Film. Colour correction was based on the 35 mm copy at the National Film Library and supervised by Lamberto Bava, the original assistant director. Scanning, digital restoration and film recording via Digital Intermediate 35 mm Kodak polyester process were performed in 2015 at Fotocinema's facilities in Rome.

This presentation looks to be a bit brighter than the one Svet reviewed, but based solely on screenshots, I actually prefer the overall color timing offered here to the relatively recent release from Kino Lorber. The palette is often gorgeously suffused throughout this transfer, and Bava's almost patented use of reds and purples resonates beautifully almost all of the time. Detail levels tend to ebb and flow understandably depending upon differing lighting regimens, but on the whole are very engaging. There are some very minor signs of age related wear and tear, including very tiny nicks and scratches, but nothing I'd term overly problematic or even very distracting.

Planet of the Vampires Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Both of the prior Region A Blu-ray releases look like they only featured the English language version of the film, while this new Radiance release offers either Italian or English language versions, with both languages offered via DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono. Both tracks offer post looped dialogue that is almost hilariously mismatched with lip movements, even in the English language version, but both provide capable support for dialogue (such as it is*) and effects. The two scores are quite interesting, with Kendall Schmidt's reminding me somewhat of John(ny) Williams' great percussion laden themes for all the Irwin Allen sci-fi series of the sixties. Optional English subtitles are available.

*I love how in the English language version an underling says that "even infrared lighting" can't penetrate the planetary fog, to which Barry Sullivan immediately replies "I've set it to infrared, maybe that will help".

Planet of the Vampires Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Italian Version (1:29:28) and English Version (1:27:32) are accessible under the Play Menu.


• English Version (Kendall Schmidt Score) is accessible under the Play Menu.


• Audio Commentary by Tim Lucas


• Transmissions from a Haunted World (HD; 41:00) is a very interesting newly produced documentary with a variety of talking heads offering their thoughts on Bava and the film.


• Lamberto Bava (HD; 13:09) is a 2022 interview featuring Bava reminiscing about the production. Subtitled in English.


• Super 8 Version offers two different language "digests" which are somewhat confusingly described as having been recreated from the German Super 8 version:

  Italian Version (HD; 17:10)

  
  

  English Version (HD; 17:10)

• Joe Dante (HD; 3:49) features Dante's Trailers From Hell overview.


• Josh Olson (HD; 2:30) is another Trailers From Hell overview.


• Trailer (HD; 2:15)


• Gallery (HD)

Radiance's website lists a glut of non disc swag included with this release, including an 80 page book, a 20 page booklet, postcards and a reversible sleeve.

Planet of the Vampires Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

You kind of have to love that the new supplemental documentary on this disc states that Barry Sullivan is best remembered for his role on the pilot for Night Gallery: Season One, where he portrayed the agent helping Joan Crawford get new eyes in the segment directed by some kid named Steven Spielberg or something like that. Some aware of Sullivan's decades long career in film, television and Broadway may want to quibble with that assessment, but I found it particularly delightful since I've always loved that particular Night Gallery vignette. One way or the other, though, this release offers solid technical merits and some appealing on disc supplements. Radiance's website lists a number of non-disc swag items I'm unable to comment on, but which may add to the allure of this release. Recommended.