Hammer & Shaw Brothers’ ‘The 7 Golden Vampires’ – First Blu-ray Release

A unique cinematic collision – a blend of martial arts action and vampire horror – is receiving a new release on Blu-ray. “The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires,” a 1974 co-production between Hammer Film Productions and Shaw Brothers Studio, offers a distinctly unusual take on the classic vampire mythos.

Hammer Films, known for its gothic horror productions featuring iconic figures like Dracula and Frankenstein, sought to revitalize its output in the 1970s by exploring new genres and markets. This led to a collaboration with Shaw Brothers, a Hong Kong-based studio renowned for its influential martial arts films. The result was a film that attempted to bridge the gap between Western horror sensibilities and Eastern action choreography.

The film’s narrative centers around Professor Abraham Van Helsing, portrayed by Peter Cushing, who is called upon to investigate a series of mysterious events in rural China. A century after resurrecting seven golden-masked vampires, Count Dracula, played by John Forbes-Robertson, seeks to expand his influence eastward. Van Helsing teams up with Hsi Ching, played by David Chiang, and his seven siblings, all skilled martial artists, to confront the undead threat.

The production itself was reportedly fraught with challenges. Communication barriers between the British and Hong Kong crews, coupled with logistical difficulties and a particularly hot filming season, created a tense atmosphere on set. Peter Cushing, who accepted the role following the death of his wife, reportedly harbored reservations about the script, and even received advice from fellow actor Christopher Lee to decline the project. Lee had originally been considered for the role of Dracula but ultimately did not participate, leading to script revisions.

Despite the behind-the-scenes difficulties, “The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires” has garnered a cult following for its unique blend of genres and its campy, over-the-top action sequences. The film’s visual style, combining Hammer’s gothic aesthetic with Shaw Brothers’ dynamic fight choreography, contributes to its distinctive appeal. The film’s release on Blu-ray offers a chance to revisit this unusual collaboration and appreciate its peculiar charms.

The Blu-ray release, available from JPC*, comes in a limited 2-disc mediabook format, including both the DVD and Blu-ray versions of the film. Amazon also offers various cover editions – Cover A, Cover B, and Cover D – as well as a standard packaging edition, available this week.

The story unfolds as Kah, the high priest of the 7 Golden Vampires, travels to Transylvania to request Dracula’s assistance in resurrecting his undead brethren in China. Dracula, seizing the opportunity, takes control of Kah’s body and embarks on a new reign of terror. A century later, Professor Van Helsing, accompanied by his son Leyland and student Hsi Ching, are tasked with stopping the vampire’s resurgence.

The film’s directors, Roy Ward Baker and Chang Cheh, brought their respective expertise to the project. Baker, known for his work in British horror, had previously directed films like “The Green Blood of the Demons.” Chang Cheh, a prominent figure in Hong Kong action cinema, was celebrated for films such as “The Sword of the Yellow Tiger.” Their collaboration, though challenging, resulted in a film that stands out for its unusual combination of styles.

For fans of B-movies and genre mashups, “The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires” offers a uniquely entertaining experience. Its eccentric designs, exaggerated death scenes, and illogical plot points contribute to its campy appeal. The film is best enjoyed as a lighthearted, over-the-top spectacle, perfect for a casual viewing experience.