’80s film Vampires, starring Duane Jones, reaches DVD in May

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Some you reading this may remember the 1989 film VAMPIRES, but not quite in the way Film Chest Media Group will be putting it out on DVD May 10th. VAMPIRES wasn't a standalone release in '89, but rather the second half of a two segment anthology film called FRIGHT HOUSE, which was written and directed by Len Anthony. It has been split from its companion story for this DVD release, but still runs at a feature length on its own.

Starring Orly Benyar, Jackie James, and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD's Duane Jones in his final role before he passed away in 1988, VAMPIRES has the following synopsis: 

An eager, young student, Ione (Benyar) is excited to begin the next chapter of her life when she is awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious art school at the Abadon estate in New England… Which happens to have a distant history of working with the criminally insane.

Soon after arriving on campus, she begins to realize something is amiss with the student body. When some classmates go missing – and no one can seem to account for their whereabouts – Ione decides to investigate.

While searching for clues, Ione encounters Dr. Charles Harmon (Jones), who tells her about Madeline Abadon (James) and her quest to suck the youthful energy from students in order to gain immortality.

Charles is then encumbered with the harrowing task of disarming Madeline and her "mad scientist" machine… But will he be able to end the demonic foray on campus before it’s too late?

I've never seen FRIGHT HOUSE, so this DVD will be my first chance to watch VAMPIRES, and I'm quite interested to do so, primarily due to the presence of Jones. It does have plenty of appeal beyond that curiosity as well, with cinematography by Ernest Dickerson, a mixture of camp and though-provoking horror, and a synth-heavy soundtrack. It's described as "a perfect timestamp of '80s schlock cinema", which sounds right up my alley.

If you would like to pre-order a copy, you can do so right here.