In this first unforgettable hit of the BLOOD ISLAND trilogy, legendary Filipino filmmakers Eddie Romero and Gerry de Leon combined ‘50s-style radioactive monster mayhem with taboo-smashing levels of graphic violence, nudity, dwarf-whipping and cuckolding that set insane new standards for drive-in/grindhouse depravity. Hollywood has-been Kent Taylor (BOSTON BLACKIE), former teen heartthrob John Ashley (BEACH BLANKET BINGO) and exotic-dancer-turned-Elvis-squeeze-turned-minister Beverly Powers (KISSIN’ COUSINS, SPEEDWAY) star in this “brutal orgy of ghastly terror” – also known as ISLAND OF LIVING HORROR, JUNGLE FURY and BRIDES OF BLOOD ISLAND – now featuring a 4k scan from a recently discovered 35mm interpositive and presented absolutely uncut for the first time ever!
Jimbo’s Take (3 / 5)
There’s been a lot of chatter about disc #2 of Severin’s new Blood Island Collection, specifically a botched transfer with the new Brides of Blood blu-ray. So let’s tackle the controversy right away so we can move on…
I have mixed feelings about this new scan. One the one hand, definition and detail looks great. Color is rich in many shots. And the man-in-rubber-suit monster looks gloriously bad (yes, that’s a compliment). On the other hand, there are a handful of shots where the contrast seems too high, the image washed out. And the biggest sin is the ill color-timed day-for-night shots.
Severin’s transfer “color corrects” these day-for-night scenes to look like day. At first I thought this was simply a quirk of bad filmmaking. But upon comparing and contrasting with older DVD versions, I discovered that these day-for-night sequences are supposed to be color-timed a darker shade of blue to more appropriately blend with the night shots. It’s a major oversight on Severin’s part, and one you’re going to have to decide to either live with or without.
There is also debate over the aspect ratio of the release. Brides of Blood is presented in a 1.33:1 open matte. There’s argument whether it should be cropped 1.66:1, 1.78:1, 1.85:1 to more accurately represent original intended exhibition. Personally I find many of these arguments pointless and a matter of personal taste.
Is any of this a deal breaker? For video purists, absolutely. For me? The color-timing matter is definitely a bummer, but I think I lean toward forgiveness for everything else. So let’s dive into what I like…
Brides of Blood is de Leon and Romero’s exploitation counterpart to the more sophisticated Terror is a Man. Although the plot for each is very similar – monster on the island, sexually frustrated wife, love triangle between our characters – Brides of Blood ramps up the sex, gore, and cheese. In what many consider the first “official” entry in the Blood Island trilogy, Brides of Blood takes what worked for Terror is a Man and adds cautionary themes of nuclear radioactivity, human sacrifices, and living trees that snatch up victims who venture too close to swinging limbs.
The movie clearly plays more toward the late night, drive-in crowd, appealing to our desires to see schlock and exotic locales. The addition of nudity and blood makes the film more titillating, but may feel tame by today’s standards. But can you imagine what audiences must have felt in 1968? After all, only five years prior had H.G. Lewis driven people mad with his ultra-gory Blood Feast.
However, quality is still high with regard to production and performances. Once again the co-directors get solid performances from the cast. Perhaps not has good as Terror is a Man, but still very good for b-grade horror. Budgets may be low and, with the exception of the monster, everything looks great. Well…there’s also a plastic mannequin head splashed with fake blood that supposed to be a severed head, but just roll with it. After all, if you don’t find these budget quirks endearing, then frankly this isn’t your kind of movie.
And finally, the blu-ray bonus features are fantastic. Many of the extras appear to ported over from earlier DVD releases and alternate documentaries. Completists may want to hang onto their older box sets. Regardless, Severin has done a good job or acquiring these extras for this new release. There’s an excellent audio commentary with Hemisphere Marketing Consultant Samuel M. Sherman. Although Sherman only provides commentary for about half the film, for better of worse. And there’s a series of great archival interviews with Eddie Romero, Beverly Hills (aka Beverly Powers), and Samuel M. Sherman.
Hidden Treasure/Dumpster Fire?
I doubt Brides of Blood has ever looked better and the juxtaposition of day shots and night shots is only slightly more jarring than day-for-night shots against night shots. Still, it is an oversight and one many will expect to be rectified before they buy. Unfortunately, it’s not Severin’s finest work. However, beyond these technical annoyances, the movie is lots of fun and the disc supplements don’t get much better.
Jimbo says: Hidden Treasure!
Jimbo's Take:
(3.0 / 5)
Blu-ray Extras:
(4.0 / 5)
Average:
(3.5 / 5)
Special Features
Audio Commentary with Hemisphere Marketing Consultant Samuel M. Sherman
Jungle Fury: Archival Interview with Co-Director Eddie Romero
Here Comes the Bride: Interview with Hemisphere Marketing Consultant Samuel M. Sherman
Beverly Hills on Blood Island: Interview with Actress Beverly Powers a.k.a. Beverly Hills
Alternate BRIDES OF BLOOD ISLAND Title Sequence and JUNGLE FURY Title Card
Jimbo’s Take 
(3 / 5)
Jimbo’s Take 
Severin’s transfer “color corrects” these day-for-night scenes to look like day. At first I thought this was simply a quirk of bad filmmaking. But upon comparing and contrasting with older DVD versions, I discovered that these day-for-night sequences are supposed to be color-timed a darker shade of blue to more appropriately blend with the night shots. It’s a major oversight on Severin’s part, and one you’re going to have to decide to either live with or without.
Brides of Blood is de Leon and Romero’s exploitation counterpart to the more sophisticated Terror is a Man. Although the plot for each is very similar – monster on the island, sexually frustrated wife, love triangle between our characters – Brides of Blood ramps up the sex, gore, and cheese. In what many consider the first “official” entry in the Blood Island trilogy, Brides of Blood takes what worked for Terror is a Man and adds cautionary themes of nuclear radioactivity, human sacrifices, and living trees that snatch up victims who venture too close to swinging limbs.
However, quality is still high with regard to production and performances. Once again the co-directors get solid performances from the cast. Perhaps not has good as Terror is a Man, but still very good for b-grade horror. Budgets may be low and, with the exception of the monster, everything looks great. Well…there’s also a plastic mannequin head splashed with fake blood that supposed to be a severed head, but just roll with it. After all, if you don’t find these budget quirks endearing, then frankly this isn’t your kind of movie.
(3.0 / 5)
(4.0 / 5)
(3.5 / 5)
