Eclipse Series 1 - Early Bergman (Torment / Crisis / Port of Call / Thirst / To Joy) (Criterion Collection)

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In Hollywood, falling in love is a happy ending; in Ingmar Bergman movies, love is only the beginning and the ending is always in doubt. But Bergman's reputation for gloom is undeserved; though the five films in Early Bergman have titles like Torment and Crisis, they bristle with life, in all its passion and tenderness (ironically, the bleakest of the lot is titled To Joy). Sadness and whimsy walk hand in hand: As a young woman puts on her lipstick, she draws a frowning face on the mirror; as a husband hears about his wife's death, a small boy turns a toy bear on a stool in the background.

Bergman's career began as a screenwriter with Torment, a noir-ish tale of a volatile student and his sadistic Latin teacher. Stylishly directed by Alf Sjoberg, Torment's script already has Bergman trademarks: Vivid, unpredictable characters, sexual frankness, and a skeptical view of cultural pillars, from romance to honor. Bergman's first directorial venture, Crisis, brings in another prominent element, the subtle yet powerful conflicts among women, as a young girl is torn between her shallow, flamboyant birth mother and the caring but conservative woman who raised her. The tensions between daughter and mother persist in Port of Call, one of the strongest in the set; a rebellious young woman, whose mother sent her to reform school, staves off suicidal impulses by falling in love with a sailor. This brief and depressing-sounding summary doesn't capture the fluid camera movement or the movie's emotional potency, which balances misery with yearning and hope. Thirst demonstrates an increasing narrative sophistication; as it depicts a troubled marriage, the movie plucks multiple storylines like a musician plucking the strings of his instrument. Music itself is a central concern of the last of these five films: To Joy, in which a self-obsessed violinist corrodes his marriage with fear and self-doubt.

There's a startling freshness and vitality to the performances in all of Bergman's films, made all the more striking in contrast to Sjoberg's (though Torment is far from stale). From the beginning, Bergman draws something genuine from his actors, soon developing a visual style that manages to be alluring yet seemingly effortless, never struggling for an arresting image but simply capturing the unexpected jolts of life. The movies in Early Bergman are more raw than his later classics (Wild Strawberries, The Seventh Seal, Fanny & Alexander), but sometimes talent can be most clearly seen in its less polished form. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Before The Seventh Seal and Wild Strawberries established him as one of the great masters of cinema, Ingmar Bergman created a series of less well known, devastating psychological character studies, marked by intricate, layered narratives, gritty environments, and haunting visuals. These early films, which show the stirrings of the genius to come, remain the hidden treasures of a European cinema on the cusp of a golden age. FIVE-DISC

BOX SET FEATURES:

Torment (1944)

In Ingmar Bergman's first produced screenplay, the dark coming-of-age drama Torment, Widgren, a boarding-school senior, is terrorized by his sadistic Latin teacher. When he falls for Bertha, a troubled local girl, he finds himself caught up even further in a web of emotional mind games.

Crisis (1946)

Urban beauty-shop proprietress Miss Jenny arrives in an idyllic rural town one morning to whisk away her eighteen-year-old daughter, Nelly, whom she abandoned as a child, from the loving woman who had raised her. Once in Stockholm, Nelly receives a crash course in adult corruption and wrenching heartbreak.

Port of Call (1948)

Berit, a suicidal young woman living in a working-class port town, unexpectedly falls for Gvsta, a sailor on leave. Haunted by a troubled past and held in a vice grip by her domineering mother, Berit begins to hope that her relationship with Gvsta might save her from her own self-destruction.

Thirst (1949)

A couple traveling across a war-ravaged Europe. A disintegrating marriage. A ballet dancer's scarred past. Her friend's psychological agony. Elliptically told in flashbacks, Thirst shows people enslaved to memory and united in isolation.

To Joy (1949)

An orchestra violinist's dreams of becoming a celebrated soloist and fears of his own mediocrity get in the way of his marriage to the patient, caring Marta. Played out to the music of Beethoven, To Joy is a heartbreaking tale of one man's inability to overcome the demons standing in the way of his happiness

Customer Reviews:

Eclipse, cinema lovers new lover (a review of the box and Torment).......2007-06-05

The new eclipse series by the Criterion Collection is great for bringing cinephiles everywhere the opportunity to see films like this. The film is not perfect nor does it entirely submerge the viewer, but for a real fan of cinema, or more particularly Bergman, you can ask for nothing more. The film reveals Bergman's roots, it has his signature dark, brooding characters and themes, desolate landscapes, if not, at times, his own imagistic stamp.

The story, however, is maybe the engaging side of mediocrity. The film draws you into the downward spiral of the main characters (the central focus of the story) without making the world seem hopeless and desolate. But it doesn't reach the pre-poop-your-pants euphoria it seems to promise. It's almost there, but doesn't realy ever clinch it.

The spiral of these characters is hidden within the world of the film. The torment, is silent, removed, intricate. The film is not what I expected from the early Bergman collection, and is not perfect, but is well worth the rent, for it's politics of the body, insight into Bergman's work and a subtle story that shames American suspense's absurdity, it's over-the-top plot structures, and its star driven sales. It's real, dark, flawed yet engaging. Worth a viewing or two.

Early Bergman is worthy of classic Bergman.......2007-05-11

These films though early works are worthy of the genius of Bergman and in many cases more accessible for the understanding of the classic Bergman themes: man's struggle with the anguishes of life.
Recommended for the Bergman lover and those unacquainted with the poet of misery.

