REVIEW: Severin’s ‘Danza Macabra’ includes solid ‘Night of the Walking Dead’
Image courtesy of Severin Films / Provided by Foundry Comm. with permission.
One of the best horror boxsets of the year is Severin’s Danza Macabra: Volume Three: The Spanish Gothic Collection. This tasty quartet of horror films is as baffling as it is nonstop engaging. The titles in the set are Necrophagous (previously reviewed by Hollywood Soapbox), Cake of Blood, Cross of the Devil and the devilishly good The Night of the Walking Dead (sometimes known as Strange Love of the Vampires).
First off, how hilarious is it that The Night of the Walking Dead has a title so close to George A. Romero’s classic Night of the Living Dead. One could call this Spanish cinema gem a ripoff of that better-known zombie flick, but here’s the thing, this movie from 1975 actually involves vampires. Sure, one can make the case that vampires and zombies are essentially the same creature: They’re both undead. These vampires, though, are aristocratic, part of the upper-echelon of society in a rural part of Spain, circa the 19th century.
The story follows a young woman who gains entry to this family, but they want her to stick around for more than a visit. They desire to turn her from human to vampire, essentially allowing her to join their ranks. Along the way, there are some decent makeup effects, eerie set pieces, gratuitous nudity and an overall unique take on the vampire mythology.
The special Blu-ray disc from Severin has a ton of interesting features, including audio commentary from Kat Ellinger, author of Daughters of Darkness, plus an appreciation talk entitled A Deadly Invitation to Another Dimension, courtesy of Ángel Sala, head of programming at the Sitges Film Festival. Actor José Lifante and writer Juan José Porto provide some context on working with director León Klimovsky. Another feature offers a wider view on Spanish Gothic cinema.
One can certainly make fun of these older, cheesy horror movies, but The Night of the Walking Dead doesn’t deserve too much ridicule — scrutiny perhaps, but not ridicule. The movie, running a quick 88 minutes, is actually quite solid, with over-the-top acting that perfectly matches the vampiric qualities of the story being told. The setting and sets are atmospheric, and the “capital-G” Gothic nature of the storyline is an asset more than a liability.
The Night of the Walking Dead just may be the highlight of the Danza Macabra: Volume Three: The Spanish Gothic Collection Blu-ray set from Severin.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Night of the Walking Dead (1975). Directed by León Klimovsky. Written by Juan José Porto, Juan José Daza and Carlos Pumares. Starring Emma Cohen, Carlos Ballesteros and Barta Barri. Running time: 88 minutes. In English and Spanish with optional English subtitles. Part of Severin’s Danza Macabra: Volume Three: The Spanish Gothic Collection. Movie: Rating: 
. Box Set: Rating: Click here for more information.
