Spirits of the Dead is a tour de force of cinema in grand fashion and style. Three obscure tales from Edgar Allen Poe are brought to the screen by three legendary filmmakers; Roger Vadim, Louis Malle, and Frederico Fellini. HVE presents Spirits of the Dead on DVD for our enjoyment. Although it's not the first time this title has surfaced on the digital format, it's the most impressive. Believe me when I say this is one film that is absolutely not to be missed.

Vadim starts us off with a reworking of Poe's Metzengerstein. In this case, Baron Metzengerstein has been replaced with a woman (Jane Fonda) consumed by excess (she's referred to as a "Petty Caligula"). Undaunted by her power, she rules with an iron fist and doesn't take no for an answer. Between the torture and ultimately "tame" sexual shenanigans, she finally meets her match in the form of her cousin. While everyone else wants to yes her to death, he's the only one who'll speak his mind, he doesn't agree with her ways. Obviously unhappy with his disapproval, she burns down his stable in protest; accidentally killing the good Count in the process. Haunted by the spirit of the Count in the form of a gallant stallion, she alienates herself from everyone and everything around her, until she is ultimately consumed by her own mourning.

Louis Malle hits us next with a retelling of William Wilson. Spilling his guts to a priest isn't easy for William Wilson (Alain Delon). He confesses to killing a man, and begins a couch trip that one is not likely soon to forget. Whether it's torturing schoolmates, nearly performing an autopsy on a live unwilling candidate, or cheating at cards with the lovely Brigitte Bardot. William Wilson can't escape his guilt, and his inner demons create himself a dopelganger, whom he feels he must destroy to be saved. Ultimately he ends up destroying himself right along with it with no chance of salvation.

Last up is Fellini's version of Never Bet the Devil your Head, here titled after the main character Toby Dammit (brilliantly played by Terrence Stamp). Toby Dammit is the most bizarre and surreal of the bunch (would we expect any less from Fellini?). At what appears to be an awards show for the damned, Toby is haunted by his lack of talent and excess of success. Toby ultimately ends up taking a joyride that he will not return from.. in one piece at least. Full of disturbing images, including that of a creepy little girl dressed in white, bouncing a ball, whom Toby refers to as Satan, Toby Dammit is a grand finale to the trio of tales, known as Spirits of the Dead.

HVE Presents Spirits of the Dead in its original aspect ratio of 1.75:1 in an anamorphic transfer. There is some minimal print damage, the occasional spec , but aside from that I can honestly say this is the best this film has ever looked, hands down. Colors are quite lively, and the transfer is ultimately crystal clear. Sound is Mono, and is also quite pleasing. Sharp dialogue, great musical scores for each segment presented with no distortion. Spirits is presented in its original Italian language with nice readable subs. Overall an extremely impressive presentation of a must see film.

Extras are non-existent, which is a shame. However, we are given the option to watch each story individually, or as one feature length film. This is a great idea, and each segment is given it's own set of chapter stops, very nice.

I'd have to say that any self-respecting fan of the macabre (or Poe for that matter) needs to pick up this DVD. It's essential viewing, and is an extremely enjoyable experience. Run; don't walk to pick up this DVD, you won't be sorry.