Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Collection Recommendation: Mr. Lobo's Cinema Insomnia Easter Special (Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter)

 

For a derisive, Easter nod, Mr. Lobo's Cinema Insomnia presents director Lee Gordon (Harry Knuckles and the Treasure of the Aztec Mummy) Demarbre's epic hodgepodge-crossover, Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter, on searing Blu-ray. 

This highly "misunderstood", Canadian, musical oddity, scripted with much dry wit by Ian Driscoll, stars Phil Caracas as Christ, who uses kung fu to protect his fallen flock (lesbians) from vampire attacks in broad daylight. Yep, pretty original, even if the concept could maybe, just maybe, rub some the wrong way.

Even so, this bloodsucking extravaganza plays a lot like Brian Clemens' Hammer classic, Captain Kronos--Vampire Hunter (give or take), using much the same swashbuckling spark to get its ostentatious point across. It's also strengthened by Graham Collins' pulsating, electronic score and quite an eclectic supporting cast: Jeff Moffett as El Santo, Tim Devries as Father Eustace, Maria Moulton as Mary Magnum, Murielle Murhelyi as Maxine Shreck, Josh Grace as Dr. Praetorious and writer Driscoll as Johnny Golotha.

To add to the hippity-hoppity outrageousness, Mr. Lobo (who conducts a blessed interview with director Demarbre, in addition to serving scrumptious, Easter-candy segments) is joined by El Santo, The Easter Bunny (Kogarella, aka Dixie Dellamorto), Miss Mittens and Countess Bloodsugar (the vivacious Jessie Seeherman), who make the religious fervor all the more, well, offbeat. 

BTW: There are, in fact, two Blu-rays available on Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter: the Cinema Insomnia Easter edition, as well CI producer Aaron Lane's restored version of the film, with tip-top, color correction. A heap of extras are also contained by Mr. Lane, including commentary with cast and crew. Order a copy of this wacky original at  

https://cinemainsomnia.com/

No comments:

Post a Comment