I Vampiri Blu-ray

'I Vampiri' AKA 'Lust of the Vampire' Director: Riccardo Freda (1957) Radiance Limited Edition Blu-ray | 2K restoration | Region Free | Italian or English w/ English subtitles

A mad scientist captures young women in Paris and drains them of their blood in service of an evil Duchess. 

I vampiri mixes the Bathory and Frankenstein stories to create its gothic tale, Italy’s first horror film. Made as a challenge by Freda at breakneck speed, cinematographer Mario Bava would complete direction and post-production of the film, adding his signature in the process. With its baroque imagery and stunning visuals, I vampiri forged the path for Italian horror and remains a landmark of Italian cinema history.

Limited Edition contents include:
- Alternate presentation of the UK Lust of the Vampire cut, newly transferred for this release from archival materials courtesy of the BFI National Archive (1959, 66 mins)
- Alternate SD presentation of the US The Devil’s Commandment cut (1960, 72 mins)
- Audio commentary by Tim Lucas (2023)
- Bloodthirst - a featurette on the making of the film with Fabio Melelli, Mario Bava and Dario Michaelis (2013, 17 mins)
- Interview with Lamberto Bava (2022, 15 mins)
- Interview with Leon Hunt, author of Mario Bava: The Artisan as Italian Horror Auteur (2024, 21 mins)
- Reversible sleeve featuring artwork based on original posters
- Booklet featuring new writing by Roberto Curti, author of Italian Gothic Horror Films, 1957-1969