Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.0 |
| Video |  | 4.0 |
| Audio |  | 3.5 |
| Extras | | 3.0 |
| Overall | | 3.0 |
Revenge of the Blood Beast Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman July 31, 2024
Radiance is revisiting some Raro Video releases that have already had a Region A release, with Radiance now distributing the films in Region B
(though
this particular effort is region free and played fine on my Region A player), with what the label has told me include cleaned up masters, new encodes,
improved subtitles and new supplemental features.
Brian Orndorf's
Revenge of the Blood Beast Blu-
ray review provides basic plot information, as well as Brian's reaction to Raro's technical presentation.
Revenge of the Blood Beast Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
Revenge of the Blood Beast is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Radiance Films and Raro Video with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.34:1.
Aside from the very slight difference in aspect ratio, the biggest difference between this release and Raro's own Region A release is the much
darker appearance of this version (as is my standard operating procedure, I've tried to recreate some of the screenshots Brian uploaded to accompany
his review, so that those interested can do side by side comparisons). Suffusion is probably enhanced somewhat due to this change, though
rather interestingly it also tends to
point out a rather swarthy grain field at times (the opening few minutes in particular), while simultaneously tending to mask fine detail in some of the
darkest scenes. All of that aside, the
pluses Brian mentioned in his review of the Raro version are intact here, including rather bold pops of color (that yellow roadster!), and some appealing
detail levels on things like the blood beast's makeup. Lateral instability is noticeable during the opening credits.
Revenge of the Blood Beast Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
This release offers both Italian and English language tracks presented in LPCM 2.0 Mono, improving on the Raro release's sole English language track.
Brian wasn't especially impressed by the audio on the Raro disc, but this disc does not seem to have the major amplitude issues Brian mentioned in his
review, though the English language version does show considerably more hiss and a brighter overall high end than the Italian track. The Italian track
can sound just a tad muffled on the high end when toggling between the two, but may be the more pleasant listening experience overall. There's minor
age related wear and tear, but dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly. Optional English subtitles are available.
Revenge of the Blood Beast Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- Audio Commentary with producer Paul Maslansky and actors Ian Ogilvy and Barbara Steele, moderated by David Gregory stems
from 2007.
- Interview with actor Ian Ogilvy (HD; 12:57)
- Interview with critic Kim Newman (HD; 19:32) is another informative sit down with the typically ebullient Newman.
- Audio Interview with Barbara Steele (HD; 28:30) plays to stills and clips from her films.
Radiance sent a check disc for purposes of this review, but their website mentions a reversible sleeve and insert booklet.
Revenge of the Blood Beast Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
Region B horror and/or Barbara Steele fans may find this of some interest, and those in Region A who didn't pick up Raro Video's own release may
enjoy the new supplements on this disc. Technical merits are generally solid, and those aforementioned supplements are very enjoyable, for anyone
who may be considering making a purchase.
