Subspecies

Subspecies

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Subspecies…Not the Best Horror Movie, But Definitely Unique
Although this isn’t the greatest, or even one of the best-made horror films, it has a certain novelty that one can’t deny. Because of this, “Subspecies” is one of my favorite horror flics. True vampire fans need to watch this if they want to see a plot that diverges from Anne Rice’s sleek, and extremely attractive depiction of vampire men and women. Of course, this is not at all to say that “Interview With the Vampire,” in conjunction with any of Anne Rice’s vampire novels aren’t any good. In fact, they’re also some of my favorites.

Since a well-outlined synopsis of the film has already been given by several raters, I won’t go into any summaries. The main character/bad guy Radu (played by European actor Anders Hove) is true to the original “Nosferatu” genre. He is creepy, irascible, and even a bit pitiable as the sequels to this film point out.

What I like about this film is the introduction of the Bloodstone, a mythical relic that is known to drip the blood of the saints. The Bloodstone is a family heirloom that originally belongs to Radu’s father, the king of the vampires (played by “Phantasm’s” Angus Scrimm). The movie starts off with Radu murdering his father and taking the Bloodstone by force.

Another unique characteristic of the movie and its sequels is Radu’s use of “shadow flying.” Radu is able to use this technique to go/move anywhere through the shadows. He also is able to sort of mutate and reproduce tiny “subspecies” versions of himself. Despite the film’s low budget, along with the fact that the actual subspecie demons look very superficial, the actors do an incredible job. Finally, the film is shot in Romania/Transylvania within a real castle along with several ancient ruins. Thus, “Subspecies” is a must-see for real vampire lovers due to its originality and inherently unique qualities.

5 Stars Anders Hove…
IS A VAMPIRE GOD!!! Radu Vladislas is quite possibly the best (if not really the neatest eater) vampire character I have seen in a long time. My husband and I have searched high and low for the Subspecies movies with little to no luck. So far we have only been able to locate #4. LET THERE BE A BLOODBATH!!!

5 Stars DVD now available
http://www.fullmoondirect.com/DVDS/imports.html

You can purchase the DVD for 1 and 2 in Spanish versions for 20 bucks each. There is an option to turn off the spanish subtitles, so you get the english language version on DVD and don’t have to pay a fortune for a sucky (pun intended) VHS copy that some creep is charging $150.00 for.

Now go get your SUBSPECIES! You bloodsuckers!

5 Stars Low budget…great movie!
I won’t go into the storyline because that’s been sufficiently outlined by other reviewers, but I will say that this is a fun and interesting little vampire flick. I’m actually surprised and disappointed that it’s not more available on DVD, and I wonder if the studio has any plans to perhaps turn the Subspecies series into a 4-disc boxed set of some sort? The setting is great, and as long as you suspend disbelief and realize this is a product of the early 90s, it’s a great movie to watch with a bowl of popcorn and a good drink.

5 Stars I like my vampires cold, dead, ugly, and hungry…Radu style
Subspecies is the first in a four part movie series involving Radu, the baddest vampire in town. True, this is a Full Moon production, which equals cheesy horror, but it is definately cheesy horror in its very best form.

Radu is a vampire of the old school, he doesn’t want to fit in with the living or find true love or apologize for what he is; he is a vampire and seems to be pretty taken with himself on that level. Our first introduction to Radu is when he kills his father in order to take possession of the Bloodstone, a vampire family heirloom that allows them to survive a long time without a fresh “meal”, and gives them power by drinking from it.

Here also we meet the “subspecies”, little creatures (make from claymation, not FX) that Radu creates by breaking off his own fingers. They become his tiny minions and assist him in taking the Bloodstone.

Meanwhile, three college girls arrive in Transylvania, and stay together at an old monastery nearby the broken remains of Radu’s castle home. Also staying at the monastery is Radu’s long estranged brother, Stefan. Radu and Stefan have no love for each other, though both seem to be attracted to the lovely Michele.

Girls get bit and girls scream, and there is a silly “Festival of the Dead” where everybody puts on paper-mache masks, a little bit of nudity, and in the end it all boils down to human vs vampire as do all good vampire flicks.

What makes Subspecies special is Radu himself. He is pasty white, has great fangs, long clawed hands, sleeps in a coffin, and drools…a LOT. He’s also a very messy eater, and moves through the film with that bloody, slimy grin we have all grown to love.

In the end, Michele is the only one of the three girls left, and after Radu mixed his blood with hers, his brother Stefan “saves” her by biting her and turning her into a vampire also.

Lovely ending…but remember that there are three more movies…

So far, the first three Subspecies movies are only available as used VHS tapes, often costing a great deal of money. The fourth movie is already out on DVD, so hopefully the rest will be soon. Even on VHS, there is a nice “behind the scenes” feature at the end of the tape, along with previews of other Full Moon productions.

If you are a vampire purist, you should love this film. Enjoy!

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