COLLECTOR'S CRYPT - THE MUMMY AND THE CURSE OF THE JACAKLS (SEVERIN BLU-RAY)
The designation of “so bad, it’s good” is often a crutch applied to objectively bad movies as a way for them to save face. To the extent that the title of being “bad” and “good” apply to the film in question depends, but more often than not movies that are described as “bad” are usually just that, even if they are high in entertainment value. It is hard to assume intent when it comes to bad films, and it is even safer to say that no one sets out to intentionally make a bad movie so much as things that happen along the way affect the films quality. This can come from running out of money, issues with sets and locations, or in the worst cases actors dropping out and having to be replaced. In genre films, it also means shoddy makeup effects and silly costumes, alongside dialogue that is often wildly inauthentic. Still, the allure of these movies is that they are true escapism and can be enjoyed both for their art as well as their unintentional (or maybe not) foibles. One such legendary “so bad, it’s good” movie is “The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals” from the long-gone Vega International Films company that Severin Films have given the deluxe Blu-Ray treatment to. Is this a mummy that should stay buried, or is there still some life left in this long-lost schlocky classic?
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
An ancient Egyptian princess returns from the dead in the 1960s and puts a curse on an archaeologist, so that he can turn into a jackal man and protect her, but her jealous husband returns in the form of a monstrous mummy to take her back and kill anyone that gets in his way.
HOW IS IT?
There is something charming about a “bad” movie. It can be a source of inspiration and comic relief, showcasing the mundane and the absurd together in one potpourri/kitchen sink kind of film. “The Mummy and The Curse of the Jackals”, or “Mummy Jackals” for short is an assortment of genre film tropes that is the textbook definition of a “bad” film. From awful ADR synching to a plot so stuffed and dialogue so stiff you feel like you’re having a bad mushroom trip and not watching a movie. That also may be your bag, and if so, you’re in for a real treat. This is zany, but endearing in its audacity and scope, which you likely already know if you’re reading a review for a movie titled “The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals.”
The plot has almost everything you could ask from a B-movie in the 60s. A swinging and somehow ill-fitting jazzy soundtrack, a group of weirdly dense and horny academics, and a mummy who turns her would-be savior into a werewolf to fight off her jealous mummy husband. From the very first moment of “Mummy Jackals,” it is clear that nothing is to be taken seriously. The lead character, David, is your typical good-looking idiot who is somehow an archeologist stealing princess mummies to “learn” about them. Which is just him wanting to sleep with her, at the cost of every night becoming a “jackal” or a werewolf that looks a lot like a rabid Chuckie Cheese. The transformation sequence is the kind of thing you can only really appreciate if you’re drunk, high, or just really love bad movies. Therein may lie the charm for most seeking this out. It’s non-serious and the kind of movie you put on while you’re having a party just as set-dressing for some obscure 50s post-apocalyptic Halloween party.
All of this aside, if you don’t like the aesthetic of bad B-movies, you’ll hate “Mummy Jackals” through and through. The dubbing and ADR in this are some of the worst ever, and while that may be part of the film’s charm, it is a jarring experience that can take you out of things pretty easily and often. The effects are laughably bad and silly, which is certainly good for a chuckle, but many scenes are reused seemingly just to fill time. Again, these are trademark traits for a particular kind of genre film that is pretty divisive, and often viewed best by others to revel in the awfulness and amateur-level antics. Of course, no late '60s B-movie would be complete without a role for David Carradine who is in more coherent and attentive form for this film than he has been in previous ones. His role in the 3rd act is rather meaningless, but then again, he was a name draw at this time in his career for films that needed something to rest their marketing laurels on. Regardless, “Mummy Jackals” is exactly the kind of movie that it looks like. If that’s your thing, this is an essential purchase, if not, this isn’t going to sway your opinion.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
One of the things that is so endearing about boutique labels like Severin is that they give something like “Mummy Jackals” the same level of restorative attention that they do in much more popular and well-known releases. The 4K scan from the film internegative looks superbly fitting both for the time as well and the restoration capabilities available today. The 1.66:1 aspect ratio is here in glorious 1080p HD and grain is intact in parts, while the colors and image pop off the screen which does wonders for some of the more colorful sequences. It does feel a bit like “lipstick on a pig”, but also a testament to the care the team at Severin put into ensuring the best possible versions of these often almost lost films. Images from this release are used throughout the review.
HOW DOES IT SOUND?
The mono soundtrack included is free of pops and crackles, which helps given how swinging the 60s soundtrack is. The dialogue is nicely balanced within the rest of the soundtrack, and it does run a bit loud so be careful not to crank up the volume too much. There is also an English subtitle track, but be warned, it can be disorienting reading it given how out of synch the dialogue and audio are.
ANYTHING SPECIAL?
The obscurity of the films that Severin release is only matched by the quality of special features they commission for these unsung classics and lost gems. Anytime we see Stephen Thrower’s name on anything, you kno we are gonna watch it which is why we kicked off the special features with The Vega International Story. This 25 minute documentary covers a lot of ground for such a short video that goes through the entire lifecycle of Vega International, the production company behind “The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals.” Like so many of these early indie studios, stories of people not getting paid, mob connections in Las Vegas, and a string of films many of which either left incomplete or hardly seen. The story of William Edwards and his escapades goes far beyond just a slew of low-budget genre films in Las Vegas and even finds the producer trying to hock fake demo tapes and auditions in Atlanta, GA. Just like so many others of old independent studios, it all plays out like something ripe for dramatization and adaptation, but also offers insight into a part of cinema history that may otherwise be forgotten. Lastly, the footage from the sole VHS release of “Mummy Jackals” is shown here and demonstrates just how impressive the Severin restoration and transfer actually is. A full list of special features included are listed below.
Bonus Materials
The Vega International Story – Interview With Stephen Thrower, Author Of Nightmare USA
Cowboys, Mummies, And Oliver Drake – Interview With Film Historian C. Courtney Joyner
Investing In The Jackal – Interview With Garry Gassel, Son Of Investors Milton R. Gassel And Judi Gassel
ANGELICA, THE YOUNG VIXEN (61 mins) – Vega International Adult Film
Audio Commentary With Exploitation Film Researcher Shawn Langrick Moderated By Genre Film Historian Joe Rubin
LAST RITES
“The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals” is the quintessential b-movie; bad-costumes, terrible dubbing, an absurd premise, and a swinging soundtrack. While these may not work in service of a “good” movie, fans of schlock will find a lot to indulge in here and find an interesting piece of genre history that is best experienced with friends so you can enjoy the company of laughter.
THE GORY DETAILS
Thank you to the fine fiends over at Severin Films for providing a review copy for the crypt! The Mummy And The Curse Of The Jackals is available NOW and can be purchased via SEVERIN DIRECT!
Stay up to date with “The Dark Side Of Pop Culture” by following Macabre Daily on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
