The Three Faces of Fear
Added 10/31/2009
This review is of the European dubbed version (in Italian). "Black Sabbath" was directed by Italian horror master Mario Bava, and it's Italian title is "I tre volti della paura" or "Three Faces of Fear" (released in 1963). I have to say that I loved this trilogy of horror movies - highly atmospheric, chilling and superbly acted and I will definitely add this title to my modest but growing collection of classic horror movies.
In this Italian-dubbed version, horror icon Boris Karloff not only acts but makes an introductory appearance as well as at the end, spouting some tongue-in-cheek lines to great comic effect. What I truly missed here was the original English dialogue, as I did not really fancy listening to Karloff's dubbed over performance. The three stories featured here are supposedly inspired by the works of Maupassant, Chekhov and a certain Alexei Tolstoi. The first story is "The Telephone" featuring an attractive woman, Michele Mercier who finds herself hounded and terrorized by sinister phone calls threatening her life. There is a predictable twist in this story and obvious lesbian overtones. The only thing I liked about this first offering was the credible performance of the lead actress. Her portrayal of fear is real and credible, but the plot is wanting, and all too predictable to sustain my interest.
The second offering is "The Wurdulak" which is actually my favorite of the three ( I notice most of the other reviewers liked the third story the most). A unique twist on the traditional vampire tale, this story portrays the wurdulak as a vampire which thirsts for loved ones who are still living. Boris Karloff plays the role of patriarch of a peasant family in the countryside who has slain a feared wurdulak and who returns to his family after several days in a strange state. The family suspects he has turned into a wurdulak but find themselves unwilling to act. I found this genuinely creepy especially when the wurdulak goes about claiming his victims, one of whom is a young child.
The final story in this DVD version is "The Drop of Water", and yes, it is creepy. In this story, a nurse goes to prepare a recently deceased patient for her funeral, and whilst dressing the dead old lady, finds herself tempted by the beautiful ring on the deceased's finger. The nurse (played convincingly by Jacqueline Pierreux) pockets the ring (well actually she slips it into her blouse) and goes home...but given that the old lady who died was also a practicing medium, well...things don't go too well for the thieving nurse. Many have commented about the creepy-looking corpse, and I agree to some extent... perhaps I've watched too many creepy movies. But the second story still stands as my favorite - the wurdulak as portrayed by Karloff sent chills down my spine, especially in one scene, where he grabs his young grandson and embraces him, there's a certain look of hunger and eagerness there that was almost ghoulish!
"Black Sabbath" is a great trilogy of horror stories, and dare I say, a must-have for fans of horror classics.It has everything a fan desires in period horror - atmosphere, assured direction, engaging plots, and credible acting. Highly recommended!
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This not the AIP version of the movie!!
Added 8/21/2009
One of the best horror movies of all time...but being from the USA, I want the American International Pictures release of this....the music is way better too.
Guys, get your contractual issues resolved so this can be released!!!!!!!!
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Black Sabbath (1964)-Old Time Horror including Karloff!
Added 6/29/2009
Black Sabbath (1964) was a great five star memory for me that goes back to the summer of 64 when I first noticed it playing at the old LUXOR in the Bronx. It was a wonderful film and played out in three parts featuring the great Boris Karloff. As soon as I noticed it would be showing at a midnight opening I went out to see it that very evening by myself. Karloff introduced all three stories and starred in the "Verdilact" which concerned vampires in Europe.
I remember enjoying two out of the three stories tremendously and my solitary walk home when the LUXOR opened its doors to the dark windy streets of New York City. I enjoyed every minute of my walk in the dark relishing every minute I had spent with Karloff and company.
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One Of Bava's Best
Added 4/28/2009
Boris Karloff narrates this film which features three fantastic tales of the macabre. In fact, he even plays a vampire (gasp!) in the third tale.
Black Sabbath is colorful, entertaining, & downright frightful. What more could one ask for in a horror film? Many could even argue this is the best film of Mario Bava's career. I wouldn't go that far as of right now but I do think it's definitely one of the best films he made.
For those looking for a spooktacular flick, look no further. This one is very light on gore & violence but delivers on the suspense level. There is even a tad bit of dark humor displayed in fleeting moments making this one a sure keeper in your dvd collection. From the opening scene to the final clip, you won't be able to keep your eyes off the screen nor will your friends or family. Don't even try.
The first tale "The Telephone" basically is a short Giallo film about a beautiful, young woman receiving menacing phone calls from a man who just recently released from prison. The suspense in this yarn is definitely a great beginning & you would almost believe it to be the greatest although two more tales of terror have yet to reveal their secrets.
The second tale is also near classic. "The Wurdulak" is a gorgeous filmed story about a family whose elder has just become a vampire & is compelled to feast upon the ones he loves. Boris Karloff really took this role as the vampire & ran with it easily making this tale simply amazing.
The last tale is entitled "A Drop of Water" & may very well be the creepiest entry of the trilogy. This one involves a nurse who steals a ring from a recently deceased woman only to be hanuted by her vengeful spirit. As with the other entries, the color here is brilliant & the stories are well-written.
For those interested in great horror films or Italian cinema, this would certainly make a great place to begin.
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FUN OLD FASHIONED HORROR! ....REVIEW FOR THE FILM NOT THE DVD!
Added 3/7/2009
Any film that features Boris Karloff is bound to be a good time! The film is a really 3 short stories and are full of atmosphere and chills. Karloff presents each story and stars in the last one which is a very creepy vampire tale. The other two stories are very good and will leave an impression on you long after watching them.
I'm not sure what this DVD has to offer as I know there are two versions of the film and the one I'm reviewing is the film with Karloff inserted in between the stories.
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