Nice Start for the Eclipse Series.......2007-04-27

Judging from this first entry, Criterion's new line, Eclipse, will be serving a valuable function for film buffs by providing high-quality DVD transfers of hard-to-find classic titles. The early Bergman films on display here look great, as expected from Criterion, although perhaps they're of more interest to Bergman completists than to the average filmgoer. They're all easy enough to watch, with Bergman's usual expertise with actors guaranteeing many interesting performances on display. But the major pleasure here is seeing the first appearance in these films of many themes that will be given deeper, more memorable treatment in such later works as PERSONA and SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE. The set's price is more than reasonable, the packaging attractive. Recommended.

Early Bergman.......2007-04-18

Purchased this box set last week. Here are some impressions. They contain plot descriptions and possibly spoilers.

TORMENT (1944). The movie focuses on a boarding-school senior, Widgren, who is terrorized by his Latin teacher, and a local shop girl, Bertha, who in different ways, is involved with both men. Widgren is portrayed as a sensitive, caring, idealist. He says he wants to write and play the violin all day. He becomes involved with and falls in love with Bertha, only to be rejected by her later. He tries hard in school, but is scolded by his Latin teacher and unfairly given a demerit and later expelled. He works hard to impress his parents but they only express disappointment in him. He is a good soul who is slowly beaten down by convention and society. He almost folds to the pressure and begins to distance himself from others and life in general, but is saved in a way by a kind professor who understands him. The girl and the Latin teacher both represent tormented people, those who are, for some reason or another, excluded from society, and both meet a tragic end, one in death and the other through the realization that he is alone and everyone despises him. Worth viewing. 3/4 stars.

CRISIS (1946). The movie is told as if it were a play, a drama. There is a narrator who sets the stage in the beginning and speaks once again to end the tale. The movie centers around Nelly, an 18 year old girl raised by a loving women (not her natural mother), who grows up in a small town but dreams of something more for herself. She is pursued by a local gentlemen, Ulff, who is kind, but she does not want to be tied down. When she is given the opportunity to live with her estranged mother and work in a beauty shop in a city, she accepts the invitation. She also becomes involved with a man, Jack, who is a friend of the mothers. Her departure creates a crisis in each of the characters as they are forced in various ways to examine their lives. For some, it leads to growth and acceptance. For others, it is too painful and can only lead to death. A decent movie overall. 3/4 stars.

PORT OF CALL (1948). The movie begins with the attempted suicide of a young woman, Berit, who has a troubled past, having spent years in a reformatory and who is now under the watchful eye of her judgemental mother. The young women begins an affair with a sailer, now a dock worker, Gosta, and through him hopes to find the happiness that has eluded her during life. Gosta too has a sense that time is passing by with little to show for it. He has seen much during his many years at sea, but still is alone and unsure of himself. The film has much Bergman philosophy in it, but is pretty conventional in most other respects. However, it is quite touching. In one scene, Berit tells Gosta that if they stay in town, they won't have much. He responds, "But I'll have you and that is a lot." Overall a very solid film. 4/4 stars.

THRIST (1949). The movie focuses on a young women, a ballet dancer, as she and her husband travel across Europe. She is married to a scholar who is fascinated by coins. Their marriage is a rocky one. He is practical. She is not. She drinks often and is depressed that she cannot dance due to a knee injury and cannot bear chuldren. In a series of flashbacks, you see glimpses of her troubled past, an affair with a married man, a botched abortion, and the not so glamarous life as a ballet dancer. The couple at times hate each other but neither can bear to be alone. The dialogue is quite good, but the movie, which jumps around a lot, is not always easy to follow and there are sub stories that do not seem to add much to the main one. And of course, there is a death, almost two. Bergman fans will still want to see this. 2/4 stars.

TO JOY (1950). The film begins with a violinist in a small orchestra, Stig Ericsson, receiving news of his wife's death, Marta, and continues with a lengthy flashback showing how the couple met and scenes from their mostly unhappy marriage, including an affair. Stig is an ambitious musician whose dreams of becoming a concert sololist but his talent is not quite up to the task. Plagued by mediocrity and lack of accomplishmemnt, he lashes out at those around him, his friends, his conductor, and most of all, his caring, forgiving wife. In a cruel Bergman twist, it is only when Stig realizes that Marta has been the only positive event in his life, his only source of joy, that she is taken away from him. This is true Bergman cinema. 4/4 stars.

Nice Addition to an Existing Bergman Collection.......2007-04-06

Am happy to see that Criterion continues to put out more Bergman as time goes on. This collection includes arguably the best work from his early period and features most often actors Birger Malmstem and Stig Olin, two regulars from this phase in Bergman's career. It is remarkable how versatile these actors are, delivering distinct performances from film to film.

The prints are good, the subtitles removable. Each disc is packaged separately in a plastic case, and there is a concise essay printed on the inside cover for each film. The five cases slide up into the wraparound cover, so this isn't deluxe packaging. No special features, but these films are really intended for the Berman aficionado, who will presumably have seen one or more of them already.

All five films are nicely shot, and two of them (Port of Call and Thirst) are even recommendable to general viewers unaware of Bergman or his corpus. To Joy could just as well have been called To Despair--it is one of the few Bergman films I find truly depressing, with its depiction of a tortuous relationship involving a beautiful and congenial Swedish girl, portrayed by Maj-Britt Nilsson. The other two films, Frenzy and Crisis, besides their visual quality, have historical interest as Bergman's first produced screenplay and directorial effort, respectively.

Not included in this collection of early work are (among other films) The Night Is My Future (1947), which had popular success in its day but is quite conventional, and Prison/The Devil's Wanton (1949), which, while a mature and personal work, might be considered plodding and heavy-handed.

