The She-Beast

Barbara Steele had that undefined quality so valued in the movie world- "screen presence". She is always watchable and has it in "The She-Beast". The movie is pretty average but is directed with vigor. Watch it for the great Barbara.

As an aficionado of silent films, it's amazing the impact that a restored print can have on the viewing experience. The same is true of regular movies as well, including a low budget drive-in special like this one. Throw in the fact that this was the debut feature of the tragically short lived British filmmaker Michael Reeves (who would go on to make the legendary WITCHFINDER GENERAL with Vincent Price and like Heath Ledger would die of an accidental prescription drug overdose in his 20s) and you have something really special.Shot in Italy on a budget of around $40,000 and released in 1966, THE SHE BEAST (REVENGE OF THE BLOOD BEAST in England) clearly prefigures WITCHFINDER GENERAL in some of its scenes and even in some of its camera shots. Compared to the old beat up 16mm prints that were available up to now, this 35mm transfer is a revelation and shows that Reeves had an extraordinary cinematic eye for composing the look of his films. Very few directors could have gotten so much out of so little as he does here.Barbara Steele was available for one day and is little more than a guest star but she helped to sell the picture. Ian Ogilvy in his first film is all he needs to be while John Karlsen and Mel Welles add necessary spice to the proceedings. Watching this reminded me again of what was lost when the drive-ins disappeared. Today there is no low budget training ground for young directors where their works can be seen by a large number of people. A movie like this would now go straight to DVD and into rental and bargain bin oblivion.This Dark Sky DVD release is everything a cult film lover could wish for. Not only is the print quality absolutely gorgeous but the guest commentary by Ogilvy, Steele and producer Paul Maslansky is both informative and quite amusing. It helps to explain why the film wildly veers between being an outright horror film, a political satire, and a Keystone style slapstick comedy. Taken as a whole it isn't very good but it does have its moments and is very enjoyable. THE SHE BEAST deserves to be seen by anyone interested in low-budget filmmaking and as a look at the beginning of a short but remarkable career.

Not really sure if this movie was a comedy or horror film. The horror bits weren't all that horrible, the monster was just a killing machine with bad acne. It had a Van Helsing type of guy that was ok. I don't know how intentional it was but there were a multitude of silly moments all through the film such as the dimwit hotel owner, "Peoples Republic" and "Comrade" type of jokes, and the ludicrous car chase at the end.I've been on a Barbara Steele movie binge lately, and that's why I bought this film. She's only in it for the beginning and a few minutes at the end, but looks utterly gorgeous. Very few women in the world have eyes as captivatingly lovely as hers. She is the only reason I'm giving it three stars. Even though all the dialog in this movie is dubbed I think this is the first time I've heard her real voice, which is as luscious as her physical beauty. In he her Italian movies they never use her real voice.Unless you're a Barbara Steele fan I'm not sure I would recommend this movie.

this tital is off a vhs but most if not all Barbra Steele movies available are from vhs. this one is widescreen good picture and sound quality.I also have this movie on Oldies and its a big upgrade in quality if you buy this one.

Whilst I agree with all the previous reviews of 'She Beast'both as a film and the print quality there is one minor disappointment.When I first saw this movie many years ago at the cinema it had a 'tacked on'ending with Steele & Ogilvy in bed back in their London flat. Whilst making love Steele suddenly turns back into the witch !This brief scene was always missing from the odd TV showings & is also missing here. Yes I know Ian Ogilvy does not recall it in his commentary on the disc but it was definitely filmed but seems to have been lost.

B-movie, and like all B-movies, needs to be accepted on those terms. Fun movie, but definately a "B". Print is terrific, a "new transfer...from extremely rare 35mm vault materials," whatever that means exactly, And they producers of the DVD even went to the the trouble of getting together a commentary track, which earns them extra points. Now, even DVDs of major classic films often ship with no "extras", other than perhaps an unrestored trailer or adds for other DVDs. So thanks to the producers for, for between the excellent print and the commentary, giving the viewer something for the money.

The She-Beast has been released as a special-edition DVD by Dark Sky Films. Dark Sky is a company committed to making high-class DVD's of rare and unusual horror product. Their version of The She-Beast is no exception.The print looks about as good as this film will look, and it is anamorphic 2:35 widescreen. The DVD also includes a commentary with stars Barbara Steele, Ian Ogilvy, and producer Paul Maslansky. For Barbara Steele fans, this commentary may be the main reason for purchase, since Steele has made very few interveiws. This film was the official directorial debut for cult director Michael Reeves. Reeves is most famous for Witchfinder General, which The She-Beast has some elements of. Unfortunately this film has some problems plot-wise. The ending of the film is ruined by a Mack Sennet-style chase which is at odds with the rest of the film. There are some creepy scenes, but the film's low budget and its inconsistent tone make it more cult than classic. However, this DVD is highly recommened to Barbara Steele and Michael Reeves fans.

Michael Reeves's (1944-69) seminal first film finally gets the proper treatment. For man years (since it was made in 1965) the original Techniscope/Cromoscope negative has languished in a storage vault in Italy with a massive lab bill to pay, and as a result most versions available on video and DVD formats over the years have been culled from terrible panned-and-scanned prints.This Dark Sky DVD is the full widescreen version, presented in the full ratio of 2.35:1, and is actually in pretty good condition considering the film's ultra-low budget and age. I don't know whether this has been taken from an archival print, a dupe negative or from the original negative, but it is a fantastic presentation. There is also a great commentary with stars Ian Ogilvy and Barbara Steele and producer Paul Maslansky as icing on the cake. Highly recomended.

Barbara Steele stars in this 1966 euro-horror although she's only in the movie for about 20 mins of the 80 min running time-she and husband Ian Ogilvy are travelling through modern day Transylvania where they meet the great grandson of Professor Van Helsing who is attempting to catch an 18th Century witch who has been brought back to life- the witch is hideous and if you like these euro-horrors you will enjoy it- pretty entertaining and an exceptional print (this movie has been around for years in almost unwatchable copies-this Dark Sky region 1 version is the best you will ever see)

This film is most likely to be appreciated by admirers of director Michael Reeves, whose first film this was. He went on to make the superior The Sorcerers and then his brilliant, gruelling masterpiece Witchfinder General. His creative growth as a director between these three movies was incredible, and had he not sadly died after completing Witchfinder General, it's generally considered that he would have gone on to be one of the finest directors in Britain.That's the perspective in which you need to see She Beast - the first effort of a budding genius who was learning his craft. It's not a great movie, but essential for completists.

Possibly not as good as Nightmare Castle or Castle of Blood, but still entertaining in a cheesy and humourous way. Sleazy hotel keeper and all. The witch's appearance is original in any case.

Another great effort by Barbara Steele who never seems to disappoint.