Blood Mania/Point of Terror Review

Peter Carpenter for those unfamiliar was a 70’s exploitation director.  His films were often distributed by Crown Point International.  2 of his more well know one are Blood Mania, and Point of Terror.  Both dealing with adultery murder, and blackmail, with a hint of Faust like elements.

Blood Mania is the story of Dr Copper a physician caring for a wealthy old man with a gold-digging daughter.  Cooper is being blackmailed for some illegal abortions he did.  When he tells Victoria, the old man’s daughter she seduces him and devises a plan to kill her father and get the inheritance with Dr Coppers help and then pay off his blackmailer.  Things go according to plan until during the will reading its revealed that her sister Victoria is getting estate. So what else should Dr Copper due but begin seducing her for the money.

Sleazy, tense, and well-acted this is a great almost Tales from the Crypt style film.  It moves along with a good cast and has enough blood and sensuality for the horror, and exploitation crowd.

The 2nd film is Point of Terror starring the always beautiful Dyane Thorne, who like to walk around topless.  Carpenter once again plays the lead and directs.  This time he is Tony Trelos, a singer who meets Andrea (played by Thorne) on the beach.  Turns out her husband is in a wheelchair so she doesn’t mind male company.  Also as luck would have it he’s a record producer.  Andrea agrees to help Tony get a singing contract from her husband’s company as long as they keep having sex.

Things get hairy when he dies in an accident and his daughter comes to the funeral and discovers what is going on. 

Point of Terror is a bit more formulaic than Blood Mania but still effective.  It’s like an exploitation soap opera played out in 90min.  It has the nudity, sex, and overall sleazy feel, but not the horror vibe that Blood Mania has.  Its still a fine film and also well worth watching.

Now as luck would have it Vinegar Syndrome has acquired the rights and have released these 2 together on a limited edition Blu-ray/DVD combo pack.  The video and audio is outstanding as always.  Vinegar does an amazing job of restoring these old films, I can’t stress that enough.  Special Features include

• LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE: Bonus DVD featuring alternate TV versions for both films! (Limited to 3,000 units)
• Region free 3-disc Blu-ray and DVD combo pack
• Both films scanned and restored in 2k from 35mm camera negative
• Commentary track on BLOOD MANIA with Robert Vincent O’Neill (Director), Leslie Simms (Actress) and Vicki Peters (Actress)
• Video interview and introduction with director Robert Vincent O’Neill
• Video interview with actress Leslie Simms
• Theatrical trailers for both films
• TV spots for both films
• Promotional galleries for both films
• Reverse cover artwork
• English SDH Subtitles

Overall this is a great one to add to your collection

3 out of 5 Stars

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