(This Blu-ray disc is part of Severin Films' "Hemisphere Box of Horrors" Collection along with CURSE OF THE VAMPIRES, THE BLACK CAT/ TORTURE CHAMBER OF DR. SADISM, and BRAIN OF BLOOD.)
Another fun horror outing from Philippines-based Hemisphere Pictures, THE BLOOD DRINKERS (1964) is also another superlative low-budget thriller from prolific, talented director Gerardo de Leon (CURSE OF THE VAMPIRES, TERROR IS A MAN, MAD DOCTOR OF BLOOD ISLAND, BRIDES OF BLOOD).
His visual style here is pleasingly old-school, taking his limited resources and fashioning a Gothic horror tale which, like his later CURSE OF THE VAMPIRES, eschews gore and cheap sensation in favor of mood, fever dream visuals, and an atmosphere of growing claustrophobic dread.
This time we meet Dr. Marco (Ronald Remy), the bald, black-caped head vampire of a small group who, in their crypt headquarters, are trying to revive Marco's one true love Katrina (Amalia Fuentes, CURSE OF THE VAMPIRES).
But to do so, they need the heart of Katrina's twin sister Charito, who was raised by foster parents and is unaware of her twin.
Meanwhile, the tragically-conflicted mother of the girls (Mary Walter, who would give such an impressive performance as a raving vampire in CURSE OF THE VAMPIRES), is forced by the lovestruck Marco into betraying one daughter so that the other may live.
This basic plot serves as a springboard for a prolonged clash between good and evil with a venerable old local priest and a circle of loyal friends helping Charito battle not only Marco but her foster parents who were murdered by Marco's vile hunchback henchman and have risen from the grave as bloodthirsty vampires themselves.
Director De Leon pours on the consistently engaging visuals complete with spooky cemeteries and crypts shrouded in swirling fog. Marco's lackeys are a repulsive lot, including a huge bat who growls like a wild animal and looks creepy in its frequent close-ups even though it's utterly fake-looking.
The vampire attacks and other action, including some furious fistfights between Marco and his gang and Charito's staunch, oily-haired admirer Victor (Eddie Fernandez), are staged with flair and keep the movie moving along at a good pace between the slower dramatic scenes.
Interestingly, Marco isn't played with the usual vampire mannerisms we're so used to from actors such as Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee. He's actually more of a Bond villain type, although his only motivation is a tragic love for his dying Katrina (who, technically, is already undead, but we won't go into that).
As in CURSE OF THE VAMPIRES, the eternal clash between the diabolical forces of evil and the power of religious faith, as represented by the old priest and his congregation, is conveyed in no uncertain terms as a very real and ongoing thing in which monsters such as Marco and his ilk must be conquered.
One thing which must be noted on the technical side is an interesting visual conceit, being that the film is shot mostly in black-and-white which has been tinted various colors--blue for night time scenes, red for scenes depicting vampiric activity, and so on--with the odd scene here and there in color. Some may find this effect jarring, while others will no doubt be captivated by it.
The print is good, presumably the best one available. Dialogue is dubbed into English, with English subtitles available. As usual, Severin Films offers a full menu of enjoyable extras which are listed below.
THE BLOOD DRINKERS comes to a head in the exciting conclusion with Marco's final desperate push to vanquish Charito's allies and get his hands on her precious heart. It's all wonderfully old-fashioned in a classic horror sort of way but with touches of the more garish Hammer influence of the 50s and early 60s, and horror fans should find this a pleasingly novel confection.
Buy the Stand-alone Blu-ray at Severin Films
Buy the Hemisphere Box of Horrors Collection
Special Features:
Manong of the Philippines: Interview With Script Supervisor and Gerry De Leon’s AD Dik Trofeo
Hemisphere Appreciation by Filmmaker David Decoteau
Audio Commentary With Film Historians Nathaniel Thompson and Howard S. Berger
Partial Audio Commentary With Hemisphere Marketing Consultant Samuel M. Sherman
Deleted Scenes
Blood Drinkers Trailer
Vampire People Trailer
Radio Spot
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