Blu-ray Review: The Count Yorga Collection (1970-1971)

Ever since Bram Stoker first penned the iconic tale of Dracula the world has been entranced by vampires. There have been many retellings of the story of vampires featuring iconic actors like Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee. There have been funny vampires like that of Leslie Neilson and even vampire that sparkle, that we really don't even want to mention here.

In 1970  a new vampire was born starring Robert Quarry. That vampire was Count Yorga. In in two years two Yorga vampire flicks were produced. Now just in time for Halloween, Arrow Video have restored and released both of these film on Blu-ray so that a new generation of audiences can experience with vampire fright of Yorga in HD.

Our Rating System:
****=Don’t Miss it!
***=Worth a look.
**=An OK way to spend an evening.
*=You haven’t missed anything.

Count Yorga, Vampire (1970) A couple invites a Count from Hungary, who recently immigrated to America, to conduct a séance for the woman's recently deceased mother, oblivious to the fact that he is actually a vampire. ***

The Return of Count Yorga (1971) Count Yorga continues to prey on the local community while living by a nearby orphanage. He also intends to take a new wife, while feeding his bevy of female vampires. ***

Robert Quarry is simply amazing as Count Yorga he has a presence that is on a par with Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee's Dracula. And to me that is some high praise. The set design really brings these gothic tale to life. While these films are not as serious fare as Lugosi and Lee, they are a bit campy, that does not mean they are not entertaining. 

It is interesting to note that Court Yorga could have been a horror movie that was banned or at least rated X, if it wouldn't have been that AIP (American International Pictures) removed almost three minutes of violent and sexual content so that it could enter into Drive-in theaters.

Both of these cult classics have been restored in 2K restorations by Arrow Films from new 4K scans of the original 35mm camera negatives. These films are presented in HD in 1080p. The soundtracks are a original lossless mono audio. There is also optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

These restorations are really amazing. When looking at them in comparison to a previous DVD release. Arrow Video's restorations are such an amazing upgrade. Vampire film fans are going to love these new scans. But as always Arrow Video doesn't stop with a great restoration they added some amazing bonus features. Take a look at what is included in this Blu-ray set.

First the on disc features:

Disc One - Count Yorga, Vampire

* Brand new audio commentary by film critic Tim Lucas

* Archival audio commentary by film critics David Del Valle & C. Courtney Joyner

* The Count in California, a brand new appreciation by Heather Drain and Chris O’Neill

* I Remember Yorga, a brand new interview with Frank Darabont in which the award-winning filmmaker talks about his love for Count Yorga, Vampire

* A Vampire in L.A., a brand new interview with actor Michael Murphy

* Fangirl Radio Tribute to Robert Quarry, an archival episode featuring host Jessica Dwyer in conversation with Tim Sullivan filmmaker, Yorga fan and friend of Robert Quarry

* Theatrical trailer

* Radio spots

* Image galleries

Disc Two - The Return of Count Yorga

* Brand new audio commentary by film critic Stephen R. Bissette

* Archival audio commentary by David Del Valle & C. Courtney Joyner

* The Count and the Counterculture, a brand new interview with film critic Maitland McDonagh

* Chamber-music of Horrors, a brand new interview with David Huckvale about the scores for both films

* Archival interview with film critic Kim Newman

* Theatrical trailer

* Radio spots

* Image gallery

Now for the physical Blu-ray features:

* Illustrated perfect bound collector's book featuring new writing by film critic Kat Ellinger and horror author Stephen Laws, plus archive contributions by critic Frank Collins and filmmaker Tim Sullivan

* Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeves featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Heather Vaughan

* Fold-out double-sided posters for both films featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Heather Vaughan

* Twelve double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproduction artcards

* Reproduction press book for Count Yorga, Vampire

So as you can see this is more or less a vampire film fans dream release come true. This set will keep you entertained for years to come. Arrow Video went above and beyond and put a lot of love in this set. They should be applauded for the work they put into making this set a must own.

So if you love vampire films and films of the 70s try Count Yorga for your Halloween season. And this new Blu-ray set is the perfect way to experience it! Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Arrow Videos Blu-ray release of The Count Yorga Collection receives...