Horror Express (1972)
Studio: CAV/Severin
Theatrical Release: October 1972 (Spain)
Blu Ray Release: November 29, 2011
Director: Eugenio Martin
R
Review by James Klein
If you are looking for a good winter horror film, I present Horror Express. While the film doesn't have too many winter sequences, its claustrophobic feel is perfect for those who are sick of watching The Shining for the 10,000 time. And how can you go wrong with a film that stars Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Telly Savalas?
It's the turn of the century and anthropologist Professor Saxton (Lee) has found a frozen missing link. He is trying to transport the creature via train on the Trans-Siberian Express when he runs into rival Dr. Wells (Cushing) who seems to get a kick out of getting under the skin of the ultra-serious Professor Saxton by making jokes at his expense and even trying to take a look at the monster. Lucky for him he doesn't get a look at the monster because when one does look at the creature, ones eyes will bleed and blindness sets in and then soon...death. When the creature thaws and is set loose, everyone on the train is at risk in getting killed (or turned into a zombie, yes this turns into a zombie film at one point) by this shape shifting monster.
Horror Express is a bit ridiculous and while the film doesn't take itself too seriously, it never quite drifts into self parody. When it becomes apparent that this missing link can change into any passenger on the train, Dr. Wells proclaims that it can't happen to himself or the Professor because they are British. It's dialog like this that makes this horror film have a witty sense of humor without submerging too much into the comedy. Even the very small role by Telly Savalas as a crazed police officer has a few intentionally funny lines that had me laughing.
But this is not to say Horror Express is a comedy. There are some pretty creepy moments, especially when brains start to be sucked out and a creepy monk willing to give up his belief for the monster. Horror Express uses plenty of close ups while building a claustrophobic tone that has the viewer believing that there is no hope or escape.
Severin has once again unearthed a rare and much loved cult horror film from their vaults and one should feel happy that this fun monster movie is now on blu ray/ DVD but I must say the print they have acquired looks downright terrible. The film has plenty of scratches and often times the color tones drift from overly bright to downright murky. DNR is also apparent, to the point of annoyance. Severin has had problems in the past as some of their blu ray's have looked lousy (Screwballs) while others have looked great (The Stunt Man, Loose Screws). I hate to say anything bad about this company as they have really gone out of their way in giving movie buffs some great titles. Severin does try to make up for the crummy picture quality by offering a wide variety of special features with interviews by director Martin, producer Bernard Gordon and composer John Cacavas. There is also an 80 minute audio interview with Peter Cushing from 1973 that plays over the film, like an audio commentary.
If one can get past the disappointing picture quality, Horror Express is a blast. Filled with creepy atmosphere, a light comedic tone, and some excellent genre actors, this is a film that really shouldn't be missed.
[Rating: 4]
Theatrical Release: October 1972 (Spain)
Blu Ray Release: November 29, 2011
Director: Eugenio Martin
R
Review by James Klein
If you are looking for a good winter horror film, I present Horror Express. While the film doesn't have too many winter sequences, its claustrophobic feel is perfect for those who are sick of watching The Shining for the 10,000 time. And how can you go wrong with a film that stars Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Telly Savalas?
It's the turn of the century and anthropologist Professor Saxton (Lee) has found a frozen missing link. He is trying to transport the creature via train on the Trans-Siberian Express when he runs into rival Dr. Wells (Cushing) who seems to get a kick out of getting under the skin of the ultra-serious Professor Saxton by making jokes at his expense and even trying to take a look at the monster. Lucky for him he doesn't get a look at the monster because when one does look at the creature, ones eyes will bleed and blindness sets in and then soon...death. When the creature thaws and is set loose, everyone on the train is at risk in getting killed (or turned into a zombie, yes this turns into a zombie film at one point) by this shape shifting monster.
Horror Express is a bit ridiculous and while the film doesn't take itself too seriously, it never quite drifts into self parody. When it becomes apparent that this missing link can change into any passenger on the train, Dr. Wells proclaims that it can't happen to himself or the Professor because they are British. It's dialog like this that makes this horror film have a witty sense of humor without submerging too much into the comedy. Even the very small role by Telly Savalas as a crazed police officer has a few intentionally funny lines that had me laughing.
But this is not to say Horror Express is a comedy. There are some pretty creepy moments, especially when brains start to be sucked out and a creepy monk willing to give up his belief for the monster. Horror Express uses plenty of close ups while building a claustrophobic tone that has the viewer believing that there is no hope or escape.
Severin has once again unearthed a rare and much loved cult horror film from their vaults and one should feel happy that this fun monster movie is now on blu ray/ DVD but I must say the print they have acquired looks downright terrible. The film has plenty of scratches and often times the color tones drift from overly bright to downright murky. DNR is also apparent, to the point of annoyance. Severin has had problems in the past as some of their blu ray's have looked lousy (Screwballs) while others have looked great (The Stunt Man, Loose Screws). I hate to say anything bad about this company as they have really gone out of their way in giving movie buffs some great titles. Severin does try to make up for the crummy picture quality by offering a wide variety of special features with interviews by director Martin, producer Bernard Gordon and composer John Cacavas. There is also an 80 minute audio interview with Peter Cushing from 1973 that plays over the film, like an audio commentary.
If one can get past the disappointing picture quality, Horror Express is a blast. Filled with creepy atmosphere, a light comedic tone, and some excellent genre actors, this is a film that really shouldn't be missed.
[Rating: 4]
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