Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 4, 2019

Never one to turn away from a trend, Hammer Films wanted in on the kung fu cinema craze of the 1970s, teaming with Shaw Brothers Studio for 1974’s “The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires.” Such a collision of filming styles was meant to shake-up the vampire norm for Hammer, with this the ninth installment of the company’s Dracula series, ultimately becoming their final effort to squeeze some cash out of bloodsucker dealings. While not a refined endeavor resembling other gothic chapters in the saga, “7 Golden Vampires” offers something more animated to help energize the production, dealing with martial arts and Asian mysticism to supply a varied adventure for the characters, while horror needs are tended to with zombie hordes and vampiric interests. Perhaps it’s not elegant, but the feature is awfully fun to watch.

Disturbed from his slumber, Count Dracula (John Forbes-Robinson) senses an opportunity when high priest Kah (Shen Chan) arrives with a request for help to power his Temple of the 7 Golden Vampires. Taking Kah’s body, Dracula travels to China to oversee the cult, which feeds on a diet of female victims collected from local villages. Visiting China to research such legends is Professor Van Helsing (Peter Cushing), who’s arrived with his son, Leyland (Robin Stewart). Rejected by the locals, Van Helsing finds hope with Ching (David Chiang), who knows of the 7 Golden Vampires, recruiting the scholar to join him and his family of warriors on a quest to visit the cursed temple and destroy the supernatural threat. Funding the mission is Vanessa (Julie Ege), a wealthy woman who insists she join the odyssey, curious about the real presence of vampires in the world.

“7 Golden Vampires” offers initial comfort for Hammer fans, providing a prologue that visits Dracula in Transylvania, with the top vampire awakened by Kah, who needs some assistance with his own evil interests. There’s a massive crypt and mood lighting, keeping up the Dracula atmosphere, and a time jump introduces Van Helsing, who’s trying to interest Chinese intellectuals with tales of cultural horrors. Once characters are established, “7 Golden Vampires” begins to shed its Hammer skin, trading eerie encounters and exposition for more visceral adventures with monstrous threats, including the titular gang of fanged killers, who are frequently backed by a nation of zombies who crawl out of the ground to overwhelm enemies, including Ching’s uniquely trained and armed family of brothers and one sister, Mei Kwei (Szu Shih).

Zombies, vampires, street fights and countryside battles. What’s not to love here? “7 Golden Vampires” eventually transitions into a Shaw Brothers production, trading filmmaking styles to best suit scenes of combat. Choreography isn’t precise but it’s active, with stunt work appealing, watching as the siblings work to stop the vampire threat. Sound effects are loud and editing is furious, even clever at times, giving the picture defined spirit without much in the way of stoppage. Of course, romantic interactions are offered to warm up the feature (Leyland is definitely an “any port in a storm” kind of guy), but there’s a lot of action in “7 Golden Vampires,” which burns through its run time with a clear goal to provide as much martial art escapism as possible, chased with a few macabre touches, including visits to the vampire feeding temple, where young victims are tied up and drained of blood, which collects in a bubbling cauldron.

The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Offering a "New 2K scan of the original film elements," Shout Factory strives to bring "The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires" back to life for Blu-ray. The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation is satisfactory, working very well with the extreme colors in play. The production sets the fantasy mood with bright reds and greens, with lighting retaining artful glow. Costuming is equally vivid, from ceremonial outfits to Mei Kwei's powder blue daily wear. Skintones are natural. Detail is acceptable but soft, dealing with period cinematography limitations and age. Facial particulars are present, with makeup achievements open for study, getting a secure look at the vampire gang. Locations retain some dimensionality. Source is in decent shape, with some faint scratches and speckling. Some upscaled SD elements are used to complete the restoration puzzle, most notably on display around the 48- minute mark.

The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix shows signs of age, providing a slightly dulled listening event. Crispness isn't available, but nothing is lost, with dialogue exchanges sustaining intelligibility, managing accents and monstrous communication. Scoring isn't precise but it's understood, giving the feature some dramatic support with flatter instrumentation. Sound effects are key, and kicks, slices, and punches register, though battle scenes tend to get a somewhat chaotic.

The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Bruce G. Hallenbeck.

• Alternate U.S. Theatrical Release Cut (74:58, HD & SD) presents "The 7 Brothers Meet Dracula."

• "Kung Fear" (19:39, HD) is a conversation with author and critic Rick Baker, who's been an extreme fan of "7 Golden Vampires," dating back to the first time he was refused entry to see it at his local theater. Baker provides historical context for the picture's creation, with the team-up of Hammer Films and the Shaw Brothers meant to wow genre fans, with both companies looking to capitalize on the popularity of kung fu cinema after the rise of Bruce Lee. Offering bits of trivia, personal memories, and appreciation for technical achievements, Baker clearly adores the feature (calling it the "best Hammer Film of the 1970s), also discussing the two cuts of the movie and the overall trend of "East Meet West" moviemaking during the decade. He's excited, also sharing his work finding the documentary "Fists of Fire," which explores the creation of "7 Golden Vampires." A small summation of the effort's legacy is shared as well.

• Interview (6:38, HD) with David Chiang is a brief discussion of "7 Golden Vampires" with the actor, with the clip taken from a larger documentary on his career. Chiang describes the experience of working on the film, finding it difficult to find his footing with Western moviemaking styles. Help arrived with Peter Cushing, who worked tirelessly with Chiang on his English acting, offering preparation methods he still uses to this day. Also detailed is an appreciation for action director Chang Cheh, and a reveal that Hammer Films was interested in Chiang for an extended contract, forcing the star to choose between the lure of a brand name and the global reach of the Shaw Brothers. Such worldwide fandom is also explored, with Chiang finding appreciation in unexpected places.

• Still Gallery (6:26) collects international poster art, publicity still, lobby cards, BTS snaps, and newspaper ads.

• T.V. Spot (:31, SD) is offered.

• And a U.S. Trailer (2:36, SD) and International Trailer (2:54, HD) are included.

The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's little substance to "7 Golden Vampires," and it certainly doesn't provide the same creep as other Hammer titles, eschewing slow-burn menace for a bouncier, more violent trek with well-armed heroes fighting hordes of the undead. It moves, which is all that matters, while class acts like Cushing and Chiang support the thespian efforts of the film, giving it some dramatic emphasis while the rest of the production is primarily out to delight with gruesome encounters and energized physicality.