Theater of Blood has been part of my cinematic life for decades, having owned a VHS and DVD release, plus the Blu-rays from Twilight Time and Arrow Video. Because the Twilight Time Blu-ray is long out of print, Kino Lorber decided to re-release it to those who prefer not to spend too much for their Blu-ray discs!
The story is revenge tale with Shakespearean actor, Edward Lionheart (horror screen icon Vincent Price, The Tingler, Twice Told Tales, House of Usher) takes what can be called poetic revenge on the critics who humiliated him at an awards ceremony by not recognizing him for his work. Lionheart, along with his daughter Edwina (Diana Rigg, The Avengers television series) murder those critics by wearing some snazzy disguises and using murder scenes from various Shakespearean plays to kill them! Outrageous fun!
Despite all the gruesome killings, Theater of Blood is also played for laughs with Price wearing various wigs and costumes. The afro he has on when he plays a barber named Butch is priceless! A lot of people compare Theater of Blood to the Dr. Phibes films, but the only real connections are the films star Vincent Price and have a revenge narrative. Price really hams it up here and looks like he and co-star Diana Rigg are having a blast in this film!
Theater of Blood’s Blu-ray from Kino is excellent! The image tends to look the same as both the Arrow and Twilight Time releases, boasting rich colors and immaculate details to scenery. Black levels are rich and deep. Flesh tones also look accurate. The Kino release seems a bit darker and more robust, possibly due to less content on the Blu-ray disc.
Kino’s English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack is also crisp and clear without any audio issues detected. The dialog, sounds, music, and other action noises come in flawlessly. English subtitles are available for this release.
Kino has added a new commentary track to this package to sweeten the pot for this release! Screenwriter/producer Alan Spencer gives his views and thoughts about Theater of Blood in a brand-new commentary track to go with the outstanding track with film historians David Del Valle and Nick Redman
Trailers from Hell with Alan Spencer,2 TV Spots,4 Radio Spots, eight theatrical trailers for other Vincent Price films are among the remaining extras. A Limited-Edition O-Card Slipcase is also part of this wonderful package. Kino did not port over the extras from the Arrow release so if those are of interest, you might want to hold on to that disc.
Theater of Blood is an amazing film that needs to be viewed several times to truly appreciate it. Thankfully Kino has given the film a brand-new Region A release for those who missed out on the Twilight Time Blu-ray and did not want to spend tons of money for the out-of-print disc.
Theater of Blood
Director- Douglas Hickox
Cast- Vincent Price, Diana Rigg
Country of Origin- UK
Distributor – Kino Lorber
Number of Discs – 1
Reviewed by – David Steigman
Date-9/26/21