Average customer rating:

Interestingly gory
The first 87 minutes is 2 stars & the last minute earns 1 more
Blood Addiction.
Not the worst

The Thirst
Starring: Adam Baldwin , Ellie Cornell , Jeremy Sisto , Serena Scott Thomas , and Matt Keeslar
Director: Jeremy Kasten
Manufacturer: Starz / Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000NVIXK0
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Description

Welcome to an urban underworld of pleasure and pain where fleshfueled slaughter is the ultimate high. Matt Keeslar of DUNE and Clare Kramer of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER star as a pair of recovering drug addicts recruited by a clan of sex & gore crazed vampires led by the charismatic madman Darius (Jeremy Sisto of SIX FEET UNDER). But as each depraved `fix' leads them deeper into hell, what will be the final price for the most horrific addiction of all? Adam Baldwin (SERENITY), Erik Palladino (ER) and Serena Scott- Thomas co-star in this harrowing shocker from the director of THE ATTIC EXPEDITIONS and ALL SOULS DAY, and the producers of ROOM 6, HOUSE OF THE DEAD II and THE DARKROOM. Featuring the music of Rasputina, Dames Violet, Jack The Mad, Sonya Kahn, The Spindles and more. Features: Audio Commentary with Director Jeremy Kasten Deleted Scenes, Also on DVD, Full Motion Menues, DVD-ROM Script Favorite Vampire Movies Featurette Photo Gallery (includes production sketches) The Thirst Making of Documentary

Customer Reviews:

Interestingly gory.......2007-07-05

It was nice to see Ellie Cornell again, even if she was a minor character as a nurse. It was odd though, to see her in the same hairstyle that she had in Halloween 4.

It is alot like Near Dark. I really don't feel any new territory is covered here, but it is mildly entertaining and pretty well done for a b-movie.

Blood sprays everywhere which does make you wonder just how much they actually consume...which couldn't be much.

Not a classic...but interesting for 1 viewing.

The first 87 minutes is 2 stars & the last minute earns 1 more.......2007-06-03

Whew. Where to start? I rented this for one reason only. I like Clare Kramer, and true to form, was not disapointed as she again gives a good performance. The film however is sex and gore and gore and sex. Yes I know it's rated 'R' and what was I suppose to expect? Okay, I can live with the topless pair of vampire girls who garble out some kind of speech as they run around seemingly aimlessly just causing mayhem and the gore, though excessive really didn't seem out of place considering the setting. Within all this depravity enters Lisa (Clare Kramer) who becomes the vampire with the heart of gold. Even though it's not beating, it's still a heart of gold. The depiction of vampirism as a drug type addiction was pretty cool and the spectacle of a couple vampires trying to kick the habit was my second favorite part of the film. My favorite part was the ending. After all the sex, after all the gore and the chase and the slaughter, this film ends with a tender finale that renews one's faith in the goodness of mankind. Awwww, wasn't that just so sweet? I don't think I would watch this again, but it was worth a one time viewing. Bottom line: If you're thinking about buying it, rent it first. You might love it. Then again you might just change your mind about buying it. By the way, it says that Ellie Cornell is in the cast. I love Ellie Cornell too, but I didn't see her. If I did I didn't recognize her. Oh well.

Blood Addiction........2007-05-27

Oh Lord..
I love Vampire movies, and this kinda delivers. more like near dark though and that was just ok admittedly far superior acting to this train wreck of a film. but the Idea of a pair of drug addicts becoming vampires, and then becoming addicted (following addictive behavior patterns) to Blood! its just sad that the execution of such a great idea was so poor. and I truly love vampire films, even most of the B style vamp flicks but this? My Personal Recommendation is: if you Must see this film RENT ONLY 2 star and thats being generous because of the blood addiction idea. and some funny gore (gore being funny here is bad trust me) Avoid...

Not the worst.......2007-05-24

The cover jacket says that this is a cross between Near Dark and Requiem for a Dream. This is fairly accurate because the vampires here act like blood is the drug and they're all adicts.

The filming of this is disjointed, such as when they all go into a strip-bar to feed. They tear apart all the people there, dancers and patrons. But the camera jumps quickly from one to the other. None of the vampires have fangs, seemingly wishing to tear at the flesh of their vicitms. One even keeps running everyone through with a cane-sword.

The vampires are almost showered in blood. Such a mess is an obvious problem if they want to stay out of the sights of vampire hunters/police, so their solution, leave clues like they're Muslim extremists or a Satanic cult!!! And the guy doing this - Adam Baldwin, speaks with a Texan drawl, but he's supposed to be Palestinian!!! He sits there in his cowboy hat going through the Koran trying to find verses to leave around the crime site.

This makes it just stupid. A hot duo of dark haired vampires seem to spend a lot of time topless and speaking in an intelligible grunting way that makes no sense.

Serena Scott Thomas wants to convert Clare Kramer who's in hospital dying of cancer. She hops onto Clare's bed, drooling something that might be blood, and bites into her in a sudden montage of imagery that's not erotic, but certainly confusing.

The Complete History Of The Battleship - A Thirst For Blood & Iron - Clash Of The Dreadnoughts, 1800 -1916

Average customer rating:

Excellent!

