Veteran Spanish horror actor Paul Naschy returns to the screen in a personal and effective tale, Rojo Sangre (or Blood Red). One of the first titles to be released under the Fangoria International label through Media Blasters, Rojo Sangre features a DVD sleeve boasting one festival award after another (along with a spelling error), so naturally I put the red flag up on this one. However, this is one instance in which the accolades (and possibly the spelling error) are well deserved. Rojo Sangre is a film that deserves to be seen by a larger audience (particularly of the euro-cult nature). If you've been on the fence about this one (or have yet to even hear about it at all), let me throw all of my cookies on the table by assuring you that you should pick this film up. Paul Naschy (or Jacinto Molina) stars as washed up thespian Pablo Thevenet (Naschy also serves as the films' writer). An old and bitter out of work actor who's really hit the bottom of the barrel. When we first meet Pablo he's auditioning for a low-profile TV spot. Not only does he not get the job, but he's put down by the spot's director and assistants as nothing more than a washed up has been. It seems as if not many out there are quick to show the great Thevenet the respect one can only assume that he deserves.

Once the star of hundreds of films and plays, now a penniless out of work senior citizen who's clamoring for his next meal, Pablo is finally given a tip on an opportunity by his soon to be ex-agent. Pablo takes a position at some hipster burlesque club that pays a whopping 10,000 Euros a week. All he has to do is dress up in costume and stand, statuesque, outside of the establishment (rain or shine). It's demeaning, but it pays well, and it affords him some good meals and a couple of bucks in his pocket. All good things...as they say, and soon It becomes too much for Pablo. Eventually the job, his eccentric team of 'boss's', and those who believe he'll never be half the man he used to be gets to him and he snaps. Donning the outfits of famous murderers throughout history, Pablo begins to 'take care' of those who he feels have 'wronged him.' However, in the end, there may be a much greater force at work here, one that Pablo may not understand quite as well as he thinks he does.

There are many elements in Rojo Sangre that help to form its remarkable strengths (along with a few expected weaknesses) much of the films' success stems from two of these elements. Naschy's strong (and personal) story and Christian Molina's (no relation to Paul) assured (yet risky) and inventive direction.

It's obvious that this story stems from Naschy's very own soft spot, and much of what's told, must hold true. While I've always appreciated Naschy's abilities as a strong leading man, it's evident here that he's really just playing Naschy. The ideas behind Rojo Sangre could have come across as pretentious or self-serving and for Naschy it was an obvious risk (especially so late in his career). One that paid off dearly. Let's hope this is a new (and well-deserved) beginning for Naschy.

First time director Christian Molina also deserves great recognition for how he has handled the material. Rojo Sangre has a great classic euro vibe, if it weren't for Naschy's obvious age, one may be inclined to feel as if he/she were watching a film not so recent. Rojo Sangre is quite beautiful to look at, but it's a classical filmic beauty that we tend not to see as often these days, especially with European productions. Molina loves his camera tricks, but most are fairly subtle and they don't interfere with the story. Molina's unique dissolves (while perhaps) a bit overused are pure eye candy. Molina also makes fantastic use of colors and many more old school camera tricks, such as split screens. The film is just a visual joy.

Rojo Sangre is presented scope at a ratio of 2.35:1, but sadly, it is not enhanced for widescreen sets. Audio is presented in Spanish (Dolby Digital Stereo) with English subs. Despite the lack of anamorphic enhancement, picture quality is still quite outstanding. Molina's visuals are breathtaking, to say the least. Audio is clear and subtle, yet serviceable, with only a few noticeable errors on the subtitles. Extras include a Behind-The-Scenes segment, interview w/ Director Molina, large (and comprehensive) still gallery, a trailer for Rojo Sangre (oddly enough, the trailer is anamorphic at 1.85:1) and trailers for a couple of other Media Blasters DVDs.

Both Media Blasters and Fangoria International get the A OK from me on this one. Despite the lack of anamorphic enhancement (what gives?) I'm just glad that I was given the opportunity to discover this fine film, that proudly now holds a place in my eclectic DVD collection. Rojo Sangre is one of those rare gems, a truly wondrous cinematic discovery that all horror/euro-cult fans should seek out. This one comes highly recommended.