Black Sunday (1961)

Two centuries ago, two Satan worshipers (Princess Asa Vajda and her lover) are captured and crucified. But, the ritual fire was interrupted by an unexpected rain. She challenges to wipe out the entire family of her brother who did this. After two centuries, she wakes up and wanted to regain her life through her exact replica, Katia Vajda.Some of the effects in the film was really unbelievable. It's hard to think how they pulled out those effects in 1960.It's really a nice film for horror film lovers. #KiduMovie

A vengeful witch (Barbara Steele) and her fiendish servant return from the grave and begin a bloody campaign to possess the body of the witch's beautiful look-alike descendant (also Barbara Steele). Only the girl's brother and a handsome doctor stand in her way.For many years I kept putting off seeing this because I was not sure if i had seen it or not, getting it confused with "Black Sabbath" (which it really has nothing in common with). Now I have seen the Kino version that is on Netflix. From what I understand, there are two English versions and an Italian one. I am not sure which one of the English ones this is (though the dubbing is funny given that Steele does not speak Italian).Anyway, beautiful film with some good black and white photography. I definitely need to see it again in its various versions before really making any serious comments.

I Vampiri pleasantly surprised me so I really felt like watching some more of Mario Bava's movies. Actually "Black Sunday" or "The Mask of Satan" does resemble I Vampiri in a way. Again there is a woman wanting to restore the beauty she once had. I was mostly impressed by the atmosphere that this movie breaths greatly helped by the black/white cinematography and the constant fog outside when darkness falls. The castle was a stunning setting. I was also impressed by the horror effects like the piercing mask, the evil prince rising from his grave, the giant bat and the witch restoring her life from the body of the beautiful princess. Both of these roles are played by the amazing Barbara Steele. Hardly have I seen a woman with such a beautiful face and expressive eyes. Nice debut also from the young Germana Dominici who plays Sonya the innkeeper's daughter.

Since I discovered Barbara Steele about five years ago, our paths have not crossed until now. She certainly was/is a sultry being. This was a true surprise to me. Mario Brava works magic with an incredibly atmospheric offering. From the beginning, as two people are executed, one as a Satanic presence and the other as a witch, this evolves into a masterful horror movie. As the young doctor and his mentor find their ways to the spooky churchyard where the bodies of these two entities were interred, the suspense never stops and the threat lies over everything that occurs. The charming Ms. Steele dominates the room in every scene in which she appears. As the seductive witch and the young, spooky princess of the castle, her physical presence is always scene crunching. The plot of the Satanic character who loves her and is trying to make his way back to his earthly realm works very well. I've always loved books and movies about curses from dying witches (from my early experience with "The House of the Seven Gables") and this ranks near the top of the list. Take the time to watch this hidden treasure.