The Complete History Of The Battleship - A Thirst For Blood & Iron - Clash Of The Dreadnoughts, 1800 -1916
Starring: Rob McAuley (Director) , and Robyn Williams (Narrator)
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005Q64W
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Description

A Thirst for Blood & Iron • Clash of the Dreadnoughts A story of rulers, warlords and admirals that became intoxicated by the sheer power, majesty and grandeur of these floating fortresses. This program unveils the epic saga of power, international politics, and one-upmanship that led to the titanic wars at sea.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2006-12-05

The 'The Complete History Of The Battleship - A Thirst For Blood & Iron - Clash Of The Dreadnoughts, 1800 -1916' and the follow-on 'The Complete History of the Battleship: 1916 - Present' are two of the best documentaries I have ever seen. Both are very well done. This volume covers from the earliest sailing vessels through to Jutland. Great footage and even better historical narration.

Mermaid Forest - Unquenchable Thirst (Vol. 3)

Average customer rating:

Great Series
One Huge Stack of "Rumiko" -- Hold the "Syrup"!
Unquenchable, invincible

Mermaid Forest - Unquenchable Thirst (Vol. 3)
Starring: Toshiko Fujita , Rachel Hirschfeld , Megan Hollingshead , Tara Hudson (II) , and Haruna Ikezawa
Director: Masahara Okuwaki
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
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ASIN: B000AC7OMU
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Customer Reviews:

Great Series.......2006-02-20

This is a really interesting series, my fiance' bought it for me after discovering that I watched Inu Yasha, it is not at all like it, but it's still a very good show. Really unique concept.

One Huge Stack of "Rumiko" -- Hold the "Syrup"!.......2006-01-11

*
Takahashi Rumiko is best known for her silly & wacky antics type of storytelling ("Urusei Yatsura"; "Ranma Nibun-no-Ichi"; "Inu Yasha"). But 'Rumi-chan' has also touched the "Dark Side," and with surprising effectiveness. This presented itself when her publisher agreed to run a series of manga stories by her which came to be popularly known as the "mermaid saga."

In 1991, the first "OAV" ("Original Animation Video") of one of those stories-- "Ningyo no Mori" ("Mermaid Forest") --was released; this was followed two years later with the release of another OAV of a second Rumiko "mermaid" story -- "Ningyo no Kizu" ("Mermaid's Scar"). Ten years would pass before anything new from Takahashi-san's "mermaid saga" would be presented in animated form.

In July of 2003, Japanese television aired an anthology series called "Takahashi Rumiko Gekijyou" ("Takahashi Rumiko Theater") -- a showcase for a collection of her individual story ideas, which were all independent of one another. Three months later, the first episode of "Takahashi Rumiko Gekijyou: Ningyo no Mori" ("Takahashi Rumiko Theater: Mermaid Forest") was aired -- the program title being modified slightly with the added 'tack-on' at the end to distinguish it specifically as the animated adaptation of her "mermaid saga" and that, unlike the earlier "Gekijyou," this sort of 'second season,' if you will, would be an extended run of a series of interrelated stories. Labeling the entire series "Mermaid Forest," however, is a bit of a misnomer, as the title refers to one specific story of that name, but it's really nothing to nit-pick over.

Because the artwork & animation techniques used here are not nearly as refined, and everything feels too rushed (or to put it another way, because everything feels too "televisiony"), this series does not engage the viewer with quite the same degree of dark depression & gloominess that is experienced in the OAVs. Even so, the stories as presented here are just dreadful enough to make you realize that this ain't no "kiddie-fare!"

As with the previous "Takahashi Gekijyou," this series consists of 13 total episodes, although there are in actuality 8 separate storylines adapted for this series -- including brand new animated adaptations of the OAV stories (ironically, it was one of these-- "Ningyo no Kizu" --that was never aired during the series' televised run).

The 'English dubbed' audio track, though not great, is passable, but the original Japanese audio dialogue track seems to better capture the spirit of the main characters, Yuta and Mana.

[[My only real gripe is that Pioneer/Geneon could not have taken the extra time to simply release this entire series (only 4 discs) as a complete box set.]]

Unquenchable, invincible.......2005-11-23

One of Rumiko Takahashi's most successful "side projects" is the Mermaid series, about a pair of immortals struggling to find a way to become mortal again. Don't expect the wacky action of "Ranma 1/2" or the mythic fantasy of "Inuyasha." Instead, this is a gritty, melancholy fantasy story.

It centers on mermaids, and what eating their flesh does to human beings. A tiny number become beautiful immortals who never age and can't die, unless their heads are cut off. But most people either cough up blood and die, or turn into bug-eyed purplish monsters.

In "Bone Princess," Yuta and Mana are camping by a river when he has another flashback. When he was only 120 years old, Yuta encountered an old man and his immortal daughter. But he realizes that there is something odd about Natsume when she attacks him and bites his stomach. An old monk gives him the answer: Natsume is not even a true immortal, but an undead creature who preys on the livers of animals -- and people.

"The Last Face" takes us to the present, where Mana and Yuta encounter a young boy who narrowly escaped a kidnapping. When the kid swallows a "special medicine," his scrapes heal. As Yuta investigates the man who was seemingly abducting the boy, he uncovers a horrifying story from twenty-five years ago -- where a mother tried to force-feed her child mermaid flesh.

In the second part, Yuta ponders the question of what is happening, with the woman with two faces. The mother attacks Mana and switches faces, only to be interrupted by Yuta and her adult son. And they learn of her new plot to create an immortal child -- this time, using her "special medicine."

The previous volume of "Mermaid Forest" explored the best and worst in human nature. And in the third volume, "Unquenchable Thirst," the series focuses on the loss of children, and how obsessed people can become with keeping their children with them -- no matter what the cost.

In the first story, we get another glimpse of Yuta's lonely life before he met Mana. It's a bit on the gross side, but the story explores not only the loneliness of an immortal, but the desperation that a parent who has lost his child can feel.

