The House that Dripped Blood – Blu-Ray – review

I have reviewed the content of the portmanteau film The House that Dripped Blood previously, this is a review of the Blu-Ray release from Second Sight Films. Before I look at that, however, a note about the vampire segment.

I re-read my original review before writing this and, in light of watching the film again, have to admit that I think I was a tad harsh. I based my previous score around the fact that the comedy of the segment stood out garishly against the more sombre tones of the rest of the film. However, when the comedy doesn’t sneak up on you – in other words when you expect it – the segment starring Ingrid Pitt and Jon Pertwee is rather good fun. I’m not going to amend the score of the original review but should you wish to watch the film, warned in advance that the segment is played for comedy effect, I think you might find it more fun than the score admits to.

Carla about to fly

That aside, this is a new Blu-Ray edition, which is the budget edition following an earlier special edition Blu-ray that had a hard slipcase and substantial booklet. This eschews the booklet and comes in a standard size plastic box. The cover is that from the aforementioned slipcase with fabulous artwork by Graham Humphreys, but is also reversible to show the original film artwork – though, to be honest, I can’t see why you’d want to reverse it.

Ingrid Pitt as Carla

The transfer is lovely and crisp, the colours perhaps muted but that was the style of the original print. The soundtrack is mono but is clear and well balanced and there are English subtitles for the hearing impaired. There are two audio commentaries, one with author Jonathan Rigby and the film’s director Peter Duffel and the other with film historian Troy Howarth. There are theatrical trailers, radio spots and a stills gallery.

fangs on display

There are also two short featurettes; one is a documentary entitled “A Rated Horror”, a vintage film with interviews with Duffel and some of the film actors and the other an interview with Mike Higgins who was the film’s second assistant director. Of the two I found the short documentary the most fun but the interview does contain some nice anecdotes also.

out of the casket

All in all, this is a good set – aimed at being more accessible than the higher priced limited release. Of course, the set misses the booklet, which is a shame, but for fans of the film, or aficionados of classic British horror, this is an excellent release on region B. 7.5 out of 10 for the set.

On Blu-Ray @ Amazon UK