Welcome to one of the main features of 'Castle Dracula,' the movie reviews section.
The reviews placed here are from all around the world, from the USA to the UK Japan
and everything inbetween. The formats reviewed are video and DVD. I have included the
origin of the film reviewed so you can check your player for compatibility. You may
also notice that there are some DVD-R reviews. These are not 'bootlegs' or 'copies'
but official screeners that I have been sent containing an as yet unreleased film to 
review. All the reviews here have been reviewed either by myself or my current movie 
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as an official 'staff member' reviewing them. To do so, just click on the 'Join My Staff'
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New reviews are normally placed here once a week, check my front page for under 'Castle
Dracula Updates' to see what latest movie reviews have been placed.

- The Black Cat - US DVD - 

Creepy outcast 'Miles' (Patrick Magee from "A Clockwork Orange"), spends his nights 
recording the voices of the dead in his local cemetery, searching for clues that 
will explain what lies beyond our realm. A pretty photographer, 'Jill' (Mimsy Farmer
from "Autopsy"), is working in the same small town and finds herself drawn to Miles 
and his unusual power. Equally drawn to her, he confides in her that his cat is evil 
and will eventually kill him. She is dubious of his unlikely story, but when those 
close to 'Miles' begin turning up dead, she starts to wonder if his extraordinary 
powers don’t belie something more sinister. 'Inspector Gorley' (David Warbeck of 
"The Beyond"), arrives and helps her put the pieces of the supernatural mystery 
together. 
"Video Watchdog" once wrote "if the eyes are the windows to the soul, then Lucio 
Fulci is the ultimate voyeur." Truer words have never been spoken of this sometimes 
underrated director. Prime example, "The Black Cat." Fulci’s infamous eye close-ups 
take on another meaning here with man against cat. 'Magee’s' tortured eyes against 
the cats striking stares make for a nice juxtaposition. Though a bit overused at 
times, it still creates an ambience of evil, but who is the malevolent one?
Made before "The Beyond," "The Black Cat" is an important addition to Fulci’s giallo 
offerings if only to prove that he had a sure hand in creating atmospheric scenes 
that didn’t involve zombies. This movie is more of an exercise in ambiance than it 
is an all out gore-fest, which may be why most die hard Fulci fans were disappointed.
Making the most of the palatial locales, cinematographer Sergio Salvati’s flowing 
camera work captures the beauty and danger of life in a small town. The great Pino 
Dinaggio also adds an extra touch of class with his beautiful score.
The two heroes are amiable, with Warbeck adding that extra bit of charm that made 
him a star in Italian cinema. They express a nice chemistry for each other, though 
the love angle falls a bit weak.
It’s just a shame that both Fulci and Warbeck disowned this film. Neither lived long 
enough to see the warm reception fans have been giving it since its release on 'Anchor 
Bay DVD' in 2000. Lovingly remastered and released in its proper widescreen format, 
"The Black Cat" has never looked better. By no means a perfect film, the confusing 
story and sometimes leisurely pacing prevent that, it’s still a nice little piece 
of moody filmmaking that deserves another look. 

Reviewed By Amanda By Night

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