MovieChat Forums > Dance of the Vampires (1967) Discussion > 40 years old today!

40 years old today!

posted 18 years ago by haristas
7 replies | jump to latest

I just realized it's November 13, 2006. FVK was released in the US on that same date in 1966. (True, it was the bastardized version, but no one watches that anymore.) You'd think there'd be a 40th Anniversary DVD with a Polanski commentary or something! Hell, "The Ninth Gate" gets a Polanski commentary but not the FVK?!!! Anyway, I'm putting on the DVD we got and watching this movie tonight on its 40th Anniversary. I just wish it were snowing outside! I wonder if anyone else in the world remembers or even cares?

[–] Rand-o 18 years ago

Greetings!

I love this film and you've inspired me to put my DVD on tonight.

Question, though: In all the books I've ever read about this film, Polanski and/or Sharon Tate, the story goes that the film was held back for release until 1967. Could it be possible that the release date was Nov. 13, 1967 and not 1966, as you say? Just wondering?

Enjoy the film!

Sit your raggedy ass down and shut the **** up! -Jackie Brown

[–] haristas 18 years ago

Yeah, I'm confused. It was made in 1966, but not released until November 13, 1967. Of course, this gives Warner Home Video another year to get a 40th Anniversary DVD prepared and get Polanski involved. I doubt it'll happen, but it would be nice.

[–] Rand-o 18 years ago

It's pretty common for studios and production companys to hold back films for release, even up to a year or more for various reasons, even today.

The story goes that Polanski was furious with producer Martin Ransohoff's final cut of the film. Ransohoff retained the right to approve the final edit in his contract with Roman. Ransohoff evidently felt that the film, as completed by Polanski, was "too European" for American audiences. He had the film extensively edited and altered. Polanski felt the film, as edited per Ransohoff, was "butchered" and ordered his name removed from the film.

This in turn, also led to a falling out between Ransohoff and Sharon Tate, whom he had under personal contract. Tate ended up having to purchase back the remainder of her contract and --I believe--pay Ransohoff a certain percentage of her future earnings. (Sadly, there wasn't much future left for Sharon.)

The film we see today re-issued on DVD, is the restored original Polanski cut.

Sit your raggedy ass down and shut the **** up! -Jackie Brown

[–] Einzelgaenger 18 years ago

I remember seeing this movie at a drive-in on a double-bill with "House of Dark Shadows" which was around 1970. Since I was only six at the time, my memories are foggy and the version I would've seen was the butchered American cut of FVK. Still, I distinctly remember the snowy scenes and the quirky professor. I stuck in my mind enough to make me salivate when it was finally broadcast on TCM in the 1990's. Of course, now I have the DVD and watch it usually on hot summer nights because the chilly, snowy atmosphere almost makes me feel cooler watching.

And I second the motion for a Special Edition DVD with Polanski commentary, deleted scenes, making-of documentary, etc. etc.

[–] brainofj72 18 years ago

I want Criterion to release a $500 27-disc box-set with 72 hours of documentaries and interviews, along with thirty commentaries, posters, figurines, and a castle. It deserves it.

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Can you forgive the boy who shot you in the head?

[–] melsen 16 years ago

Actually, I read somewhere (and I'm trying to remember where) that it was made in '65.

[–] timothy-hill 15 years ago

I think they started filming in April 66' and finished around August that summer - I know delayed for a period due to Sharon Tate having flu like symptoms (dam British weather). Released in early 1967.