Disc Reviews

Theatre Of Blood Blu-ray Review

• 18th May 2014

‘Theatre of Blood’ is probably one of the greatest horror comedies ever made, not bad for a London based production with a very limited budget in a time where the British film industry was really struggling. The script is highly original, daring and very funny, allowing star Vincent Price to ham it up with great abandon and the stellar British supporting cast some spectacularly gruesome deaths. Price always maintained this was his favourite role, and you can really see his enjoyment in every scene. Part of this could be that he had the chance to play some roles from Shakespeare to a captive audience, something that he longed to do in life but never had the chance due to the restrictions of taking a long time out from movie making and the low wages of working in theatre.

‘Theatre of Blood’  (originally called ‘Much Ado About Murder’) is a revenge comedy full of horror, as slighted actor Edward Lionheart played by Price fakes his own death after being passed up for an award by theatre critics, returning in disguise (including a ridiculous turn as a gay hairdresser called Butch) to wreak his vengeance on them all by killing each one in gruesome manner copied from a Shakespeare play. Whilst all the executions are nasty and darkly macabre the film has a light tone that you just can’t help but go along with, supporting Lionheart and enjoying every minute of it. It is certainly not the most intellectual, well produced or skilfully made film, and some of it is incredibly daft, but it just works. Strongly supported by the likes of Diana Rigg (who is just magnificent), Jack Hawkins, Eric Sykes and Arthur Lowe, Price really shows his skill at tragi-comedy and a glimpse as to just what we have missed by never seeing him take on some of those amazing Shakespearean roles in real life.

The Special features are well considered and well made. By far the best of the bunch is the inspired casting of The League of Gentlemen’ for the audio commentary which is absolutely brilliant and laugh out loud funny. I loved it. Also included is ‘A Priceless Pot-Boiler’, a short documentary where Victoria Price discusses the film and her father’s experience of making it, ‘A Fearful Thespian’, a penetrating interview with film historian David del Valle discussing Price in the film and ‘Stage Reaction’, an interesting interview with actress Madeline Smith. Along with the obligatory high quality collectors booklet, also included is a short interview with Michael J.Lewis, the films composer and charming eccentric along with the original trailer. The trailer was hilarious as it removes all suspense by showing all of the deaths including Price’s, which I’m sure would not be the way they would choose to promote it nowadays! A very nice crisp print of an absolute cult horror comedy classic.

“Alive and triumphant. And you thought me slain? Lionheart is immortal!”

Claire Hyypiä