The Masque of the Red Death / The Premature Burial (Midnite Movies Double Feature)

One of the most interesting benefits of this double bill is the commentary by legendary producer/director Roger Corman who helmed all the Poe films made by American International. He adds some great insight into the behind the scenes mechanics, including the ironic necessity to put Ray Milland in the lead in "Premature Burial" due to contractual requirements. It's ironic in that American International bought Pathe Studios and released the "Burial" anyway!
Both movies are sumptuously filmed, the budget an obvious factor in the supremely photographed "Masque". Note the script's dependence on the belief of a God who would let terrible things happen. Also enjoy Price's masterful portrayal of Prospero; Hazel Court's brief stay as the inimitable Juliana (Hazel was a beautiful woman--wonder why we didn't see more of her in later films?); also enjoy the subtly intriguing performance of Patrick Magee as the lecherous "gorilla." "Don't Look Now's" director Nicolas Roeg was the cinematographer and he does a magnificent job in utilizing the various moods of the film.
I always wondered why Ray Milland got the role in "Burial" and after the commentary by Corman, I finally understood. Not that Ray isn't a good actor; he is. I felt,however, that he was not a good choice for the role of Guy Carnall. He didn't hurt the movie, but I felt he didn't display the wide array of emotions the character was screaming for. Hazel Court is back in a much bigger role and she gets fine help from Heather Angel and Richard Ney as well. It's slower paced than "Masque" but it maintains a spooky, claustrophobic feel and does well overall.
Thanks to Midnight Movies for bringing us these classic in DVD. The transfer on both is excellent. They don't look old at all.

Vincent Price is in great form as the evil Prince Prospero holding sway in his castle while the Red Death ravages the countryside in this 1964 classic. He has his pick of who joins him there and who perishes in the plague. Joining him in his depraved revelries and satanic practices is his Lady---Juliana (the luscious Hazel Court) who may be wearing out her tenure. Prospero has forced an innocent village girl (Jane Asher) to join him in hopes of converting her to satanism and instructs a resentful Juliana to groom her. He has also imprisoned the girl's lover and father in his torture dungeon. Prospero is planning a huge masked ball to celebrate his "triumph" over the Red Death and has assembled his most faithful gluttonous followers in the castle. But Death is not so easily tricked. Probably the most famous of AIP's Price/Corman/Poe adaptations is notable for the great Nicolas Roeg photography and the brilliant use of color throughout as well as a couple of nods to Ingmar Bergman. Outstanding script by Charles Beaumont and R.Wright Campbell make this one of the most literate horror films from the Poe cycle as well. A MUST see for any horror buff. Also included is 1962's "The Premature Burial" which is sorely lacking Price (in the role played by Ray Milland) as a man obsessed with being buried alive. He has built a specially equipped crypt designed to prevent this from happening. Lavishly mounted, with Hazel Court as his duplicitous fiancee, "Burial" looks good and benefits from foggy sets and the haunting tune "Waltzing Matilda" sung by gravediggers but I found myself wishing Price had the lead instead of Milland. But whatever, I enjoyed it anyway. Great looking DVD package of two AIP/Arkoff/Nicholson treats and a must for fans of the great 60's Poe cycle.

Two great films for the price of one!

Masque of the Red Death, another in the Corman-Poe-Price series from American International, is considered by many to be among the best of the series. Great sets, vivid color, creepy story - in short, all the elements are in play here. The DVD features a very clean print and a bonus documentary with the fascinating Roger Corman. Well worth the price MGM is charging, you should also pick up "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "Pit and the Pendulum," just some of the other AIP films available through this series.

Premature Burial, a Ray Milland vehicle directed by Corman, is about a man who is terrified to be buried alive. It isn't great, but solid nontheless, and eminently viewable, with the same gothic atmosphere that won't disappoint fans of the Poe series. There is a Corman documentary for this one, too. If you like Milland, look for "X - The Man with the X-ray Eyes", "The Thing with Two Heads", "Frogs", and "The Attic".