Why So Blu?

The Return of Count Yorga (Blu-ray Review)

When the overlord of the damned rises again to prowl the shadows, who will stand against The Return Of Count Yorga? Robert Quarry is back as one of the most dapper vampires to ever set up shop in California in this thrilling sequel that really raises the stakes.  A horrifying love story… with bite! Scream Factory proudly presents The Return of Count Yorga in its North American Blu-ray debut on October 13, 2015. The sequel to the hit 1970 original film Count Yorga, Vampire, the Deathmaster makes his triumphant return in this release, complete with special features including an audio commentary with film historian Steve Haberman and actor Rudy De Luca (Dracula: Dead and Loving It).  Featuring Mariette Hartley, Roger Perry and Craig T. Nelson in his screen debut, this biting vampire flick will thrill you horror fans…Yorga-nna love this one.

Film 

Revived by the well-known supernatural properties of the Santa Ana winds, our undead leading man takes to the streets with an unquenchable thirst. In search of new blood, Yorga moves next door to an orphanage. But when he crosses paths with a beautiful young woman, the Count’s thoughts turn to love. Has the ruler of the night finally found the girl with whom he can share eternity?

The first film, Count Yorga, Vampire was a pretty solid hit with audiences.  That film actually influenced the bigger vampire franchise of the time, the Hammer-Christopher Lee-led one.  Following the the first Yorga film and this one, those films decided to jump in time from the more romantic period pieces to modern day one.  Hence, Dracula AD 1972 was the first Hammer Dracula film post-Yorga.

Yorga’s sequel is a bit less patient of a film and remembers that people probably saw the first one.  It gets to the goods right away.  We don’t exactly follow right where we left off from the previous film, it seems that some time has passed.  From the opening credits we have vampire brides rising from graves and a home invasion from the vampires.  Some of this is truly horrifying stuff, to be quite honest.  Vampire brides tend to attack like zombies feeding on human flesh.  Its gruesome without being over the top on the gore or prosthetic effects.

What’s cool about the second Yorga jaunt, is that the film holds up very much on its own.  And where I think this film excels, is that it doesn’t have to include much exposition and slowly trod out details and explanations of Count Yorga’s origins.  This one can just get right to it.  And its not an inaugural journey against him.  Things move a bit better and the film digs further into creepiness and vampire attacks.  Is the first film “technically” better?  Yes, probably.  But The Return of Count Yorga is one that I think entertains much better and moves quicker.

The Yorga films are pretty much a modern Dracula tale with the name changed, but they hold up on their own and add plenty in their own right.  Both the first and Return are more entertaining than the lesser of the Hammer output, that’s for sure.  Yorga himself is no Christopher Lee, but he’s fine enough and really makes these work.  This second film, while maybe a little looser and rougher than the first, I think is better in terms of horror entertainment offerings.

Video 

Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC

Resolution: 1080p

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Clarity/Detail:  This is a really solid image featuring a look that I feel would be complimentary to the film’s 1970s theatrical presentation.  Its as sharp as it could be.  Scream Factory doesn’t appear to have tampered with it at all.  It looks natural to its source elements, but with a much cleaner and detailed look.

Depth:  This is decent looking, but more on the flat side.  Some moments impress.  Movements are smooth and cinematic.

Black Levels: Blacks are accurate and show more grain in lower lit scenes.  Some detail is hidden in darker sequences on black hair, clothing and surfaces.  No crushing witnessed.

Color Reproduction:  Red, of course, come through nicely.  Greens are strong as well.  Most everything has that sort of restrained 70s dinginess on 60s esque colors and fashions.

Flesh Tones: Skin tones are natural and consistent throughout.  Detail is pretty solid on facial features in close-up shots.

Noise/Artifacts:  This transfer features some grain and dirt/specs.  Some mild compression issues seen.

Audio 

Audio Format(s): English 2.0 Mono DTS-HD MA

Subtitles: English

Dynamics: This track is pretty loud and action friendly, full picking up vampire thirst quenchings and wonderfully capturing 70s glass shattering.  Now, this isn’t going to rock your home theater, but given when this movie is from and the like, this is more than good enough to do the trick.

Low Frequency Extension: N/A

Surround Sound Presentation: N/A

Dialogue Reproduction: Audio is analog sounding, but is clear and set at a nice audible volume.

Extras 

The Return of Count Yorga comes with a reversible cover featuring an alternate poster design.

Audio Commentary

• With Film Historian Steve Haberman and Actor Randy De Luca

Theatrical Trailer (SD, 1:38) 

TV Spot (SD, :22) 

Radio Spots (HD, 1:36)

Photo Gallery (HD, 3:24) – Features posters, newspaper inserts, magazine cutouts, lobby cards, reviews clippings and promotional images.

Summary 

The Return of Count Yorga isn’t just the feature film debut of Craig T Nelson (Back then he hadn’t earned his “T” yet as he’s just Craig Nelson), its actually a pretty fun modern Dracula-esque elegant 70s vampire romp.  Scream Factory times this release perfectly (And intentionally) as Twilight Time’s release of the first one.  This Blu-ray fares very will with good audio and video as well as a cool commentary with the trailers for the film.  I’m sure this is a series that has been forgotten, but many will have fun remembering or learning it for the first time.