Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.0 |
| Video |  | 4.0 |
| Audio | | 4.0 |
| Extras | | 3.0 |
| Overall | | 4.0 |
The Playgirls and the Vampire Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 20, 2024
An Italian production, 1960’s “The Playgirls and the Vampire” presents itself as a horror movie, but there’s a more exploitative edge to the feature as
it develops. The production is quite aware it isn’t out to make art, more attentive to female characters in eveningwear, often exploring the halls and
rooms of a spooky castle. There’s a vampiric angle to the endeavor as well, but director Piero Regnoli doesn’t pay too close attention to the fright
factor of “The Playgirls and the Vampire,” keeping up mild sexploitation touches and strange relationships in this passably engaging B-movie.
Manager Lucas (Alfredo Rizzo) and handler Ferrenc (Leonardo Botta) are in charge of bringing showgirls across the country on a bus, keeping their
eyes on Ilona (Marisa Quattrini), Erika (Erika Dicenta), Magda (Corinne Fontaine), Katia (Maria Giovanni), and Vera (Lyla Rocco). When their vehicle
encounters a closed road during a heavy storm, they’re redirected to Kernassy Castle, hoping to stay the night. Count Gabor (Walter Brandi)
reluctantly agrees to offer the gang accommodations, presenting one simple rule: that the guests remain in their rooms overnight. Katia can’t stifle
her curiosity about the castle, and she pays a dear price, while Vera is singled out by Gabor, who’s unnerved by her resemblance to one of his
ancestors.
It doesn’t take long to catch on to the vibe “The Playgirls and the Vampire” is selling, with the movie opening on Katia seductively fussing with her
legs while riding the bus. However, characterization is decent for this style of entertainment, with the writing following Vera’s strange vibes in the
castle, with Gabor looking to stay close to the unexpected visitor, who may have ties to his family history. Vampiric elements eventually come into
“The Playgirls and the Vampire,” along with haunted house touches, which trigger a few tours of the dwelling, aiming to bring suspense to the
picture, especially when Katia makes certain discoveries about the inhabitants.
Fright night events are a little dull, with the movie most alert when trying to photograph semi-nude actresses in sheer nightgowns. The effort
basically pulls a full-stop to watch dance rehearsals, keeping the camera trained on striptease movement. Additional storytelling enters “The
Playgirls and the Vampire” in the second half of the film, with Vera exposed the darkness in the castle. However, expectations for a more
intimidating level of horror aren’t met, with the picture dealing with a small budget and creature feature concept that doesn’t take off, requiring
more exposition than “The Playgirls and the Vampire” is willing to give.
The Playgirls and the Vampire Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) is listed as "newly scanned and restored in 4K from its 35mm fine grain master." The source material does
show plenty of wear and tear, with scratches and speckling common, along with some damaged frames. The production also loses the battle with focus
on a few occasions. Detail, when presented without issues, is inviting, exploring skin particulars on the cast, who vary in age. Perhaps more important
to those who've previously enjoyed the movie on VHS, costuming retains intended sheerness, adding to the creative intent of the feature. Interiors
remains dimensional, joined by a few deeper exteriors. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is nicely resolved.
The Playgirls and the Vampire Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
2.0 DTS-HD MA tracks are offered in both Italian and English, with the mixes basically sounding the same. Dialogue exchanges are clear, with a good
sense of language and emotionality. Scoring shows some age, but dramatic emphasis is present, and instrumentation is decent. Sound effects are basic
but appreciable.
The Playgirls and the Vampire Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- "Striptease Gothic" (25:56, HD) is an appreciation piece from Mark Thompson-Ashworth.
- Alternate Opening Title Sequences (SD) include "The Playgirls and the Vampire" (3:19), "Curse of the Vampire" (1:44), and
"Des filles pour un vampire" (3:41).
- Image Gallery (2:02) collects lobby cards, "exploitation campaign" pages, film stills, and poster art.
- And a Theatrical Trailer (1:42, SD) is included.
The Playgirls and the Vampire Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
"The Playgirls and the Vampire" isn't a thrilling feature, but it does offer brighter acting than what's usually provided in low-budget endeavors. The cast
shows some hustle, and Regnoli aims to keep up with spooky encounters in the castle, especially in the last act, but he's not entirely committed to a
developing fear factor. Especially not when there are actresses to photograph in various stages of undress.
