An interesting 2-disc package containing four different films utilizing footage from one core production. Noted producer/director Roger Corman made a deal for distribution rights to a film being produced in Yugoslavia. Corman brought in English speaking actors William Campbell (Romulan Commander Koloff in Star Trek The Trouble With Tribbles, Love Me Tender, Dementia 13) and Patrick Magee (A Clockwork Orange, The Masque Of The Red Death) to insure sales in his key markets but decided that the finished espionage thriller was unworthy of release. This first version of the film would later be re-edited and released to television as Portrait In Terror.
In an effort to salvage his investment Corman turned to director Jack Hill and asked him to re-shape the film into something he felt would be releasable. Hill called back Campbell for reshoots and shot some additional scenes with Sid Haig and Jonathan Haze. This version was a throwback to Corman’s Bucket Of Blood with Campbell’s role changed to that of an artist who murders women and then uses their corpses for artistic purposes. Magee was still featured in this version but Corman once again decided the film wasn’t what he was looking for and this cut is thought to be lost. Corman brought in a third director, Stephanie Rothman to shoot additional scenes with Campbell’s character becoming a vampire. Since Campbell wanted too much cash to come back for more reshoots Rothman created a plot device in which Campbell would change his physical appearance when blood drinking. Magee’s role was cut to the bare minimum and somehow Corman decided this was the version he was looking for and released the hybrid film as Blood Bath. A fifth cut of the film is included that had even more footage inserted as the Rothman version was too short for television showings and broadcast as Track Of The Vampire.
Of the four versions available here the Hill/Rothman version is the most interesting due to Hill’s ideas and direction. If only Hill’s lost cut was included. Fans of Jack Hill’s other work will instantly recognize his stamp on the film and appreciate his efforts. The prints all look pretty good and the cinematography on Operation: Titan is stunning for the most part.