Yet another reason why we are so lucky right now. Last year, Indicator released their Mexico Macabre box set which featured 4 incredible titles from the Mexican horror output from the late ’50s and early ’60s, which was a much-needed release for fans who had missed out on the old Casa Nega DVDs. But there were 2 titles missing from that collection that were a must for any fan of this sub-genre. But have no fear because Indicator has announced this amazing double feature that will contain the film that started it all, El Vampiro aka The Vampire (1957), and it’s sequel, El ataúd del vampire aka The Vampire’s Coffin (1958), both starring Germán Robles in the title role, and Abel Salazar as the stand-in for Van Helsing! Both are filled with so much atmosphere you can cut it with a knife. Two perfect examples of the amazing work they were creating back then.
This set will include audio commentaries by star Germán Robles from 2007, as well as interviews with Claudia & Rosa Salazar Arenas about their father, actor and producer Abel Salazar, as well as other interviews with people involved in film fests, horror scholars, and film historians on the Spanish horror genre. The set also comes with a limited edition exclusive 80-page book with new essays Jesús Palacios and David Wilt, archival essays by Eduardo de la Vega Alfaro and Carmen A Serrano, cast interviews, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and film credits
El Vampiro has a 4K restoration from the original negative by Labo, while El ataúd del vampire has a High-Definition remaster from 2K scans by Alameda Films.
And if that wasn’t enough, Indicator has also announced a box set of 6 features in the Columbia Horror box set. It will feature Behind the Mask (1932), Black Moon (1934), Air Hawks (1935), Island of Doomed Men (1940), Cry of the Werewolf (1944), and The Soul of a Monster (1944), all high-definition remasters. Now this is a Region B release so make sure your player is region-free.
This set will feature many different commentaries by such luminaries like Daniel Kremer, Stephen Jones, Kim Newman, Jeremy Arnold, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Josh Nelson, and Eloise Ross. There will also be featurettes on people like Sheldon Hall, Peter Lorre, and Burnett Guffy, as well as a limited edition exclusive 100-page book with new essays by Bethan Roberts, Ellen Wright, Sergio Angelini, Paul Duane, Tim Snelson, and Jeff Billington.
Both of these can be pre-ordered from our friends over at Diabolik DVD.
