Full Moon Features has several long-running franchises it’s nurtured since it first began delivering its unique brand of entertainment, like Trancers, Demonic Toys, Evil Bong, and the never-ending Puppet Master films and spin-offs. After a twenty-five-year lapse in sequels, one of their signature properties has returned triumphantly with Subspecies V: Blood Rise.
Director Ted Nicolaou, who helmed all the previous entries, has brought his legacy back to life with series regulars Anders Hove, Denice Duff, and Kevin Spirtas (Blair). What’s also noteworthy about this film is it actually received a limited theatrical release and did very well.
The child of a demon mother and vampire father, Radu is taken by crusaders, never knowing his true legacy. Mystic monks trained and used him to kill those against the church. Then one night, he finds himself face to face with his father, and the truth is revealed. Attempting to carry out his mission, the once honorable man finds himself becoming a monster, much like the ones he vowed to slay.
I was expecting mindless, goofy fun since that’s usually what Full Moon typically delivers these days. However, Subspecies V is a damn good entry in the series. You can’t make a film like this without the star, and Anders Hove returns and gives a stellar performance. He slips back into character like it was yesterday, continuing to explore Radu’s dark side and his origins. Denice Duff and Kevin Spirtas also return to the series as different characters, and that’s just fine. They turn in great performances, offering something new to the franchise while still delivering fan service by bringing them back.

Nicolaou obviously cares about his creation and treats it with love and respect. This is no cash grab; it’s also a surprising return to form for Full Moon. If they delivered only one movie every couple of years of this caliber, then maybe the independent studio we grew up in could build upon its early glory.
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Subspecies V was filmed in Serbia, and the various locations are epic and used to great effect. I wasn’t exactly expecting a prequel twenty years after the last one, but it works, and hopefully, we see another sooner rather than later.
Full Moon’s Blu-ray release is on par with other releases of the past few years. The package includes a behind-the-scenes segment, audio commentary, trailers, and a photo gallery. Will Subspecies V: Blood Rise lure new fans to the series? It’s doubtful, but long-time fans will love and appreciate the passion Nicolaou and friends still have for these characters and the fact Charles Band was willing to do this movie right.
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