Blu Ray Review: Theater of Blood (1973)

I recall Vincent Price once stating, in an interview, that his favorite of all of his films was Theater of Blood. While this may have just been how he felt at that precise moment, and he offered other titles in other circumstances, it is true that this 1973 murder mystery is one of Mr. Price’s best films and finest performances.

Vincent plays a Shakespearian stage actor who takes revenge on critics that offered negative reviews, which have denied him a coveted award. His revenge is to murder each one in a creative was, a macabre fantasy for an actor. The critics are played by such welcome notables as Robert Morely, Jack Hawkins, Ian Hendry, Harry Andrews, Robert Coote, Michael Hordern, and Price’s wife Coral Browne. Diana Rigg plays his daughter.

Theater of Blood is a film that has everything. It is well acted, well written and directed, it is creepy and frightening, the suddenly off-kilter and amusing. Each of the performances by the various critics is unique and committed. Diana Rigg approaches her role with reckless abandon, relishing in the film's delightful edginess. And Vincent Price completely commands the proceedings with his bravura performance that is so magnificent, I would probably suggest Theater of Blood as the best film to introduce the actor’s work to a novice.

Kino Lorber’s blu ray special features include the commentary track by David Del Valle and the late Nick Redman from a previous release, and also adds a new commentary track by screenwriter/producer Alan Spencer. Mr. Spencer’s commentary is truly fascinating, offering a lot of detail on the concept for the film, its creation, and background on each of the stars. It is really detailed, the equivalent of reading an entire book on this film and its production.

Theater of Blood is one of the best blu ray releases of the year; a magnificent film that is beautifully transferred and contains some excellent special feature commentaries.

The blu ray is available at this link: Theater of Blood