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Stars: Barry Sullivan, Norma Bengell, Ivan Rassimov, Ángel Aranda, Evi Marandi, Franco Andrei, Federico Boido, Mario Morales | Written by Ib Melchior, Alberto Bevilacqua, Callisto Cosulich, Mario Bava, Antonio Roman, Rafael J. Salvia | Directed by Mario Bava

Mario Bava, often celebrated as a master of Gothic horror and Italian genre cinema, brought to life a diverse array of films that showcased his visual ingenuity and flair for mood and atmosphere. Planet of the Vampires, a standout entry in the realm of science fiction horror, epitomizes Bava’s commitment to stylistic audacity and thematic exploration. This review examines how this film fits into and enriches Bava’s oeuvre, highlighting the characteristics that align with his broader body of work.

Bava’s films are renowned for their distinctive visual style, characterized by deep chiaroscuro lighting, saturated colour palettes, and intricate set designs. Planet of the Vampires is no exception, showcasing these traits within the context of a futuristic,...

There’s no getting around it — Mario Bava’s one space opera is now confirmed as a classic. Barry Sullivan and Norma Bengell must oppose invisible aliens that possess the corpses of their fellow space men. Bava’s ‘gothic’ Haunted Planet recipe just adds more weird colored lights and swirling fog to his supernatural Gothic formula. The designs are excellent and the results unique, from the odd spacecraft to the kinky costumes. The show is also genuinely influential, as should be well known to every fan of more modern sci-fi / horror films. The new HD remaster is an improvement, too!

Planet of the Vampires

Blu-ray

Kl Studio Classics

1965 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 88 min. / Terrore nello spazio, Planet of Blood, The Demon Planet / Street Date July 26, 2022 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95

Starring: Barry Sullivan, Norma Bengell, Ángel Aranda, Evi Marandi, Stelio Candelli, Franco Andrei, Fernando Villena, Mario Morales, Ivan Rassimov.

Cinematography: Antonio Rinaldi,...

Confined to the walls of a spaceship with the same crew for days on end could cause irritability in some people, but it’s odd to be at each other’s throats after finally landing on your destined planet. For the astronauts aboard the Galliot in Mario Bava’s Planet of the Vampires (1965), the passing chaos onboard is only the beginning of a nightmare that waits outside. Regarded as a cult classic, Planet of the Vampires is heading to Blu-ray just in time for Halloween.

Slated for a tentative October 28th unveiling on Blu-ray and DVD from Scorpion Releasing, Planet of the Vampires will include yet-to-be-revealed extras. Directed by Italian filmmaker Mario Bava, this 1965 sci-fi fright flick stars Barry Sullivan, Norma Bengell, Ángel Aranda, Evi Marandi, and Stelio Candelli. For those unfamiliar, here’s the official synopsis (courtesy of Blu-ray.com!):

“In the near future the two spaceships Argos...