Product Details

• Actors: Jonathon Morris, David Gunn, Kirsten Cerre, Starr Andreeff, Ilinca Goia
• Directors: Ted Nicolaou
• Writers: Ted Nicolaou
• Producers: Charles Band, Kirk Edward Hansen, Oana Paunescu, Vlad Paunescu
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Studio: Full Moon Releasing
• VHS Release Date: July 27, 1999
• Run Time: 82 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304341873
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #332,184 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Director Ted Nicolaou rewrites his original Subspecies story line and transplants it into the urban location of Bucharest, Romania. In this gothic tale, a wandering vampire named Zachary (subtly played by David Gunn) seeks revenge against the clan of vampires who crossed him over from mortal life. The abduction of acquaintance and young concert pianist Sofia (the charming Kirstin Cerre) lures him to the lair of Ash (Jonathon Morris) and his den of vampires living beneath a ritzy nightclub. In an interesting twist, the bloodsuckers do not commonly hunt down their prey in the outside world; rather, they seek them in willing bodies through the club, with whose owner they have dealings. Zachary seeks to free the terrified, imprisoned Sofia, who Ash has crossed over, and put an end to the clan's evil, decadent ways. In some instances, Vampire Journals suffers from melodramatic acting and overwrought dialogue, and conversation dominates overaction, but the combination of exquisite Romanian locations, Adolfo Bartoli's sumptuous cinematography, and Richard Kosinki's moody score will keep you watching. Another striking aspect of the film is that it is shot almost exclusively at nighttime, with the beautiful interiors often bathed in golden light; it offers a good representation of what living in eternal night must be like. --Bryan Reesman

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly the greatest vampire film ever made., November 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Vampire Journals (DVD)

"I am God's most desolate creature"
Some of the lines in this movie are unforgettable. The dialogue is fantastic and moving. I love these first person narratives, they just don?t make enough movies like this anymore. Those who read books and enjoy the classic vampire tales will love this one. It is the most under-rated film I have yet come across. Ash and Zachary are played to the hilt by a few actors I would like to see a lot more of, these are some talented people. The cinematography, the setting, the atmosphere is perfection brought to life. Somebody put a lot of work and love into this film and it shows. The use of shadows and shadowy movement is reminiscent of the very first Nosferatu; it doesn't get more classic than that. "Vampire Journals" appeals to a more mature audience. They are not going for eye popping special effects, and heart-stopping action with this movie. Though the special effects that do exist are very well done. Nothing in this movie looks "cheap" or fake. If you like action and vampires checkout Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Blade 1 and 2. But if you are more drawn to films like Interview with a Vampire, you will really like this one.

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only one thing is for certain......, December 10, 1999

By 

Georgia McCarthy (Gulfport, MS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vampire Journals (DVD)

I am a little biased, because David Gunn is one of my favorite actors. The story was somewhat stereotypical in the fact that it was gothic, but the setting in Romania and the filming of it was superb. The story is about a romantic man(he writes poetry--how great is that!)who was turned into a vampire by his sire Serena. He vows to take revenge on the bloodline that made him what he is and killed his fiancee. The most powerful one is Ash, a music lover that falls in love with a pianist named Sofia(played by Kirsten Cerre).Zachary(Gunn)tries to use Sofia as bait while he kills Ash with the holy Blade of Laertes, but the twists come in here. There is plenty of vampiric adventure. A bit of nudity and gore(check out the fireplace scene at Club Muse) It is a beautiful story of a humanist abomination and is set in modern times(unlike Christopher Lee's films). A terrific movie and one that you will fall in love with. But, like I said, I am a little biased.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gothic Perfection, April 18, 2003

By 

B. Newby "spikescreed" (any town, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vampire Journals (DVD)

Modern goth films seem to be solely based on a trend of pumping their soundtracks full of shoddy, unimaginative mainstream metal and Ozzfest wannabe bands. This film, however, is a breath of fresh air. Not only is Ted Nicolau's script well written and air tight, his direction is the best that one could possibly hope for from any director. Coupling a great cast with top-notch cinematography and lighting, this film will renew anyone's lost faith in modern vampire films. David Gunn is remarkable as Zachary, a tortured vampire. The characters are briefly but well developed. The plot is rich with bold lines and tense dialogue. And for those who love the gore, this movie has it all. Certainly a gem for anyone's horror collection.