Blacula Rises to Blu-ray On March 3, 2015

Disc Announcements, News

American International Pictures was an amazing studio that made its name in the ’50s with horror films. But unlike Hammer, AIP dealt in more than one genre. During the ’70s, the indie studio got into making plenty of films with black actors including Fred Williamson, Jim Brown and Pam Grier. It was only natural that they would bring a touch of horror to their latest releases. They came up with Blacula! Now both of the Blacula films are coming to Blu-ray so you can get more of the urban vampire’s exploits. Blacula and Scream, Blacula, Scream rise from the video vault on March 3. Here’s the press release from Scream Factory:

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Blacula and Scream, Blacula, Scream

Blaxploitation Classics Make Their Blu-ray Debuts

March 3rd, 2015 in a Scream Factory Double Feature

The eternally cool William Marshall puts a fresh spin on the age-old legend of the vampire, condemned to wander the Earth with an insatiable lust for blood in the riveting Blaxploitation classics Blacula and Scream, Blacula, Scream. Available on March 3rd, 2015 for the first time on Blu-ray, the double feature release also includes features a brand-new audio commentary track by author/film historian/filmmaker David F. Walker and a new interview with actor Richard Lawson (Scream, Blacula, Scream). Fans can pre-order their copies by visiting ShoutFactory.com

Set in 1780, Blacula is the tale of African Prince Mamuwalde (Marshall), who pays a visit to Count Dracula in Transylvania, seeking his support in ending slave trade. Instead, the evil count curses his noble guest and transforms him into a vampire! Released from his coffin nearly two centuries later by a pair of luckless interior decorators, Mamuwalde emerges as “Blacula,” one strange dude strollin’ the streets of L.A. on a nightly quest for human blood!

Blacula lives! This scintillating sequel, Scream, Blacula, Scream, pits voodoo power against vampire fury! Willis Daniels (Richard Lawson), the son of a late high priestess, seeks revenge on the cultists who have chosen his foster sister Lisa (Pam Grier) as their new leader. Hoping to curse Lisa, Willis unwittingly resurrects Blacula’s earthly remains – and unleashes the Prince of Darkness and his freaked-out army of the undead!

Blacula and Scream, Blacula, Scream Special Features:
•New audio commentary on Blacula with author/film historian/filmmaker David F. Walker (Reflections on Blaxploitation: Actors and Directors Speak)
•New interview with actor Richard Lawson (Scream, Blacula, Scream)
•Theatrical Trailers

Shout! Factory will continue to present the on-going SCREAM FACTORY™ home entertainment series in 2015 with specific release dates, extras and key art. Meanwhile, fans are encouraged to visit the Scream Factory website (www.screamfactorydvd.com), follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ScreamFactoryDVD) and Twitter (www.Twitter.com/@Scream_Factory) or to view exclusive video content on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/ScreamFactoryTV/Home).

Joe Corey is the writer and director of "Danger! Health Films" currently streaming on Night Flight and Amazon Prime. He's the author of "The Seven Secrets of Great Walmart People Greeters." This is the last how to get a job book you'll ever need. He was Associate Producer of the documentary "Moving Midway." He's worked as local crew on several reality shows including Candid Camera, American's Most Wanted, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and ESPN's Gaters. He's been featured on The Today Show and CBS's 48 Hours. Dom DeLuise once said, "Joe, you look like an axe murderer." He was in charge of research and programming at the Moving Image Archive.