The Diabolical Dr. Z

I've loved this quirky Euro-horror film ever since I saw the trailer for it, around 1997. The atmospheric B&W cinematography, the dream-like score, the bizarre plot, the self-performed surgery — they combine to make a Saturday night movie which will linger in your mind Sunday morning.The quality of the blu ray is amazing. They must have taken it from the original negative, because the image is as sharp as a tack. Sound is clear and good and the menu is easy to navigate and understand.Story-wise, the movie has so many layers...during the 1960s, European filmmakers were experts at bringing real human feelings, motives and situations into every nuance of a scene. Nowhere does the story beat you over the head with a "message," as in 21st century cinema. It does not tell you what to think, who to like, who to hate or what your politics should be. It just tells a very macabre story in a fascinating way that makes you wish you could visit '60s Spain or France and wander along the ghostly, ancient streets for yourself.This one's a keeper!

Blu-Ray transfer is phenomenalI own an old DVD copy, and on finally getting around for a rewatch, was impressed all over again with the excellent camera work and attractive cast.So then I was excited to see it now available on blu ray-Buy if you're looking for a worthwhile upgrade

First rate transfer and solid encode of one of Franco's best straight horror flicks.Some Franco Blu's leave something to be desired in the image department, this one is beautiful.A terrific commentary offers extra appeal for the fan who wants to know more.

This is definitely a weird film. But its also an original one as well. I love the score that Daniel white did for this film.

Excellent film and kino did a fantastic job with the new 2 k scan. Very beautiful picture and clear crisp audio

“The Diabolical Dr. Z," directed by Jess Franco, is a medical-horror thriller representing a transitional type of horror from traditional scares to a more dreamy and erotic variety that would become the signature of Spanish-born Franco. Mabel Karr stars as Irma Zimmer, the daughter of a visionary scientist who has developed a morbid system of mind control. After the doctor’s death, Irma carries on her father’s work, and uses a telepathically-controlled exotic dancer with poisoned fingernails as an instrument of revenge upon three doctors who mocked Dr. Z’s theories.Franco’s stylish direction makes this revenge melodrama more than a routine thriller. The atmosphere is appropriately creepy and Ms. Karr gives an eerie performance as Irma Zimmer. The killer dancer is, of course, pure Franco. With her Fun Manchu fingernails, the robotic-like dancer is a bizarre highlight. The film’s gothic feel and frequently discordant musical score add to its overall oddness. This was one of the last Franco films in black and white. The director would soon be given expanded budgets, making possible gore in full color.Bonus materials on the Blu-ray release include audio commentary by Tim Lucas, co-author of Obsession: The Films of Jess Franco, and the original theatrical trailer. There are both a French language soundtrack with English subtitles, and and an English language soundtrack.

Has anyone compared these two dvds? Both reportedly use the same French language print, yet the Redemption (2/6/18) posts a 87-minute running time, while the Alliance/Mondo (4/29/03) lists a 84-minute r.t. (and it's not a PAL format). Anyone know which is the better transfer? Also, the Alliance had excellent extras, while the Redemption is pretty much barren. Help, anyone?? Thanks!

Who rated this film so highly?The first 40 minutes showed promise and then it just died.... The promise of any sleaze and nudity denied, the instances of any nudity being a shot of Nadia's bare back (shock!) and then a frustrating shot of a supposed naked Nadia flinging herself against the cage door she's been thrown in. The image is too dark, blurry and shot from too far away! Yes, more pointless nudity.Don't hope for more scenes with Nadia in her sexy Miss Death outfit after the initial scene because you'll be disappointed.Can't say anymore apart from I wasted a good £14 on this let down...……………...

Not very scary but hysterical & weird for the genre and the era...