This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Ralf Krause) is limited to7,000units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Looking to inject a little more excitement into his life, family man Larry seizes the opportunity when he happens across a newspaper advert for a “unique and exotic” room for rent in a mansion in the Hollywood Hills. The room, draped in black sheets and filled with candles, pillows and mirrors, seems to be the ideal place in which to carry out his extra-marital affairs - which Larry promptly does, first picking up a young college girl and later a prostitute. The mysterious owners of the property, siblings Jason and Bridget, seem more than happy to accommodate the wayward husband, dutifully preparing the room for each visit. But what Larry doesn’t realize is that Jason is deathly in need of regular blood transfusions, and the pair have been abducting each of Larry’s carnal conquests to use as victims in Jason’s deadly laboratory…
Written and co-directed by Norman Thaddeus Vane (writer/director of 1983’s Frightmare) and directed by Elly Kenner, 1982’s THE BLACK ROOM is a smart, seductive and utterly unique horror yarn, offering up a distinctive and modern take on the then-tired vampire mythos, whilst doubling down on all the requisite sex and bloodletting one would expect from the genre - the latter aided in no small part by the talents of special effects guru Mark Shostrom (Evil Dead II, the A Nightmare on Elm Street series). Featuring cinematography from Robert Harmon (who’d go on to helm the 1986 cult classic The Hitcher), Vinegar Syndrome is thrilled to resurrect THE BLACK ROOM from its murky VHS grave, pumping fresh blood into this underseen horror gem with a new 4K restoration from 35mm negative elements and an unholy assortment of newly-produced bonus features.
directed by: Elly Kenner co-directed by: Norman Thaddeus Vane starring: Stephen Knight, Cassandra Gava, Jimmy Stathis, Clara Perryman, Linnea Quigley, Christopher McDonald 1981 / 88 min / 1.85:1 / English Mono
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Newly scanned & restored in 4K from 35mm negative elements
"The Other Side of the Mirror" - an interview with director Elly Kenner
"Acting on Impulse" - an interview with actor Jimmy Stathis
"Getting Revenge" - an interview with actress Claire Corff (formerly Clara Perryman)
"Blood and Black Room" - an interview with special effects artist Mark Shostrom
"Working Their Asses Off" - an interview with production assistant Lisa Cronin
"Bodies of Work" - Nightmare USA author Stephen Thrower on The Black Room and the career of its writer Norman Thaddeus Vane
Reversible sleeve artwork
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.3896713 / 5 from 213 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Black Room is a limited edition horror film with a compelling erotic horror theme. Customers praised the 4K restoration, plentiful extras, and fantastic artwork. The film's atmosphere, looks, and transfer quality were highly commended, making it a must-have for horror enthusiasts.
"Great film Great amount of special features Great artwork and packaging A solid looking transfer recommended" — Michael C.
"Gorgeous restoration of this rare and singular vampire erotic thriller -- nice extras and packaging." — Elizabeth P.
"Still a great release with amazing packaging and overall a good film for a 1 time watch." — Justin N.
Reviews
Vampirism sort of
"A good thriller with supernatural elements Great locations and good actors . Great picture and sound Good extras Will keep and watch again Recommended"
— Patrick J. (4/5)
Underrated 80's Slasher
"Amazing to finally be able to actually see the Black Room. I mean really. The old vhs rips were impossible to make anything out. Really incredible restoration on this one. An absolute must for 80s slasher die hards."
— Drake D. (5/5)
One I’ve been wanting for
"One I’ve been wanting for a while so decided to grab it before the slip went and another video nasty to tick off the list as we never got a rerelease in the UK. Great slipcover and original art on the inside , fantastic release for a film I’ve wanted to see for the longest time!!"
— PAUL A. (5/5)
The Black Room (1981) had
"The Black Room (1981) had awesome blu-ray screen quality. The acting was good. Interesting plot twists. What I loved about The Black Room the most was that neither of the films villain’s died. They survived severe beatings and lacerations. Recommend."
— Matthew S. (4/5)
The Black Room
"This is a fun 80s horror movie that is worth a watch."
— Brian W. (5/5)
The Black Room
"Movie looks great. Very bizarre"
— John M. (5/5)
Good movie
"Good movie"
— Jonas F. (4/5)
Good obscurity
"The kind of film I come to Vinegar Syndrome for. Not released on home video since VHS, obscure, lots of blood and nudity."
— John P. (4/5)
The Black Room
"This was a blind buy for me and I’m very happy with it. I expected this to be a bit more of a dud than it ended up being. An atmospheric and loose but acceptable take on a modern day vampire story, including the sensual and seductive aspect along a backdrop of late 70s/early 80s Hollywood Hills. It ends up being as much of a study on the challenges a couple face with their jealousy much as it is about vampires and getting your blood bumped out of you when you get nasty in a rented room on top of a hill. Really enjoyed Clara Perryman as the adventurous wife, ready to beat her husband at his own silly game. Small parts with Christopher McDonald and Linnea Quigley too. Special features are extensive, including interviews with the director, the lead actors and the special effects supervisor. Over 2 hours of features. Slipcover by Ralf Krause is great. Excellent release and one that I think will fly under the radar for a while."
— Steven C. (4/5)
The Black Room
"Decent, but flawed, film with cool atmosphere and cinematography. Not the most original story but told in a fairly unique way. Score is definitely a bit off, but in a good way. Weird ending to boot. Blu-Ray looks really nice and the slip does as well. Good interviews on the extras, particularly with the director."
— Ryan W. (4/5)
Q&A
More Items to Consider
Cart
0 Item(s)
Stay in the know!
Join our mailing list for updates on new releases, promotions & events.
