DVD Review :: The Vampire Princess

Got another good little documentary from the folks at The Smithsonian Channel HD. This one was a little more horror related and was called "Vampire Princess". This DVD poses the question "Where did Bram Stroker's inspiration come from?" Was it really from Vlad the Impaler or was it actually from a woman named Elanore von Schwartzenberg.

Recent excavations near Elanore's castle have uncovered the first archaelogical evidence of vampire hysteria; three bodies buried in the style of "Magia Pasthuma," a ritual to prevent the undead from rising. One skelton's head rests between his legs, stones weighing down his limbs, a rosary binding his hands; another has a wooden stake coming out of his chest. So much for legends. The hysteria really did happen in this community.

Once again the Smithsonian Channel has produced a quality documentary that really takes you from a-z of these vampire hysterias of the 1700's. The film has some great steady cam shots and once again the acting goes along great with the main storytelling of the film. Also once again they don't pull punches calling the vampire hysteria a result of ignorant people in the countryside.

This DVD is out on October 14th for around $15.00. No extras but I give it a B+