Things get less bloody -- but even more guesome -- as we are are brought back to the present. It gets even nastier here, since the latest immortal is mentally ill, and is in conflict with Nanao's real mother. The climax of this two-parter, in which the demented woman is forced to confront the truth about her actions, is quietly powerful.

Inhuman children and wicked grandmothers crop up in the third volume of the "Mermaid Forest" series, where immortality is not such a gift.

Average customer rating:

Saw it once in the 80's and NEVER forgot it!
Fairly suspenseful, decently acted, vampire thriller.
Awesome Seldom Seen Film
Aussie Vampire
This is THE DISC to fulfill your THIRST!

Thirst
Starring: Chantal Contouri , Shirley Cameron (II) , Max Phipps , Henry Silva , and Rod Mullinar
Director: Rod Hardy
Manufacturer: ELITE ENTERTAINMENT
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00007M5IW
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Customer Reviews:

Saw it once in the 80's and NEVER forgot it!.......2005-03-11

It was on cable, HBO or Cinemax, I think. Ususally I don't go for horror. Thirst is more suspense than gore with a modern twist on vampires. So compelling, I couldn't forget it even after 20 years. It's obscure and not nearly as brutal and bloody as many horror fans prefer, but it's a gem of a story. Well directed, acted and scored. One way to describe it would be: What are modern day vampires up to?

Fairly suspenseful, decently acted, vampire thriller........2004-07-26

This Aussie movie features the fine Chanel Contouri, and David Hemmings, and is a fairly suspenseful movie. Ms. Contouri does a good job as the heiress to a weird legacy. Not sure how much was lost due to "modification", but Ms. Contouri has a brief "partial nude" scene. That aside, it's not a bad movie, and a little gruesome, but still, not as bad as today; given the times. Worth a look, if you can find it. (I was "lucky?" to find it elsewhere.)

Awesome Seldom Seen Film.......2004-03-19

This is a terrific little film with a great take on vampirism that is different than anything else out there. It is not filled with gore and action, and much of it is during the day, but the atmosphere is great. The film itself is widescreen in a beautiful transfer. I highly recommending trying this one out if you like this sort of thing and are open to something new and different.

Aussie Vampire.......2003-04-13

I saw this film at the cinema (as a double-bill with an equally rare film "The Silent Flute"). I was mesmerised by it, not least because of the sleekily sexy Chantal Contouri who plays Kate Davis, heiress to a vampire legacy.

These vampires are not fanged night-creatures (despite the cover-art; they actually only put in fanged dentures for the occasional ritual feast, otherise they drink blood from milk cartons). These vampires run a blood-farm where zombie-like young people are occasionally hooked up to machines and 'milked' of their blood.

The vampires want young Kate to join them, to mate with another blue-blood vampire.

The film, low-budgeted is quite well done.

Sadly, Chantal Contouri has not made many films. She appears older, but equally sexual in another Australian film "Offspring".

This is THE DISC to fulfill your THIRST!.......2003-03-23

If you know about this film already, you'll not need any other words. But if you don't, and if you have some taste on this genre, Horror, and need something different, THIRST is just for you. I don't want to shout about it as a GREAT film though, but literally a LITTLE GEM from Ausie Horror Scene of mid-70s to mid-80s, its MadMax Age. A Head of a modern-day-vampire-community tries to seduce a young girl, Kate Davies, who is the decendant of the infamous blood-drinking Baroness Elizabeth Bathory. It's somewhat a low budget production, but the tone of the film is surprisingly atomospheric, eerie, and effective. Direction is tight, and its music score, yes, the music is just great. Brian May, who wrote first two MadMax, and almost all the Ausie SciFi/Horror scores of this age, is at his best here. The disc has his entire music on its isolated track, thus proving this DVD knows what is juicy about the film. Also this is the very first presentation of the film's CinemaScope aspect ratio, which reveals more information lost for years on previous VHS version, along with rich composition of the frame. If you like THIRST, you will also need PATRICK, which is just out on a gorgeous DVD Special Edition in the same way....I had been dying to wait for this DVD emerges, now expecting they will release HARLEQUIN, THE SURVIVOR, and ROAD GAMES, also a great little gem from Australia.

Blood Suckers / Blood Thirst (Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Weak Drive-In Pairing - Stay Clear!
Borrrrrinnnnng!
Mind numbingly strange is what we want
A "sucker" who isn't thirsty for more of this tripe!

Blood Suckers / Blood Thirst (Special Edition)
Starring: Robert Winston , Yvonne Nielson , Judy Dennis (II) , Vic Diaz , and Katherine Henryk
Director: Newt Arnold , and Robert Hartford-Davis
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005KH3C
Release Date: 2001-07-24

Description

Vampires, psychedelic orgies, a gooey-faced monster, and Peter Cushing all star in this blood-spilling, blood-chilling Drive-In Double Feature. "Blood Suckers" (1972, 80 min., Color, Rated R) - Vampirism as a sexual obsession enslaves Oxford scholar Richard Fountain when he visits Greece and falls in with a drug-crazed cult of homicidal swingers led by a kinky blood-drinker named Chriseis. Originally titled "Incense for the Damned." "Blood Thirst" (1971, 73 min., B&W, Not Rated) - Filipino women found with their blood drained bring American sex-crime expert Adam Rourke to Manila in search of the killer. Armed with a lisp and a mannequin named Harvey, Rourke soon becomes prey to a "Golden Goddess" possessed of eternal youth, and a creature whose face looks like melted flesh.

