We had a few Paul Naschy flicks make it to domestic DVD. But it feels as time goes on, we have received a rainfall of Naschy’s work on the Blu-ray format. Now, we’re starting to get films from Naschy that I NEVER anticipated seeing outside of awful bootlegs like the latest Mondo Macabro release of 1988’s Howl of the Devil.

Howl… is an interesting one. It’s a monster mash-up sort of like Assignment Terror, but different in that it pays kind of “dark homage” to Naschy’s career. The film stars Naschy in dual roles (and more than that). The film stars Naschy as Hector, an actor who lives in the shadow of his brother (also played by Naschy), a horror movie star. Hector is now taking care of his nephew Adrian (Sergio Molina). Adrian is obsessed with his Father’s film’s (played by Naschy’s own films like Panic Beats) and his character’s (played by Naschy in such a fun way). Into this scenario comes murders of prostitutes, many of whom are ones Hector has previously brought home for his personal fun, and a Hector’s aspiring romance with Carmen played by Caroline Munro, who is also having issues with a priest that also has darker issues from his past.

OK, so this film has cool monsters, lots of them, and a slasher vibe. Some amazingly dark dialogue that pays homage to Naschy’s career. This is like Fulci’s Cat in the Brain if it was legitimately good (and I mean there is only a few shots of older films in this). Overall, this is a career overview film done right, and it’s sad that it has been horribly mishandled until now, because this would be considered another high point in Naschy’s career had it seen a good release by now.

Mondo Macabro does startling work here taking a lost film and making it shine. The 1080p transfer is a stunner looking film like, well detailed, with nice color reproduction and detail. Some scenes are grainier than others, but this is inherent in the production, and not the transfer itself. Audio is in Spanish with English subs and comes through clearly and without issue. Extras include another fantastic, in-depth, and informative commentary by Rod and Troy of the Naschycast. There is a making of featurette as well, and the whole package is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!