Welcome to one of the main features of 'Castle Dracula,' the movie reviews section.
The reviews placed here are from all around the world, from the USA to the UK Japan
and everything inbetween. The formats reviewed are video and DVD. I have included the
origin of the film reviewed so you can check your player for compatibility. You may
also notice that there are some DVD-R reviews. These are not 'bootlegs' or 'copies'
but official screeners that I have been sent containing an as yet unreleased film to 
review. All the reviews here have been reviewed either by myself or my current movie 
reviewers. If you're an avid watcher of horror movies then why not join 'Castle Dracula'
as an official 'staff member' reviewing them. To do so, just click on the 'Join My Staff'
link in the menu to the left for details of this and other vacancies.
New reviews are normally placed here once a week, check my front page for under 'Castle
Dracula Updates' to see what latest movie reviews have been placed.

- Color Me Blood Red - US DVD - 

OK, so we agree that the storylines in a Herschell Gordon Lewis movie aren't the most
original. The tale of an artist turned killer was already given the star treatment by
Roger Corman in "Bucket of Blood." But most low budget horror movies weren't about 
originality. They were about fun. H.G. Lewis and his producing partner, David Friedman
understood this key and used it to unlock the many doors to the wonderful world of 
exploitation. "Color Me Blood Red" would prove to be their last collaboration until 
almost forty years later, but they left this behind with two other great gore treats 
which would become known as the "Blood Trilogy." Whereas "Blood Feast" became the most 
famous and "2000 Maniacs" was the highest regarded, "Color Me...." seemed to have fallen 
through the cracks to become the lesser known/seen film in the trilogy. This seems 
undeservedly so, since it has some fine exploitation moments, not to mention a cool 
soundtrack and some wonderfully deranged paintings!
Don Joseph was perfectly cast as 'Adam Sorg,' the mad painter in question. He is dark, 
serious and never overplays his part. Elyn Warner is 'Gigi,' who is sort of 'Adam’s' 
Alice Kramden. Unfortunately it would prove to be her debut and swan song. They actually
make a nice match which helps ground the film in what little reality it's settled for.  
But we’re not here for cute couples, are we? 
Don’t worry there's enough slicing and dicing to round out its 79 minutes just fine. 
Although, not as gratuitous as "Blood Feast" there’s some nice moments, like a spike 
through the eye and some gross intestines oozing out of a groovy chick. Little did any 
of these people know that thirty nine years later they would be a part of genre history!  
Yet again, Something Weird video has put out another fine disc which does "Color Me Blood 
Red" justice. Aside from being digitally mastered, the disc also includes the original 
trailer, some fun outtakes and the regular gallery of fun exploitation art that is often
included on these discs. But the selling point of "Color Me...." is the great commentary
featuring H.G. Lewis and David Friedman. Not only is it amazing how much they remember 
about the making of this movie, but their strong sense of humor and ability to not take
themselves to seriously make the discussion enjoying and never dull. It's obvious that 
even after a tumultuous breakup, the duo have reconciled and still have a strong bond 
with each other. Praise be to Something Weird, who has yet to let me down! 

Reviewed By Amanda By Night

Click here to read how this page is protected by copyright laws.