Product Features: Audio Format: Mono Screen Format: Full Frame 16x9: No Color: Color & B&W Region Code: No Region Code Original Languages: English English Dubbed: No Other Languages: None Subtitles: None

Special Features: Gallery of art with radio-spot rarities - Trailer, plus double-feature combo trailers for "The Crawling Thing/Creature of Evil," "Devil Woman/Dragons Never Die," "The Embalmer/The She Beast," "Night of the Witches/Dr. Frankenstein on Campus," and "Orgy of the Living Dead"; 2 archival short subjects: "The Horny Vampire" and "Midsummer Nightmare"; Drive-In intermission shorts; "Let's Go to the Drive-In!" - An interactive feature allowing uninterrupted playback of almost three hours worth of blood-curdling drive-in madness!

Customer Reviews:

Weak Drive-In Pairing - Stay Clear!.......2001-12-03

This may be the most uninteresting DVD so far in the ever-growing Something Weird catalog. Once again, a nice package and an authentic recreation of an actual double-bill...but these two movies [are bad]...(...)

First up is "Blood Suckers" which is about a young man, Patrick Mower, who has become part of a satanic vampiric cult. His friends and family are on a mission to rescue him. Eventually they do. But once back home, the man has turned a bit weird and now likes to suck blood. Patrick McNee stars and Peter Cushing is in there too. I remember renting this on VHS many years ago and it didn't leave much of an impression then. It hasn't really gotten any better, but it is watchable and has it's moments. The print used here has the pre-release title of "Freedom Seeker" on it --- now that's somthing weird.

Well, after one mediocre flick, I was looking forward to feature #2 which I had never seen (although I remember seeing photos of the monster(?) in old issues of Famous Monsters magazine....or maybe it just looks like a creature from the Outer Limits...I don't know). Well, all I got to say is I now know why the 1965 filipino horror flick BLOOD THIRST took 6 years to find a release in the US on the bottom of this double bill. Absolutely mind-numbingly dull from start to finish, this 73 minute b/w melodrama left this viewer in a comatose state. Talk talk talk, blah blah blah.... and nothing happens. And that monster mask is pretty damn fake (in the whole 1 minute of screen time you see it). This one is just plain bad....not even good for laughs.

Something Weird DVD's are usually still a good buy because of the extras included, but here's a case where even those are mediocre. We have several combo-trailers for other double features, none of them that interesting and one is incomplete. There are 2 short subjects, both somewhat banal --- one about a "horny vampire" and the other an old witch nudie short. There's the usual drive-in exploitation art gallery and it's the exact same line-up as another of a recent SW dvd release. The audio spots on it are the best thing on this disc, though, as they are hilarious "country-twang" spots from "Skyline Drive-In" in Greenville back in the 70's. This announcer is a hoot as he tries to peddle Zagnut Bars, Fanta Orange drinks and even Tab over the drive-in speaker system... He also touts their concession stand as having the best food ANYWHERE and that their concession stand is "World Famous". HAhahahahahhahaha! Also remember to get your weight and age guessed at by two beautiful women...one of them wearing a turban! Great stuff! There were some more different audio spots from this particular drive-in on another recent SW disc... they are priceless. I would rather have paid (...) for a disc just full of that stuff than these 2 mediocre movies. So a disappointing disc overall, but if you gotta see 'em all......

Borrrrrinnnnng!.......2001-11-09

Blood Suckers aka Freedom Seeker is not a vampire movie but some unidentifiable genre pic utilizing vampiric themes as well as some James Bond thrown in for good measure. This movie is kinda unwatchable, but one is pulled in by how strange and ridiculous it all is. Blood Thirst is a little better with a sexy fifties lead dude, acting all Mickey Spillane meets Frank Sinatra, is the best way to describe him. This flick was shot in the philliphines I think. This is my least favorite Something Wierd pairing, and least favorite Something Wierd DVD. I have at least half their DVD catalog.

Mind numbingly strange is what we want.......2001-10-03

Blood Suckers is a truly insane film that will make you explode with mirth at wondering 'how can something so stupid possibly exist.' Just when you think viewing this will injure you, you're rescued by gratuitous vampirism and psychedelic party depictions. Some of the shots, for example Patrick Macnee riding a donkey and an uptight Peter Cushing representing the academic elite, will bring gut laughter. As a lover of pschotronic cinema and degenerate film, I recommend this as an example of meta cinema worth checking out every so often. To some, this outing may be too much of a bad thing, but to the converted, its well worthwhile.

A "sucker" who isn't thirsty for more of this tripe!.......2001-08-01

While an ardent fan of BAD horror movies, I can think of very few complimentary remarks to make about this turgid waste of money. Aside from the ballyhoo on the cover (which I KNOW was part of the allure of the Drive-in) there is little to be entertained with these 2 yawners. The first picture BLOOD SUCKERS (which is titled FREEDOM SEEKERS on this print) is a horrid mess. It felt more like a bad episode of THE HARDY BOYS TV series. The sad thing is, this is worse! This film can't decide if its DRACULA, SHAFT or BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS. (Disclaimer:If you love any of these films don't see this film) What's even more tragic is the cast! Alex Davion (remember "Ted Casablanca" in VALLEY OF THE DOLLS) plays one of the most boring action heros to be put on the screen. Patrick McNee is his usual regal self. The truly SAD casting decision in this film (as if there could be just ONE) is Peter Cushing in a most thankless role. His tears at the end of the movie seem more like remorse for having signed on for this mess! Vampire movie? You'll be greatly disappointed. There is barely a shot of a campire to be found here. Lots of comparisons to vampirism and orgasm, but who really cares. This was a waste of 80 minutes. Just when I though things HAD to get "better" in the bad movie sense of the word, along comes BLOOD THIRST! If you were confused by the first picture, just wait til this one! Filmed in the Phillipines, the story centers around an American detective summoned to Manila to help an old friend investigate a series of brutal murders. Is it a vampire? Well, even I wasn't sure at the end! We do get some fun shots of some monster with what looks like elephantitis, but even he is not much fun. What a bore! Don't waste your time or your 20 bucks!

