GRAPES OF DEATH (1978) - Jean Rollin

[bgart13]

This was my first Rolling pic and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Gross, atmospheric, and bizarre scenes that are typically dreamlike of his other flicks. Of the few of his flicks I've seen, this rates for me as my fave tied with LIVING DEAD GIRL (with IRON ROSE coming in dead last, eek what a terrible movie...). Of course, I still have many to see!

I posted this question in the Flea Pit as part of the Rollin thread, but perhaps it'll be seen here by more folks. Anyone here have both the Synapse and Redemption dvds of GRAPES OF DEATH? If so, any comments about the transfers being the same or not? Thanks in advance!

[Pete]

Can't comment on the Synapse disc but the Redemption edition is non-anamorphic (1.66:1) and looks quite good.

[robertzombie]

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[evilzombie20]

I went into this expecting a zombie film. A lot of reviewers and bits of information I read called it, "The French NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD", so with those expectations, obviously the first time I saw the film, I was let down.

However, it wasn't like it fell flat on its face for me. I still enjoyed the film, I was just expecting an apple, but got a banana instead. Granted I would have preferred the apple at the time, but a banana did just fine.

With that being said, the more I've seen the film, the more I've liked it. It's definitely not a flick I'd throw out as a recommendation unless they specifically asked for a French version of what I believe is closer to THE CRAZIES, then I'd point them in this direction. But certainly not for someone looking for a zombie film.

I actually cannot recall a French zombie film I would recommend. I'm not a huge fan of ZOMBIE LAKE or of OASIS OF THE ZOMBIES - which I know there is a Spanish version, but that I wasn't fond of either; it was still boring as hell - and off the top of my head, I can't think of any other zombie films the French did.

[ramses]

Originally Posted by bgart13

Anyone here have both the Synapse and Redemption dvds of GRAPES OF DEATH? If so, any comments about the transfers being the same or not? Thanks in advance!

I don't own either of the above but the 2002 German DVD on Cine Club looks stunning and is anamorphic. I'd be surprised if there's a better-looking DVD release of this film.

It's been a while since I've watched a Rollin film, might have to give this one another go!

[Sam]

The Iron Rose is the only Rollin film I've seen so I should really explore his fims more. I still wouldn't part with my copy of The Iron Rose though since I got it signed by the man himself at a film festival a few years ago!

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Sam

The Iron Rose is the only Rollin film I've seen so I should really explore his fims more. I still wouldn't part with my copy of The Iron Rose though since I got it signed by the man himself at a film festival a few years ago!

Almost forgot, they showed a fairly recent Rollin film at the same festival - don't remember it being up to much though!

[Make Them Die Slowly]

Originally Posted by Sam

The Iron Rose is the only Rollin film I've seen so I should really explore his fims more. I still wouldn't part with my copy of The Iron Rose though since I got it signed by the man himself at a film festival a few years ago!

Personally I think this is Rollins best film, where he brings together all the themes and images from his previous films to make the most poetic of his works.

I recently saw one of his porn films, "The Seduction of Amy" which has one of the twins from "Lips of Blood" getting down and dirty in it. Interestingly, I presumed that the film would be a bit arty but no, it was non stop sex pretty much all the way though themes and images from his horror films could be seen throughout.

[Playzocker]

Originally Posted by ramses

I don't own either of the above but the 2002 German DVD on Cine Club looks stunning and is anamorphic. I'd be surprised if there's a better-looking DVD release of this film.

I totally second that. I got one of the (if not THE) last DVD of the film Cine Club had in their archives and I was really stunned how awesome it looks.

If you can get your hands on it, try for the CC version ... but I doubt it will be cheap.

[bizarre_eye@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Make Them Die Slowly

Personally I think this is Rollins best film

Me too.

I love Rollin, and have the Synapse disc of this. Not perfect, but very good - worth the purchase for sure.