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 
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- Fatal Frames - US DVD - 

The first time I saw this movie I called it a beautiful train wreck. I was more open
to the mix of Rome’s luscious settings interspersed with heinous dialog and even 
worse acting. This was because I love the late David Warbeck and I wanted to help 
him retain his respect as an actor. But time does not heal all wounds nor does it help
'Fatal Frames' get better. In fact, it’s worse than I could have imagined!
The premise is interesting enough. Music video director 'Alex' (Rick Gianasi from 
'Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.'), who lost his wife to the bloodied hands of a gruesome serial
killer, is lured to Rome to make a video for Europe’s #1 up and coming starlet, 'Stephania
Stella' (as herself). 
Once 'Alex' arrives he becomes caught up in a game that a cunning killer is playing on 
him, drawing him to the scene of each murder as its happening. The police begin to suspect
'Alex' of being not only their elusive killer but also as his wife’s killer. Has her 
executioner followed him across the world, or is there something more sinister going on?  
That’s where the problem lies. Nothing sinister is going on. In fact, NOTHING is going on!  
The film rambles around 'Alex' in his precarious situation and the talentless pop diva 
'Stephania' (whom someone once described to me as half woman-half ape!) 'Ms. Stella' 
pretty much lacks everything that makes a performance good. You know, like talent, 
presence, ability or even a good command of the English language! 
OK I’m being mean, she’s not the worst actor I’ve ever seen but if something happens to 
the guy who played 'Blackenstein,' she’ll get the honor! 
The truly sad part about 'Fatal Frames' is that so many talented actors appeared in this 
dreck only to die shortly after, making it impossible for them to redeem themselves.  
Rossano Brazzi, and David Warbeck both died a little after completion but Donald Pleasance
died DURING the filming. The want-to-be-clever director, Al Festa, dubbed Donald’s voice 
and then added a still shot of someone in a phone booth explaining that they have to go to
Haddonfield (get it!?!)
This should give you a good idea as to the flavor of the film. Rick Gianasi and other genre
giants Angus Scrimm, Linnea Quigley are competent in their roles but the story and the 
nausea inducing cinematography make 'Fatal Frames' interesting to masochists only!  
I’m not even mentioning the lighting, the music or the dubbing! 
So why bother to make the ‘special edition’ DVD so special?  
It’s jammed packed with deleted scenes (which play as a better, more coherent film when
watched together), an audio commentary that involves Festa, Stella and few others accompanied
by a strange keyboard in the background as the filmmakers let everyone out there know they’ve
single-handedly brought back the giallo!  
Gee, thanks guys!  
There’s a fun featurette that is the most enjoyable thing on the disc. But the crème de la 
crème lies in Stephania Stella’s three music videos. Each one is more hilariously inept than
the one before. My favorite would have to be the one which has Stephania dancing in the 
fountain made famous in 'La Dolce Vita.' She moans lines that sound like 'The world’s an angry
purple.' Check it out if you’re brave!
After all this, I still love David Warbeck and I haven’t been detoured from checking out his
other less than stellar films (I have to admit I own Miami Golem!)
I just hope Stella and Festa have learned from their mistakes and opened up a shoe store or
something!

Reviewed By Amanda By Night

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