The Return of the Vampire Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Return of the Vampire Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 6, 2019

In 1943, Columbia Pictures wanted to revive the Dracula screen experience with the actor that brought it to life, reuniting Bela Lugosi with one of his most famous roles. However, Universal Pictures wasn’t about celebrate the situation, using legal hustle to prevent Columbia from cashing in directly. Instead of engineering a sequel to 1931’s “Dracula,” the production comes up with “The Return of the Vampire,” evading courtroom entanglements while giving audiences the bloodsucker event they demand.

There’s plenty of bang for the buck when it comes to monsters in “The Return of the Vampire,” as Matt Willis portrays Andreas, a werewolf under Dracula…er, I mean Tesla’s control. The addition of a furry servant helps to expand the smaller world of the film, which is largely procedural, following human characters as they try to figure out what’s going on with Tesla’s undead status over the course of two time periods. “The Return of the Vampire” is a talky picture, but director Lew Landers keeps the effort atmospheric and mildly threatening, while world wars factor into the plot, adding a different level of tension that goes beyond the average creature feature.

The Return of the Vampire Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation maintains the eerie mood of "The Return of the Vampire." Detail is capable, picking out the furriness of Andreas and the age of Tesla, while creative achievements are open for study, including larger sets and costuming. Graveyard encounters also maintain welcome textures. Facial surfaces are intact, securing make-up applications. Delineation is acceptable, maintaining shadowy events. Source is generally in good shape, with some judder, speckling, and periodic stray hairs detected. A few jumpy frames are noticed as well. Grain is largely fine and filmic, with a heavier presence in the finale act.

The Return of the Vampire Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix secures the limited sonic reach of "The Return of the Vampire," and while hiss is present throughout the listening event, dialogue exchanges are clear, managing accents and monstrous activity well. Scoring is confident, delivering proper support with reasonable instrumentation, hitting horror and melodramatic highs without distortion.

The Return of the Vampire Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features film historian Lee Gambin.

• Commentary #2 features film historian Gary Don Rhodes.

• Commentary #3 features film historian Troy Howarth.

• Silent Version (8:19, SD) is an 8mm edit of "The Return of the Vampire," intended for home exhibition.

• Image Gallery (5:15) displays poster art, lobby cards, publicity stills, newspaper ads, and theater displays.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:06, SD) is included.

The Return of the Vampire Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Lugosi is the main attraction of "The Return of the Vampire," and he's compelling in a role he knows how to work in full. His calmer sense of menace tightens mood when necessary, and he's backed by a capable cast that primarily stays serious, but moments of comedy do manage to surface. While hardly the achievement "Dracula" was, "The Return of the Vampire" is engaging as a horror distraction, while giving Lugosi fans another chance to see the star revive his stare-heavy, stiff-bodied intensity.