Customer Reviews

Vampire Circus

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Perhaps Hammer Films most under appreciated gem - probably due to the hack editing job 20th Century Fox did on the film for it's US release. Inarguably one of the ten best vampire films ever made, it is presented here with every graphic frame of horror and nudity intact. Until the US rights holder (presumably MGM) releases a version (and assuming they do it right) this import version from Brazil will please even the more discriminating horror film collectors. The 16x9 transfer is pleasing though sometimes a little dark. Remember (in spite of the graphic content that was ahead of it's time) this movie was released in 1971. This is as good as I have ever seen VAMPIRE CIRCUS look on video. The packaging and menu are in Portuguese but the disc - by default in fact - plays in English and without subtitles. If you have been looking for this film or are a fan of Hammer Horror - or horror/vampire films in general - you should add this treasure to your collection without hesitation.

VAMPIRE CIRCUS is another great early 70's title from Hammer Productions. Featuring a gangbusters cast and a solid story premise from screenwriter Judson Kinberg (based on the story by Wilbur Stark), it's one of the most hypnotic vampire tales you'll ever encounter.

In a small Serbian village, the townsfolk murder evil vampire Count Mitterhaus (Robert Tayman) after it's discovered he has been killing local children with the help of the schoolmaster's wife (Domini Blythe). Several years later, a troupe of circus entertainers arrive in the village, and the cycle of horror starts once more. Out to avenge the death of Mitterhaus, his distant cousin Emil (Anthony Higgins) and a mysterious gypsy maiden (Adrienne Corri) have a score to settle. But why does it involve innocent Dora (Lynne Frederick)?

Shape-shifting vampires and colourful circus illusions make VAMPIRE CIRCUS one of the bright spots at a time when Hammer Studios was starting to struggle in it's attempts to maintain popularity. Anthony Higgins makes for one helluva sexy vampire; he's matched every step of the way by Adrienne Corri. Fans of the unappreciated Lynne Frederick (sadly more associated by being the last Mrs Peter Sellers than by her film work) will adore her as the virginal heroine Dora. A mop-haired John Moulder Brown, costumed in such a way that makes him resemble Roman Polanski circa. "The Fearless Vampire Killers", is an unlikely hero but pairs well with Ms Frederick.

If you love Hammer movies, you'll definitely like VAMPIRE CIRCUS. It's hard to find at the moment, but worth the effort.

Beautifully Filmed!!! Wonderful vampire characters. The best vampire film to date

This is a spectacular Hammer Movie I really Loved It. The Criterion Collection Needs to get of hold of this Movie. I Highly Recommend This Movie.......................

"Vampire Circus" is a non-stop, action packed film from Hammer Productions. This gothic horror masterpiece has a high body count, complex plot, plenty of gore, and a dash of nudity. Count Mitterhaus, a vampire, vows revenge when the villagers of Schtettle stake him for murdering their children. Fifteen years later, a mysterious plague strikes the village which is quarantined. Somehow, the "Circus of Nights" is able to make it through the barricades. This circus consists of some very diabolical vampires, relatives of Mitterhaus, who have a total disregard for human life, even the lives of the humans who aid them. Furthermore, these are no ordinary vampires; they are shape shifters with the power to morph into bats, black panthers, etc.

The acting is superb from all the leads, including John Moulder-Brown of "The House That Screamed," Lynne Frederick of "Schizo," and David Prowse who is the circus strongman. Prowse was the man behind the mask of Darth Vader in the original "Star Wars" trilogy. The sets and costumes are elaborate and gorgeous. "Vampire Circus" is no low budget production; a lot of money was spent on bringing it to life.

The audio and video of this DVD from LW Editora Ltd., Brasil, are excellent. The quality is as good as any I've seen from Anchor Bay, Blue Underground, MGM, or Paramount. The menu is easy to operate; much easier than I had thought. This DVD of one of the greatest Hammer Productions is well worth the purchase. Who knows when or if it will ever be released in the United States. It is highly recommended for anyone who craves gothic and/or vampire horror, or collects films made by Hammer Productions.

Hammer's vampire film was edited to ribbons back in 1972 to get a PG rating (the British rating was an X). It was cut by at least 5 minutes and was incomprehensible. I originally saw it on TV where it was edited even more and a total mess. FINALLY we have this beautiful uncut DVD. It's an import but the picture is crystal clear and the sound is perfect. The film itself was plagued by problems. It was considered TOO graphic (children are killed ON SCREEN) and the director didn't even film a few key scenes! Hammer got it in as good a condition as was possible. It is a little choppy and there are plot holes but the acting is great, the plot unique (the characters being able to turn into animals--and vice versa) and the blood and dead bodies are just piled on. This has GOT to easily be the most vicious film Hammer ever released. A must for all Hammer and vampire movie fans. Highly recommended.

I watched this movie at a very young age and it really gave me a scare. If I ever come across this movie I will surely show my kids what they have missed in great movies.

I have seen all of the vampire movies that Hammer has put out and this one ranks at the top. I do enjoy "some" of the Christopher Lee movies, Vampire Lovers, Twins of Evil and others, but the story and characters make this movie the top of the Hammer food chain. Vampire Circus is one helluva ride. If this movie ever gets put on dvd here in the U.S., I am definitely buying it.

Before House of Wax or Staying Alive or any of these movies came to theatre, this movie is what you will actually call horror in every sense of the word, believe me when I tell you that

This atmospheric and somewhat surreal early 70s Hammer Horror is easily one of the best vampire films I've seen, and may be the best Hammer film ever made. Lacking some of the camp that many of the titles accidentally have (in retrospect), this story is dark and sinister and surprisingly grim. One of the earliest vampire films to feature a group or coven of vampires rather than the one "Count" or "Countess", this movie really sets aside many of the archetypal vampire conventions (although using many others to great effect) and gives the audience something new and frightening, splashed on the screen in the always fetching palette of Hammer color energizing the classic set-pieces.
This is a must-see for any fan of Hammer Horror or vampire movies in general.