Customer Reviews

Blood, Boobs & Beast

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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If you're a fan of low budget horror movies (and I assume you are if you've stumbled upon this DVD) this documentary is a very interesting look into the very interesting life of one of it's favorite children: effects mastermind Don Dohler. Even if you don't know too much about the genre, there is enough going here to keep you interested, and maybe make you want to look into seeing some cheap blood and gore flicks.

Whether you love, hate, or don't know of Don Dohler, it remains a fact that he was a remarkable figure who was an innovative and influential independent filmmaker. This is a great documentary that will teach something to newcomers to Dohler and devotees alike.

I confess that I have sometimes been hard on Don Dohler's films in the past, but this documentary gave me new appreciation for the man behind the features. Don Dohler was a Baltimore resident with a passion for low-budget films. When he started making his own movies few people noticed, but now he has a sincere cult following in B-movie circles that lives on even after his 2006 death. I am not a particular fan of Troma releases, but was pleased to see them behind this worthy and sensitive documentary. The documentary, despite being a bit long, is generally quite well made. The interviews with Dohler and associates were well done, and the vintage footage used well supports the central points of the film. Even though I found the documentary as released a bit lengthy, the deleted scenes were also extremely interesting, and if you are interested in Dohler or independent cinema, they are mandatory viewing. I was especially pleased that the filmmakers fleshed out the essential character of Dohler rather than simply concentrating on the films he made. I was genuinely touched to watch Dohler care for his mentally disabled sister Joy with such obvious love and compassion, and found it interesting to try and reconcile the quiet, affable, rather shy man with his films, some of which are masterpieces of low-budget mayhem.

On the downside, the commentary for the documentary is greatly off-putting. It opens with the three principals deciding they needed to order a pizza, and then deciding what should be on it and other logistics of pizza ordering. It went downhill from there. I normally love commentary tracks, but watch them for their insights not their cuisine selection. Feel free to skip this one.

On the other hand, the set includes a second DVD with "Nightbeast," one of Dohler's earlier films and an excellent commentary track from Dohler himself on it. Note that "Nightbeast" was released in 1982 and the commentary was done in 2004: it's interesting particularly for Dohler's ability to deliver a long-term retrospective viewpoint to the track. The DVD also includes the original "Nightbeast" trailer and bloopers from the film, although the bloopers aren't as entertaining as you would expect.

Don Dohler made movies ranging from strangely brilliant to downright terrible, but he was a true independent filmmaker that realized his own cinematic visions, and the industry needs more people like him. If I had to sum up Dohler's collected films, I'd simply call them "B-movies with heart." This is a great documentary on a truly original filmmaker, and I am grateful I watched it, despite the typically tasteless introduction from Lloyd Kaufman.

I was very excited to see the documentary, having been a life-long fan of Don Dohler and his wonderfully entertaining low budget films. Blood Boobs and Beasts is a very well done film that captures the man and his films in a informing and entertaining way. I highly recommend this film for any fan of the low budget horror/sci-fi genres or any one else who just likes a good entertaining film. I very much hope they can get the distribution they need so more people can see this film. I have been telling everyone I know to look for it. Kudos to John Kinhart for putting this together, great to see a Harford County local do so well.

If you appreciate filmmaking, get this movie. Don Dohler was an unappreciated genius, and this documentary will show you what he was all about. This proves you don't need to be a rich known Hollywood director to be a successful filmmaker.

As someone who wants to make movies, and loves movies, it's great to see a documentary about a guy who really loved what he was doing. Even if some of his movies were terrible, he also made some cult classics. BB&B is a testament to Dohler who really seemed to have the time of his life doing what so many of dream we could do, make movies. Check it out, it is one of the best titles Troma has in its collection.

This is a great film. I really enjoyed it. Dohler was a genius. He should have been more famous but he showed that you can be a filmmaker and still live in your home town! His ventures into publishing are also interesting. I loved Cinemagic magazine when I was a kid making Super 8 movies. I was lucky enough to speak with Dohler once and he was very nice to me and encouraged films made outside of the Hollywood machine. If you like horror films or just want to aquaint yourself with the life a fascinating man, this movie is a must see!

Even if horror isn't your cup of tea this is a wonderful, engaging film. Dohler's personal story is moving & fascinating.