Search - El Vampiro (The Vampire) & El Ataud del Vampiro (The Vampire's Coffin) - 2 Disc Special Edition on DVD

Like finding a lost treasure

A. Gammill | West Point, MS United States | 01/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like other reviewers here, I was raised on the classic Universal monsters, as well as the more colorful offerings of Hammer Films from the 50's to the 70's. So it was with great delight I discovered this pair of Mexican horror films.

El Vampiro was clearly inspired by Universal's Dracula, although it is in almost every way a superior production. German Robles as Count Luvad is quite a commanding figure, and compares favorably with Christopher Lee in Hammer's HORROR OF DRACULA (released the year after El Vampiro). The film is set primarily in a crumbling hacienda, effectively punctuated with swirling mists and cobwebs. Throw in an eerie and occasionally surprising music score and some primitive but effective special effects, and you've got a real winner.

El Ataud Del Vampiro (The Vampire's Coffin), released the following year, picks up where its predecessor ended. Most of the cast and crew returned, as the resurrected Luvad stalks the first film's heroine (the lovely Ariadne Welter), intent on making her his bride. Producer Abel Salazar encores as the nominal leading man, Dr. Enrique. Although most viewers seem to feel the film is not nearly as good as El Vampiro, I have to disagree. The finale in a theatre, in which Luvad frustrates Enrique by constantly changing form, is particularly exciting.

In addition to pristine prints of the two films, there is an informative if amaterish audio commentary on El Vampiro by author Robert Cotter. Both films offer a choice of original Spanish language (with optional English subtitles) or English dubbing. The Spanish track is far superior, as the English dubbing is not only often inaccurate, but spoils the suspension of disbelief necessary to this type of film. There are also extensive promotional materials, and a colorful "Casa Negra Loteria Game Card."

I admit, this was my first Casa Negra DVD, and my first real exposure to Mexican horror cinema. I can hardly wait to discover other such treasures! Meanwhile, THE VAMPIRE COLLECTION is highly recommended to anyone who enjoys atmospheric horror."

Ohhhhhh, My Fangs are Watering!

Edward Lee | 09/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a big fan of many of the ABSA Horror productions from Mexico words can't describe how happy I am to see The Vampire, known as El Vampiro in it's native Mexico, restored and finally released on DVD, and along with it's sequel! El Vampiro is arguably the greatest horror film from south of the border and certainly deserves to be credited along side many of the great classics of the era such as Black Sunday, Blood of Dracula, Flesh & The Fiends, etc.. and the fact this film was made years before those greats is a testament to how influential and under-rated the Mexi Horror Film Wave of the 50's and 60s really is. Director Fernando Mendez proves with The Vampire that he, along with DP Rosalío Solano were in many ways masters of the craft. A must see for anyone who loves great atmospheric horror and has yet to experience the unique, heavily stylish work of the classic Mexican Horror movie makers."

VAMPIRES MEXICAN STYLE.....

Mark Norvell | HOUSTON | 11/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"More good stuff from CasaNegra, this 2-disc set contains "El Vampiro" & it's sequel "El Ataud del Vampiro" featuring the Mexican vampire Count Lucad who wrecks havoc seeking blood and the heroine (Ariadne Welter) in both. In fact, both films feature the same leads: Welter, German Robles as the Count and the producer Abel Salazar as the hero. Both are done in dreamy, shadowy b&w and the prints are excellent. There's some minor scratching in "El Vampiro" but nothing to distract. Robles is excellent as the Count and both films are well directed by Fernando Mendez who obviously left his mark on international horror cinema with these films. As did Abel Salazar who's featured in almost all of CasaNegra's choice's of films. His gift for acting is particularly notable in "El Ataud del Vampiro" as a man perplexed at the possibility that vampires do exist and forced to confront his rationale and his fear. All films brought to DVD should be done this well and, as usual per CasaNegra, the discs are filled with good extras and commentaries. For vampire lovers the world over, for those who love b&w horror films, for those who love international horror and especially those who love Mexican Gothic---this set is highly, highly recommended. Enjoy."

A Great Vampire Classic

spamhammer | Chicago, IL United States | 10/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This film deserves the nice treatment. This can be said about many other great many films from Mexico that have yet to see the light of day on DVD, but the Vampire is a real standout of the genre. Well filmed and acted with fantastic art direction and sets. The funeral procession scene alone qualifies as one of the most eerie yet beautiful moments in all of Horror.

Anyone who knows about these films in the USA credits K. Gordon Murray, which has always bugged me a bit. How about crediting the makers of the films!? While Murray should be credited for bringing the films to the USA in the 60s, it's hard for me to credit him with much more. His dubbed tracks, while accurate, brought a very high level of camp, perhaps even unintentional comedy, to otherwise great films. For this reason, I highly recommend watching the films in their original language with the subs on. I suspect that the fact these are subtitled for the first time ever, horror film buffs will finally have a chance to see how much more convincing the films are in Spanish. Viva El Vampiro!"