Note: I am (now) fully aware that this title was already previously released to Limited Edition 4K UHD on Vinegar Syndrome's website a ways back! This press release is for the more widely-available "standard edition."
I try really hard these days to keep up to date on all things cinema-related (particularly anything to do with physical media), but real-life responsibilities keep diverting my attention away from the hobby I love so much. Which is why up until very recently, I didn't realize that Vinegar Syndrome brought another new sub-label into its fold, namely Bizzaro!
In fact these guys are so new that this Blind Dead sequel 4K disc is only their second release (their first being A CANDLE FOR THE DEVIL)! Hopefully they catch on with collectors because more Spanish Horror on Blu-ray and/or 4K UHD is never a bad thing!
Synopsis: A publicity stunt gone horribly wrong strands two bikini-clad models in fog-shrouded waters where they encounter a ghostly galleon—the floating tomb of the undead Knights Templar, the Blind Dead. When the models vanish without a trace, a desperate rescue party boards the eerie ship only to find themselves trapped in a supernatural nightmare entwined with satanic cult rituals. Haunted by the sound-hunting, eyeless Templar corpses, the survivors must confront ancient curses and a relentless, otherworldly evil that blurs the boundaries between life and death.
Featuring a captivating cast including Jack Taylor (PIECES, COUNT DRACULA), Maria Perschy (THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THE DARK), and Bárbara Rey (THE NIGHT OF THE SORCERERS), THE GHOST GALLEON (1974) is the third chilling chapter in the cult Blind Dead saga. Written and directed by visionary Amando de Ossorio, it melds atmospheric Gothic horror with a surreal, dream-like quality and unforgettable undead mythology. Acclaimed by genre devotees for its eerie mood, and widely regarded as the most surprising film in the saga, this 4K restoration from the original camera negative brings the legendary Templar knights back to life—fully uncut and loaded with brand new and archival extras, making it essential viewing for fans of Euro-horror and supernatural terror.
Disc Specs:
Not Rated | 90 minutes | Color | Region A (Blu-ray) / Region Free (4K UHD)
Resolution - 1080p (Blu-ray) & 2160p (4K UHD)
Aspect Ratio - 1.85:1 Widescreen
Audio - Spanish & English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0
Extras:
- NEW! 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE!
- Original Spanish and English dub tracks, with newly translated English subtitles!
- NEW! A Childhood Discovery: An appreciation by Diego López-Fernández, creator of El buque maldito fanzine!
- NEW! A New Mythology in Spanish Horror: An interview with Sitges Film Festival director Ángel Sala on Amando de Ossorio's horror career!
- NEW! Unmasking the Templars: An interview with FX artist and film historian Antonio Garcinuño!
- Amando de Ossorio: The Last Templar — An archival documentary featuring Amando de Ossorio, Lone Fleming, Paul Naschy, and Jack Taylor, among other key figures of Spanish horror cinema!
- Alternate English-language titles.
The Blind Dead series occupies a weird middle ground with yours truly. I love the unique concept of the sightless, undead husks of the film's evil Knights Templar rising from the grave (and riding zombie horses no less!!!) to feast on the blood of the living. But holy hell, the often lethargic pacing and constant use of slow-motion (which seems unnecessary seeing as how the zombie knights already move as fast as molasses), coupled with the almost hypnotic (and highly atmospheric) soundtrack by Antón García Abril makes these classic horror films a real chore to sit through sometimes.
That being said, as the proud owner of Blue Underground's old DVD set of the films, I'm very much excited that (most of) the Blind Dead movies are being lovingly restored in 4K! While I'm personally holding out for a new 4K boxed set of de Ossorio's iconic films (might be a long wait since the rights seem to be all over the place at the moment), don't let that stop you from adding this disc to your collection!
Bizarro's new restoration of THE GHOST GALLEON is currently slated for an April 28th street date, and should cost you somewhere between $32 - $50. Naturally you can order a copy direct from VINEGAR SYNDROME, but it is also available from AMAZON and BULL MOOSE. (Surprisingly, there isn't a listing at DIABOLIK DVD just yet. Hmmm...)
