The Fearless Vampire Killers

[Derf]

I just saw on AICN that "The Fearless Vampire Killers" is being released on DVD this month. It is one of Roman Polanski's early films (his first big budget one, in fact). I'm not a huge Polanski fan (I just haven't seen that many of his movies, plus I'm not crazy about his morals), but this movie has stuck with me through the years. I saw it first in high school, and then again recently (my college library has a VHS copy), and it is simply a beautiful movie to look at, as well as an excellent combination of horror and comedy.

I ordered my copy from Deep Discount DVD today, so I should get it sometime this month (I don't think it has been officially released yet). I can hardly wait...

[Mr. Hockstatter]

I'm glad it's finally coming to DVD.  I love that movie.  As you said, it has such a perfect mix of comedy and horror.  And marvelous atmosphere as well.

[Chris K.]

While I plan to obtain this DVD (I have others to buy this month: THE DEADLY SPAWN, MARK OF THE DEVIL, EYES WITHOUT A FACE, some of the Jerry Lewis films, etc.), I am happy to announce that the DVD release of THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS is not only presented in it's original 2.35:1 Anamorphic Panavision format, but it's also the 107 minute Director's Cut. When first released in 1968, American distributor MGM cut the film down, re-dubbed some of the characters voices, and added a strange animated title sequence called THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS: OR, PARDON ME BUT YOUR TEETH ARE ON MY NECK!

But thankfully, Warner Bros. did the right thing by releasing the original intended 107 minute version that is esentially Polanski's preferred cut. Sadly, don't expect that strange animated title sequence to turn up as an Extra Feature, which I am saddened that Warner Bros. didn't see fit to do so as it's an interesting bit. Still, the reviews I have read about this DVD are pretty favorable.

[The Burgomaster]

Chris K:

I bought the full director's cut of this on VHS about 7 or 8 years ago.  The title sequence is animated.  I'm wondering if the DVD is the same version with the same animated title sequence?

[Derf]

I've read about how the movie was cut for the American audience and the animated sequence was added. I would like to see the "preferred cut," but I'd have bought this one even if it was the American cut. I'll have to take Chris K.'s word that this is the cut coming out on DVD; the cover art still has the subtitle "or Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are in My Neck" and features a cartoon vampire towering over Professor Abronsius and Alfred toons. Does the director's cut feature that subtitle?

[Chris K.]

If my memory serves right, the U.S. animated title sequence featured animated characters of Polanski and Jack MacGowarn's characters battiling goofy looking vampires, with the title THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS OR: PARDON ME BUT YOUR TEETH ARE ON MY NECK (which, by the way, both the title and wacky animated characters are used on the DVD cover, strangely). The original title sequence-which was animated, yes-was a bit more starker and less humorous, and had the title THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS.

Again, it's been awhile, so I definately need to give this baby a re-visit soon.

[Scott]

I liked the beggining and end of FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS. At the beggining when they are being chased through the snow and the ballroom vampire dance at the end. The rest was a little tedious and the comedy was real funny. Ok film overall.