The Whip and the Body (Blu-ray)(1963)

Steeped in sadomasochism and lushly photographed in the vivid hues for which the director is known, Mario Bava's The Whip and the Body is a Gothic thriller that far surpasses the AIP Edgar Allan Poe films that it was intended to emulate. Horror legend Christopher Lee (Dracula, The Wicker Man, House of the Long Shadows) stars as Kurt Menliff, the sadistic son of a wealthy Count, who returns to the family castle, much to the dismay of his family, their servants, and the beautiful woman with whom he shares a fondness for the lash (Daliah Lavi, The Silencers, The High Commissioner). When Kurt is found murdered, it brings no peace to those who had feared him, as his vengeful spirit cannot be contained by the grave, and he returns to torment those unfortunate enough to remain within Menliff Manor. The most deliriously romantic horror picture ever made, The Whip and the Body is a decadent masterpiece by the bloody brilliant Bava (Black Sunday, Black Sabbath, Kill, Baby Kill!).