FRANKENSTEIN VS. THE CREATURE FROM BLOOD COVE
William Winckler Productions
89 MIN. 2005. 1.85:1. B&W.

Starring Larry Butler, Alison Lees-Taylor and Rich Knight
Directed by William Winckler

Ever since the Universal films of the 1930s and 1940s captivated audiences with the Frankenstein Monster, Dracula and The Wolf Man, many film makers have remade and reworked them with their own twists and changes. From the Hammer films to Paul Naschy's string of movies containing such characters and/or plots, these monsters had seen their major share of screen time. This time, director William Winckler, director of The Double-D Avenger, brings his version of classic horror to the screen with the forthcoming DVD release from William Winckler Productions titled Frankenstein Vs. The Creature from Blood Cove.

Frankenstein's Monster has been resurrected in an experiment to benefit the good of mankind. At the same time, shadows of an experiment that failed miserably in the past resurfaces, as a genetically-created humanoid rises from the depths of the ocean.

When three people from a coastal photography shoot are attacked by the sea monster, they seek refuge with Dr. Lazaroff, who created the whole mess. The sea monster approaches the doctor's mansion, and the Frankenstein Monster is dispatched to destroy the intruder. A series of battles between the two monsters take place, causing much destruction to the local community. The mad doctor and the group of refugees attempt to track the monsters and end the horror, but run into too many problems to have any effect. The monsters are destined to destroy each other.....

Winckler combines not only classic horror characters with modern day technology, but also injects a very timely approach to the material. At times, the film reminds the viewer of a time where black and white photography in a dark laboratory had set the stage for what are the most memorable scenes in horror film history (or film history, for that matter). Nods to films of the classic Universal era are abundant; even one of the characters resemble Lon Chaney Sr.'s Phantom from 1925's Phantom of the Opera. Nudity and gore, although not commonly found in the classic Universal horror films, find their way into a film that puts the modern twist on such subject matter. Fans of both classic horror and modern gore will all find something they like in Frankenstein Vs. The Creature From Blood Cove.

Frankenstein Vs. The Creature From Blood Cove is presented 1.85:1 in non-anamorphic widescreen. The image quality demonstrates how the modern digital film making process can produce a picture that gives independent films the appearance of a multi-million dollar, 35mm production. However, because the film is shot on digital video (and then processed to look like 35mm film), the image is free from scratches, dust, hair, and any other problems caused by working with film. The most important advantage of shooting on digital video is that when the film is edited and compressed for DVD, artifacting is at a minimum.

The Dolby Digital soundtrack is clear as can be. There is no distortion or hiss. Another advantage of digital film making is that the editing process allows for more precise mixing and easier clean-up.

The audio commentary by director Winckler and cinematographer Matthias Schubert contains a great wealth of information and insight into the careers of all who were involved with the production. It is refreshing to listen to an audio commentary that goes beyond recalling the information that appears on the screen and allows the viewer some substantial information.

There are two behind-the-scenes documentaries including The Making of Blood Cove and a documentary exploring the music behind the movie. These documentaries are very thorough and give the viewer a chance to hear and see the actors without their makeup and when not in character. The differences between the human characters and their actors are astonishing and greatly demonstrate the importance of quality acting and careful costume and makeup design.

The second documentary focuses on composer Mel Lewis' contribution to the music from the film. The intricate process of scoring a film is exhaustively explored and some scene-by-scene examples are shown. Very rarely does a DVD release include such important information as the vital scoring of a film.

Audition footage is also featured on the disc, from models to the main characters. One can definitely see why Alison Lees-Taylor got the part of Ula as she seems to simply become the part as she reads her lines. It's also interesting to see the Frankenstein Monster without his makeup.

A short blooper reel is featured, and viewers will definitely recognize a special dance done by the Creature from Blood Cove between takes. A few deleted scenes are included, mostly expositional material and a bit more action between the two monsters. The film's trailer is also included, along with a minute-long segment where the Frankenstein Monster goes to a strip club - a very funny addition that will surely get the viewer to watch it again.

The digital age has arrived, and there is no doubt that film makers will begin shooting their movies on digital video (the recent Star Wars films were shot on digital video rather than 35mm film stock). Not only is it a cleaner medium than film (given that shooting conditions are optimum), non-linear editing by computer makes it much quicker and cheaper for the independent film maker to produce a movie. Although many such advantages are meant to make the process easier, the same problems that an independent film maker faced 30 years ago with production and distribution still stand. Winckler's film is an example where the independent film maker triumphs over those obstacles.