Castle of Blood & Blood Thirst (2005 Digitally Remastered Horrorfest)

Average customer rating:

Castle of Blood & Blood Thirst (2005 Digitally Remastered Horrorfest)

Manufacturer: Family Value
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BUGDIW

Product Description

Castle of Blood (89 m) The film evokes a great atmosphere, and interesting camera-work; particularly some tilted shots used for disorienting effect, expressive shadowy lighting, and the expansive yet claustrophobic sets. All of which are beautifully complemented by a fine and eclectic score by Riz Ortolani. There are several other qualities that elevate the film rightfully to its renowned place in the pantheon of Italian horror, not least of all is the presence of two highly attractive ladies; Barbara Steele, and Margarete Robsahm. Steele effectively alternates between vulnerability, and aggressiveness; thus building upon her dual roles in Black Sunday (1960) by giving her character a sense of inner conflict shown by her willingness to die at the end rather than have to repeat the castle's 'night of terror' ordeal over and over, though her thunder is stolen by Robsahm who manages an admirable subtlety in her relatively brief, and enigmatic appearance. Arturo Dominici, is suitably imposing as the helpful but wily Dr. Carmus. Another noteworthy aspect is the film's portrayal of a world-weary Edgar Allan Poe in the guise of Silvano Tranquilli, who captures the famed but tormented writer's essence quite well. Next in your horrorfest is a largely overlooked film from 1971: Blood Thirst (74 m). This was filmed on location in late 60s Philippines, giving it a 50s feel due to all the old U.S. cars there. Actually it may be the better of the 2 movies. It aged well as comedy horror; and the comedy is laugh out loud good, and meant to be that way. The transfer is crisp, and the dubbing well done. The plot revolves around the cult of the Golden Goddess and a foxy lady who stays young through ritualistic killings.

Average customer rating:

Received Wrong Item
"More than justn a DVD"
Power of her music draws you into the Crucifixion Story
Awesome concert

I Thirst - The Crucifixion Story
Starring: Sanya , Janel Leppin , and Tatiana
Director: Jack Gorton
Manufacturer: Cameron Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006NI3WS
Release Date: 2004-10-15

Customer Reviews:

Received Wrong Item.......2006-04-16

I recently ordered the DVD "I Thirst" and received a CD instead. I absolutely love her music, but for $25, I was paying for her DVD, the live concert. You see why I am dissappointed? Its Easter Sunday, and we had planned to watch the concert, but can only listen. (which that is a powerful statement too, but we ordered the DVD)

The case did not specify that it was a DVD or a CD.... We have now opened it, and dont know what to do. Thank you for your time in correcting this matter. - Karla Kriegel

"More than justn a DVD".......2005-05-26

This "awesome" concert, filled with inspirational music and emotion, just draws you into The Crucifixion Story. Tatiana's Television Concert Special of "I Thirst" filmed live in Los Angeles and even features area vocalists.

The main performer is Tatiana, who sings like an "Angel" and accompanies herself on the keyboard. Sanya, her talented sister, sings and plays the flute. The cello, played by Janel, compliments this moving performance. "Silently" and "Jesus, Remember Me" are two of my favorite songs.

I recently attended Tatiana's concert during Lent and found myself "physically" experiencing the real event. I came away with a deep longing for a repeat performance of The Crucifixion Story and bought this DVD to satisfy that emotional craving. I enthusiastically ordered extra copies to give as gifts. I just wanted others to experience "the great gift" that had touched my heart,soul, and spirit.

This is more than just a DVD! It includes special features such as personal interviews, photo album, bonus songs, and a short documentary on Tatiana's life. She began performing at 4 years old in her father's band and at 19, Tajci became a superstar in Central Europe. At age 21, she left it all to come to America where her career has taken a new journey.

After you have viewed Tatiana's DVD, you will surely want to see her in concert and search for more of her music.

My wish is for everyone to buy this exceptional DVD and then to go out and share it with your loved ones, as I have.

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Power of her music draws you into the Crucifixion Story.......2005-05-19

"I Thirst - The Crucifixion Story" is a breath taking performance of song and Scripture walking along the Via Dolorosa--the way of suffering and the death of Jesus Christ. The voice and sincerity of this songbird, Tatiana, along with the rest of the cast, draws you to tears. Never have I heard such a beautiful voice, with as wide dexterity of style, and so easy and pleasant to listen to. Tajce draws you in through the power and emotion of music.
The documentary on her life growing up in communist Yugoslavia, rising to be the greatest Pop-Star in Central Europe, and eventual conversion to Catholicism draws you out of mediocrity to awareness of the emptiness and loneliness of consumerism, and the joy of getting out of yourself.

Awesome concert.......2005-02-01

I've gotten to know Tatiana and her producer/manager/husband Matthew, over the last few years. In a live concert, from when she plays that first chord on her keyboard and opens her mouth -- shivers run up the spine of everyone in the audience. She's an amazing talent who can hit a perfect pitch with all the power and inspiriation of one of the clearest voices alive today. She's been labled as the Streisand of Catholicism. What is amazing about this DVD (which comes in Dolby 5.1 Surround) is that the power, clarity and talent of this young woman is translated right into your living room...as long as you have a decent audio system. Crank up the volume, it's worth it, thanks to the production expertise of Jack Gorton and audio desinger Tom Weir...oh, and Tatiana.

