VAMP: NICE MIX OF HORROR AND COMEDY

I’ve noted before that in the 80s there was a glut of horror films being made. It was like they’d suddenly become acceptable by then, the children hidden away and referred to only on special occasions. The rise of the horror movie at this time has led to the genre becoming what it is today, more mainstream than since the days of the classic Universal horror films.

The only problem back then was that not all of those films were great. Some were but most qualified as mediocre. Then there were movies like VAMP that did well enough but dropped into the cult status rather than box office mega hit.

The story follows two young pledges to a fraternity, Keith (Chris Makepeace) and AK (Robert Rusler). Their final task to achieve membership is to provide “special” entertainment for the frat’s big bash. Of course AJ, the easy going slick talker of the two, decides that the best option is to head to the big city and pick up a few strippers to bring back. With rich pledge Duncan in tow (Gedde Watanabe) they’re off and running.

The problems begin when the trio find a local strip joint without realizing that all of the girls dancing there are actually vampires. When the vampire queen Katrina (Grace Jones) puts AJ under her spell, he ends up becoming one of the vampires as well. With the help of a waitress named Amaretto (Deedee Pfeiffer) Keith tries to escape along with Duncan. But thing, as they say, don’t go according to plans.

The movie was a fun film, offering just the right touch of humor to the horror to make a film unlike any other. This nice blend offered some moments that would make the least regular horror fan jump while the die-hards chuckled at their shock. The laughs were not belly laughs but enough to make you smile and have a good time watching.

Makepeace at the time was coming off of earlier hits like MEATBALLS and MY BODYGUARD as a child and trying to shoot for more mature roles. Hitting a strip club was a change of pace in seeing him. Rusler had already hit the horror market as a cast member in NIGHTMATER OF ELM STREET 2. And Jones we making her mark on movies at the time, something she never really pursued strongly after just a few films.

All in all the movie offered great entertainment which is what they were shooting for. Fans discovered it on cable and video and it was more popular after its initial release than during. Since then fans have been hoping for more and now they have it since Arrow Video has released it with a special version.

Start with the fact that this is a new digital transfer. Included in the extras are the documentary ONE OF THESE NIGHTS: THE MAKING OF VAMP, behind the scenes rehearsals, a blooper reel, an image gallery, DRACULA BITES THE BIG APPLE a celebrated short film from director Richard Wenk and a reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Twins of Evil.

Arrow comes through once again with a solid take on a movie most would find unworthy of special attention. As always it shows why they are one of the best companies around when it comes to material like this.

Click here to order.