Man did this one take me by surprise. I'm always intrigued when there's a DVD release of a vintage horror flick that I haven't had the opportunity of seeing. I was really curious about this one, but at the same time very apprehensive. It goes without saying that the 70's brought us just as many duds as shining examples of greatness. It was with great excitement and anticipation that I popped in THIRST into the ol' DVD player, and I'm happy to say that not only did it please me on my first viewing, but also on the second. I'm pretty sure that this is on that you're not going to want to miss.

Kate Davis learns that she's a descendant in a long line of blood drinkers and she's needed at home base. Only problem is poor Kate doesn't want to have anything to do with this lifestyle (can you blame her?). Don't call them vampires though, The Brotherhood as they like to be called drink the blood purely for youth and power issues (isn't that what vampires did?). They don't skulk down their victims in alleys or seduce young maidens with heaving bosoms either. Nope... they accept blood from "donors" who are prepped and tested. These so called "blood cows" are lined up and drained at "the dairy". Then the blood is delivered in milk cartons to the members! It's all a bit clever and satirical, but never annoying or too over the top. During the course of these proceedings, there's a definite chill in the air. You're likely to never know when you should be smirking, or shrieking.

Kate is brought in this new and terrifying world and told of her ancestry and it appears as if there is no way out for Kate. Not wanting to have anything to do with The Brotherhood or their wacky ideals Kate rebels, throws fits and repeatedly tries to escape. No matter anyhow as The Brotherhood won't take no for an answer, and they seem to be everywhere Kate is... even in her fantasies and nightmares. Will Kate give in? Or will she not be able to resist the power of The Brotherhood, which could ultimately lead to a ritualistic ceremony, and an unexpected marriage that will lock Kate in for life.

The thing that struck me most about THIRST was how well made this film really is. Excellent performances, a tight (if not too predictable) story and most importantly an excellent mood, atmosphere and style. Director Hardy makes remarkable use of his characters and more importantly his frame and slick use of the camera. Shot 2.35:1 scope, THIRST incorporates many picture perfect shots making this film nothing but a pleasure to look at. Most of all, nothing about this film is trapped in the 70's mode (except for a few hairdo's... expected). Sets, costumes... nothing seems dated or out of touch.

Extremely entertaining, THIRST never truly crosses over as a hardcore fright flick. There aren't many real scares, but you'd be hard pressed to admit that the brainwashing and devious ethics of The Brotherhood didn't get inside your head. Kate is such a sweet and likeable character, one can't help but feel the poor girls pain and fear. She's thrust into many bizarre and upsetting set pieces that are all brilliantly executed. This includes one particularly visionary scene in which the house seems to crumble to bits all around poor Kate. The scene is slowly executed with simply brilliant results and is one of the many standouts of the film. Poor Kate indeed!!

It's worth noting for shits and giggles that the back of the DVD box compares THIRST to that of The Exorcist and Psycho. It's ridiculous enough to compare the two (Exorcist and Psycho) but even more absurd to bring THIRST into the mix as well. THIRST has about as much in common with these two titles as The Little Mermaid has with Debbie Does Dallas. That said, THIRST has more in common with flicks like Rosemary's Baby or even The Enity for that matter. One woman's struggle against a force she can do little to nothing about with no one to turn to. If one must make a comparison that's the comparison I'd feel most comfortable making. Otherwise, just enjoy the flick on its own accord as I did.

Elite gets extremely high marks on the presentation of this one. Preserved in its original scope ratio in an anamorphic transfer THIRST looks really impressive on this DVD. Having never seen THIRST prior I have nothing to compare to, however, I'm fairly certain that this is the first appearance of THIRST in its original ratio. For a late 70's flick that I'd be willing to wager had a meager budget, THIRST holds up quite well. Colors are fairly sharp and vibrant (when needed). Grain is at a near non-existence as well as print damage. There is the occasional spec of dirt (which is to be expected) and really nothing else to be concerned about. Elite has done a bang up job on this one.

Audio fares quite well also with nice clear dialogue and really no evidence of background noise or hiss. The sound mix comes across nicely as does the awesome musical score, which brings me to my next point. The entire score is offered as an isolated music only track. Definitely a most welcomed extra.

Extras include an extremely entertaining (and insightful) audio commentary with director Rod Hardy and producer Antony I. Ginnane. Other extras include a theatrical trailer and TV spots, brief still gallery, filmographies and the icing on the cake as mentioned earlier, an isolated musical score.

I didn't know what to expect from this one, but I learned that going in blind might not be so much of a bad thing after all. This is a stylish and effective thriller. Don't let the fact that it's a bit predictable and deliberately paced thriller throw you off. Just let yourself go with the flow and dig in. There's much to like about THIRST and Elite certainly gives it a first rate presentation on DVD.