Aussie Horror Collection (Patrick / Strange Behavior / Thirst)

Average customer rating:

2 out of 3 ain't bad

Aussie Horror Collection (Patrick / Strange Behavior / Thirst)
Starring: Susan Penhaligon , Robert Helpmann , Rod Mullinar , Bruce Barry , and Julia Blake
Director: Richard Franklin , Rod Hardy , and Michael Laughlin
Manufacturer: Elite
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000TAYPC
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Description

Patrick - After violently murdering his mother and her lover, young Patrick lays comatose in a small private hospital. When a pretty young urse, just separated from her husband, begins working at the hospital, she senses that Patrick is trying to communicate with her while others in her life are being killed in most mysterious ways. Thirst She was innocent, pure and unsuspecting. But now, Kate Davis has been kidnapped by a bloodthirsty cult and taken to a remote village. Once there, she discovers her fate. According to the prophecies of the Hyma Brotherhood, she must fulfill her destiny by marrying their leader and helping them quench their diabolical thirst for blood. Strange Behaviour A brutal serial killer begins a terrifying campaign targeting local teens. Officer John Brady is drawn to the high school's psychology department where he suspects he will find the killer. There is something sinister about the department's research into behavioral control and Brady is determined to uncover it.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 3 ain't bad.......2005-07-22

These are 3 pretty good movies. Thirst is the best, a fascinating take on the vampire myth. Patrick is the least, about a psychic teen in a coma. Strange Behaviour is somewhere in the middle, and it the oddest.

However, I'm giving this boxed set 1 star simply because it's called "Aussie Horror Collection" but Strange Behaviour is actually from New Zealand. NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

Blood Thirst: Back from Hell/Project Vampire/The Passing/Beyond Evil

Average customer rating:

shocking and quite amusing
Dead Skin Mask...
Well, At Least It's Cheap!

Blood Thirst: Back from Hell/Project Vampire/The Passing/Beyond Evil
Starring: Robert Winston , Yvonne Nielson , Judy Dennis (II) , Vic Diaz , and Katherine Henryk
Director: Newt Arnold
Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000CDL7Q
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Customer Reviews:

shocking and quite amusing.......2005-02-25

I was scared and amused all at once
cuz not only is the story moving
but the black and white helps add to the creepiness of the movie
some horror movies look good in black and white
and some in color
due to the time also it had to be B&W
but brilliant none the less
saw this as soon as I bought it on dvd
amazing movie
some truly graphic bloodletting scenes I'll never forget
my eyes widened as I watched the blood drain out of the girls over those cup things with the holes thru which the blood drained. a classic horror. that never gets boring. keeps you wondering til the end. how it will end. because I thought the good guy somehow had a part in the killings of the women. but I was wrong. that's what amazed me at this movie. it keeps you guessing throughout who's bad.

Dead Skin Mask..........2004-05-13

Adam Rourke (Robert Winston) is a NY detective, specializing in sex crimes, who is called to the Phillipines to help solve a series of bizarre murders. Young women are being attacked, stabbed, and drained of their blood through 10cm long cuts in their forearms. Rourke goes undercover as a writer in order to get the facts. He finds a club (The Barrios) where a mysterious blonde belly-dancer (!!) named Serena becomes the center of his investigation. She's hiding some dark secret involving murder and the occult. Meanwhile, we see a strange "man" stalking more young victims. He's got a head that looks like a year old ham from the bottom of a lake. What sinister purpose is he serving? Rourke fumbles and bumbles along like a dull James Bond, cracking inane jokes, talking to (and answering) himself, and getting romantically involved with the Manillan police chief's sister. I enjoyed this one, even though the ugly ham-headed guy could have been in it more. Worth a gander...

Well, At Least It's Cheap!.......2003-11-27

Boy Howdy! What a mixed up bunch we have here! Disc #1- Side A- BACK FROM HELL- A priest helps an old friend fight the forces of darkness. It seems that old pest satan is trying to take over the world again. Only our friendly preacher and his friend Jack stand in his way. This is terrifying, due to the fact that these two suffer from a severe, chronic case of brainlessness! This no-budget stenchfest features the worst acting I've ever seen! It's sort of like watching a home movie made by satanic 10 year olds! I really liked the purple hand coming out of the bible to grab the priest's face. Wow! It looked only mildly like rubber! Side B- PROJECT VAMPIRE- Victor escapes from Project Alpha, a plot to create an army of vampires who can withstand sunlight. He battles several bloodsuckers and must ultimately face Dr. Klaus, the head neck-chomper. Horrid acting takes away from a half decent story. Check out the bald, leather-jacketed terminator ripoff! Disc #2- Side A- THE PASSING- The weirdest sci-fi movie I've ever seen! A guy kills his girlfriends rapist (by accident, he just wanted to torture him) and ends up on death row. Meanwhile an old man and his friend decide to do themselves in. This results in a hilarious failure! Then, both the young killer and the old man end up as guinea pigs in a secret experiment. This is the best movie in this collection. It's funny, tragic, and even scary in parts. Lots of male / female nudity. Violence. Side B- BEYOND EVIL- John Saxon and Linda Day George are a married couple who move into a haunted house. The evil witch who once lived there is now trying to possess our sweet heroine. Many interlopers are dispatched in gruesome ways. Basically, 70s cheese with a schlocky crust. I enjoyed this one. All in all, BLOOD THIRST is worth the tiny price...

DVD:

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