Review for Blacula The Complete Collection (Dual Format)

Blacula is a film that the word 'blaxploitation' seems to be made for. Though other films had come before, this was the first that really took it into the horror genre. This set brings together both films that feature the groovy vampire.

Prince Mamuwalde pays a visit to Count Dracula in 1780 to seek help in ending slavery. Instead Dracula attacks him turning him into a vampire who he dubs: Blacula. He is left sleeping until the 1970s when two designers purchase the Count's place and take all of his belongings back to
America.

Here they unwittingly unleash Blacula onto the streets and he then goes looking for blood and fine women. On his way, he encounters Tina who looks like his wife and becomes his infatuation. While this is going on Dr Thomas begins to investigate the mysterious deaths from bite marks and bodies going missing. They all seem to point to one thing: Vampires. But can he stop Mamuwalde before it is too late?

In Scream, Blacula Scream, Willis resurrects Blacula with the use of voodoo, hoping to curse his sister Lisa who has been chosen as the cults' new leader. Once done, only Lisa can use all her powers to destroy Blacula and send him back to the hell where he came.

Blacula is one of the most awful puns I have ever heard, but it does make for a great title. As an example of blaxploitation it fits the bill perfectly. William Marshall as Blacula is still hip and cool even if he is a vampire and the two films are set so much in the 1970s you would only have to listen to one line of dialogue to date when it was made, you dig? Same could be said for the soundtrack which is fantastic on both films. If you are a fan of soul and classic RnB then both films have an awesome soundtrack that really fits the nature of the film.

That being said, both films are oddly enjoyable in a kitsch kind of way. It is true that both films are very low budget in regards to effects with the blood and kills very odd to watch at times. After years of watching Buffy it is strange to recall a time when vampires didn't turn into dust when killed. At times, the two films feel like they are spoofs of the classic Hammer Dracula films and because of that I can't take much of it seriously. I'm not sure whether that is a good thing or not. If you were watch these films as serious vampire films you would dismiss them as exploitative schlock with very little production value. However, viewed as a cult parody style film it hits most of the beats of a classic Mel Brooks film.

The set comes with a trailer for both films and a special introduction with Film critic Kim Newman. This is an interesting look at the films and their impact on culture. His enthusiasm is such that he really should have been given the opportunity to provide a commentary as he sounded like he could have talked for longer than the twenty minute intervew.

Blacula The Complete Collection is a perfect time capsule of 1970s blaxploitation cinema. If you try and take either film seriously, all you will see are all the flaws. However, if you watch it as the cult comedy horror that it should be then you will enjoy the ride.