VCI Entertainment and MVD Visual have been giving the wonderful B films Blu-ray releases that these films deserve. VCI Entertainment have released a new Blu-ray/DVD release entitled Poverty Row Classics featuring not one but two films.
Classic Cinema+ Rating System:
****=Don’t Miss it!
***=Worth a look.
**=An Ok way to spend an evening.
*=You haven’t missed anything.
King of the Zombies (1941) The year is 1941 and World War two is furiously travailing. While flying in the, Caribbean, Pilot, James 'Mac' McCarthy (Dick Purcell) finds that his plane has been blown off course by a storm. With radio transmissions nil and his plane dangerously low on fuel, McCarthy has no other recourse but to crash-land on a mysterious, remote island. McCarthy and his passengers, Bill Summers (John Archer) and his valet Jefferson Jackson (Mantan Moreland), take refuge in a mansion owned by Dr. Miklos Sangre (Henry Victor) and his wife Alyce (Patricia Stacey). It's not long till the three men realize something is not quite right with the mansion or the good doctor, when creepy and mysterious events begin taking place. ***
Miss V from Moscow (1942) Deep in the throes of World War II, a beautiful Soviet spy named Vera Marova (Lola Lane) impersonates her doppelganger- a dead German spy. Along with her ally, Steve Worth (Howard Banks), who is an American serving in the British armed services, the two work with the Free French underground agents in Paris. Their assignment is to send secret radio messages to Moscow, warning American convoys of potential attacks from German submarines. ***
VCI Entertainment put together a nice little double feature here. It would have been easy to do two films of the same genre, but I am glad they gave us a nice mix. A Romantic War Drama and a Comedy/Horror film. I love the combination here; it makes for a great night of entertainment.
These two B movies have been transferred to Blu-ray on 1080p and are presented in the original full screen format. The audio tracks are PCM Mono audio tracks. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
When you see these films on this Blu-ray in comparison to other DVD releases or streaming online. These prints look great. Where older DVDs or streaming the prints are dark with not great detail. VCI's transfers are sharp, clean and bright. You will enjoy every aspect of these films with these prints.
Now in addition to two great looking restored Poverty Row films VCI Entertainment added some nice bonus features to this release. Take a look at what is included.
* "Poverty Row Studios: A Brief History"
* The New Parade if the year 1941
* King of the Zombies Audio Commentary by Tom Weaver and Gary D. Rhodes
VCI Entertainment produced a nice little 11-minute video essay giving the viewer a history lesson on what Poverty Row Studios were. Then the 9 and a half minute 1941 new reels is a nice addition. With all these bonuses included with two B movie features. This Blu-ray makes a tremendous night at the movies from the comfort of your couch.
If you love classic B movies of the 40s this Blu-ray/DVD combo pack "Poverty Row Classics" would make a great addition to your library. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today!
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) the VCI Blu-ray of Poverty Row Classics recevies.....
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