A Tale of Power and Persecution Unleashed

Read Time:4 Minute, 44 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Night Of The Blood Monster (AKA The Bloody Judge) [4K UHD + Blu-ray]
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 1970, 2024 Blue Underground 4K
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): Jess Franco
Writer(s): Enrico Colombo, Jesús Franco, Michael Haller, Harry Alan Towers, Anthony Scott Veitch
Cast: Christopher Lee, Maria Schell, Leo Genn, Hans Hass, Maria Rohm, Margaret Lee, Howard Vernon
Where To Watch: available March 26, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Step with me, if you dare, into the shadowy corners of 17th-century England; NIGHT OF THE BLOOD MONSTER presents an experience steeped in drama, suspense, and the grim realities of an era marked by witch hunts (literal and figurative) and tyranny. Under the direction of one and only Jess Franco and featuring a memorable performance by Christopher Lee as the notorious Lord George Jeffreys, the infamous and ruthless judge and Lord Chancellor in England, this film transcends the conventional historical drama. It's a visually arresting spectacle that grabs your attention and refuses to let go, turning the pages of history into a script for a compelling watch.

NIGHT OF THE BLOOD MONSTER twists the fates of its characters, entangling them in a narrative rich with emotional depth and surprising intensity. At its heart is the story of two sisters saddled with the burden of accusations of witchcraft, a plot line that offers a potent critique of the era's judicial injustices. The ensemble cast breathes life into this film, making the audience feel deeply invested in the outcome of these characters' struggles against a backdrop of societal fear and oppression, complementing Lee’s lead.

A highlight of NIGHT OF THE BLOOD MONSTER is its recent restoration, which showcases the film in a gorgeous 4K restoration. This enhancement, featuring 2160p Ultra HD resolution and Dolby Vision HDR, delivers an immersive viewing experience that rivals many modern-day films shot digitally. This restoration pays homage to the film's original artistry and ensures that today's audiences fully experience its visual and thematic richness. For a movie over half a century old, its quality is a testament to the timeless nature and longevity of actual film when properly restored. The infusion of Bruno Nicolai's atmospheric score elevates the story, adding a layer of emotional resonance that perfectly complements the film’s haunting visuals.

Despite the hurdles faced in preserving Franco's vision—chief among them the various cuts and edits made by distributors—the restored version now offers a more accurate representation of the intended narrative. Adding previously unseen footage enriches the film's narrative and thematic layers, providing new insights into its profound impact. Ultimately, it gives us the film Franco wanted people to see.

At its core, NIGHT OF THE BLOOD MONSTER delves into the dynamics of power and the enduring spirit of those who resist oppression. The film thoughtfully examines the character of Judge Jeffreys, navigating the complexities of his role as both enforcer and pawn in the political games of the era. The movie addresses themes of fleeting power and the eternal battle for liberty, setting itself apart from mere historical recounts.

Transcending genre boundaries, NIGHT OF THE BLOOD MONSTER delivers a tale of epic proportions. Its storyline, combined with uniquely period performances, showcases the enduring capability of cinema to mirror the past while standing as an art form that transcends time. The recent restoration not only introduces this timeless classic to a new generation of viewers but also secures its status as a notable cinematic work that effortlessly breaks free from the confines of genre and period, inviting anyone with a penchant for history, drama, and visual storytelling to dive into its richly depicted saga of history, tyranny, and the quest for justice.

Bonus Materials
Ultra HD Blu-ray (2160p) and HD Blu-ray (1080p) Widescreen 2.35:1 feature presentations
Audio: 1.0 DTS-HD MA (English)
Subtitles: English SDH, Francais, Espanol
Audio Commentary #1 with Film Historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson
Audio Commentary #2 with Film Historians Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw
Audio Commentary #3 with Film Historians David Flint and Adrian Smith
Bloody Jess – Interviews with Director Jess Franco and Star Christopher Lee
Judgment Day – Interview with Stephen Thrower, Author of “Murderous Passions: The Delirious Cinema of Jesus Franco”
In The Shadows – Interviews with Filmmaker Alan Birkinshaw and Author Stephen Thrower on Harry Alan Towers
Deleted and Alternate Scenes
Trailers and TV Spot
Still Galleries

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[photo courtesy of BLUE UNDERGROUND, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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