When it comes to pop culture every country has their heroes and villains. The British gave us James Bond. The U.S. had Davy Crockett. The French provided Barbarella. But in Mexico the one hero who stood above the rest was El Santo, the famed luchador or masked wrestler.
Referred to as one of the greatest legends in Mexican sport, El Santo was the ring name for famed luchador Rudolfo Huerta. First wrestling in the 1930s and continues to do so for the next 50 years. Huerta used his popularity to move from the wrestling ring into films in 1952 along with a comic book series at the same time. The films were immensely successful and resulted in the character appearing or co-starring in 52 films.
For the most part these films haven’t been as hugely successful here in the U.S. as they were in other countries. But along with the long neglected horror films that found their core audience when they arrived in TV the Santo films followed. A growing legion of fans became enamored of the character and the films. But no one had ever done them justice when it came to releasing them on tape or later disc. Until now.
VCI has done a remarkable job of gathering together some of the best of the Santo films. If you’re a fan there is a chance you won’t get your favorite here but then again who knows. For those who have never seen a Santo film be prepared to have a laugh, see some excitement and get a glimpse at the wrestling star of the past. This set contains 8 of those 52 films out there and is a great way to be exposed to El Santo.
The eight films included in this box set are SANTO IN THE WAX MUSEUM (1963), SANTO IN THE TREASURE OF DRACULA - (1969), SANTO VS THE RIDERS OF TERROR (1970), SANTO in THE VENGEANCE OF THE MUMMY (1971), SANTO VS FRANKENSTEIN'S DAUGHTER (1972), SANTO & BLUE DEMON VS DRACULA AND THE WOLFMAN (1973), SANTO & BLUE DEMON VS DR. FRANKENSTEIN (1974), SANTO and MANTEQUILLA NAPOLES in THE REVENGE OF LA LLORONA (THE CRYING WOMAN) (1074). As you can see El Santo had a thing for fighting many of the mainstream monster that have found their way to film.
The first film, SANTO IN THE WAX MUSEUM, was actually the eighth film made featuring the character. But it gives a great start to those left unexposed to the hero. The early films featured the character as a hero in the ring who was also an investigator outside. No explanation was given for him wearing the mask even when not wrestling but who cared? In this film he’s looking into kidnappings taking place. It all leads to an evil doctor (aren’t they all?) who is using these people for his experiments. Only Santo and his wrestling skills can stop him.
As the series progressed Santo not only was a skilled wrestler and investigator, he was a scientists and inventor as well. This is apparent in the second film here SANTI IN THE TREASURE OF DRACULA where he invents a time machine. An interesting note about this film is that there are two version, both included here. One was made for U.S. audiences and the other for European audiences. The difference was that nudity was added for the foreign market.
Each film features the efforts of Santo to bring justice to whatever situation presents itself. And in each one he uses his wrestling skills in one way or another. Right always defeats wrong, the day is saved and Santo moves on to the next case.
These films are not to be taken seriously. While watching I was reminded of that other pop icon of the sixties, Batman. This was a time of brilliant color schemes and over the top acting accompanied by witty barbs traded back and forth as opposed to the brooding dark knight we now have. Santo reminded me of those days with a character that was over the top and fun as opposed to a darker character. These films are light and entertaining without a care in the world what anyone thought of them. I think it is because of that attitude that the film were so popular and remain so to this day.
VCI has
done an amazing job with this release. All eight films have been restored in 4K
from the original 35mm negatives and presented in widescreen on Blu-ray and
DVD. Each film is also presented with new, or restored English soundtracks.
Extras include the featurette “The
History of the Cardona Family and Mexican Cinema”, special video Intros to each
movie by film historian Dr. David Wilt, a liner notes collectible booklet
written by Dr. David Wilt, a video Interview with René Cardona III, and an
extensive photo/poster gallery. Not only has VCI brought the films back to
life, they’ve done themselves proud by the product they have to offer here. The
box set is limited to 2,000 so if you want one order it now!
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