Title: The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)

Studio: MGM Home Video

Rating:'PG-13'

Running Time: 1 hour 35 Minutes

Format(s): Anamorphic Widescreen

Extras: Original Trailer

Directed By: Robert Fuest

Starring: Vincent Price, Joseph Cotten, Virginia North

Reviewed by: Joe O'Leary

Vincent Price acted in many horror movies in his time, but my favorite has always been The Abominable Dr. Phibes! When I saw the announcement that Dr. Phibes and the sequel Dr. Phibes Rises Again were going to be released on DVD, I was shocked but ecstatic. MGM actually saw fit to release these two cult classics! My main concern was around how the films would look, however. Would Dr. Phibes get a good looking transfer onto DVD, or would MGM just use some old grainy print found in the studio's broom closet?

Without giving too much away, the plot to Dr. Phibes is diabolically simple: set in 1920's England, Phibes' beloved wife has a terrible accident, and is rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. On his way to her side, Phibes' car crashes, and he is presumed dead. A team of nine surgeons works on her, but they can't save Phibes' wife. Phibes blames the surgeons, and concocts a devilish scheme for revenge, even from beyond the grave...

The Abominable Dr. Phibes is a campy horror romp. Price is at his creepy, tongue in cheek best, and he doesn't even get to speak a line on screen, as Phibes' vocal cords were damaged in the accident! (he does,however, get to do voiceovers, as Phibes can speak with the help of a device which plugs into what's left of his vocal cords) Virginia North brings beauty and an aloof coolness as Vulnavia, Phibes silent henchwoman who helps carry out the outlandish and grisly murders (which, by the way, I will not reveal-it's much more fun not knowing how Phibes is going to kill his victims). Peter Jeffrey adds some comedic relief as Inspector Trout, who's always one step behind Phibes. He's a perfect foil for the serious Dr. Vesalius, played by Joseph Cotten, who turns in a fine performance as the doctor who Phibes saves for last in his line of revenge.

The direction by Robert Fuest is creative and fun, as he tries to make each scene interesting. In the area of visuals however, the set designs by Brian Eatwell steal the show. His 1920's art deco sets are fun to watch, especially in Phibes' hideout. Add in some great period music, a funny and bizarre script, and you've got a campy horror movie in the Grand Guignol tradition.

This is obviously a cult film, so I didn't expect much from the DVD--and I was pleasantly shocked. First, the film is presented in widescreen, which is the only way to watch this movie. The sets are so amazing that pan and scan just doesn't cut it. Second, the print is incredibly good for a thirty year old film. It almost looks as if the print was cleaned up, and in places it looks pristine! I have a feeling somebody besides me likes this movie...

The only extra is the original trailer, which is as fun to watch as the movie itself. The DVD retails between $9.99 and $15.00, so it's a no brainer for fans of the film--this may be the best presentation of Dr. Phibes you'll ever see. I never saw it in widescreen until now, and it's like a different movie. For non fans, if Vicent Price camping his way through fiendishly grisly murders with a beautiful sidekick in 1920's London sounds fun, run out and buy it. Dr. Phibes is the kind of avante garde horror film that you rarely see today...