Search - Dance of Death on DVD

Content Advisory: Violence, Not For Children Movie Release: 1968 DVD Release: 07/30/2002 Format: DVD - Black and White,Pan and Scan Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 13 mins Studio: Rhino Home Video Members Wishing: 0 Genres: Horror, Gothic Film See Also: Graveyard Series, Vol. 3: House of Evil

One of four low-budget Mexican horror productions to star an ailing Boris Karloff in a supporting (but top-billed) role, this odd little number features the horror legend as the dying forebear of an eccentric family, whose heirs descend like vultures on his palatial home when they learn of his impending demise... which apparently occurs shortly after their arrival. Little do they realize that their plucky patriarch has laid some elaborate traps for them, employing his collection of life-size automatons. The cast wanders about through dimly-lit sets for what seems like an eternity before being slain by the wind-up robots in a variety of gory ways, but the violent, bloody climax comes far too late to rescue viewers from the endless drudgery. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

Dance of Death might not be a classic Boris Karloff movie, but its low budget origins and cheesy script make for fun late night viewing, even if the chills and suspense are more laughable than creepy. Acme Video's full frame, totally unremastered image gives a viewer the impression they're watching a late night cable broadcast. The title screams low budget with a smile, despite the stylish Scene Index and Main Menu. Colors fade in and out, and the frame jumps and jitters like a swing dancer. The overly dark transfer almost suggests a moving Caravaggio painting, even though this was probably far from the studio's intentions. The transfer is at least free of digital artifacts. The sound quality might not be dynamic, but the score and dialogue are never less than crisp and clean. The Scene Index gives instant access to the DVD's twelve chapters via full-color thumbnails and chapter titles/numbers. ~ Tim DiGravina, All Movie Guide