Psychotronica Double Feature #3: The Mermaids of Tiburon/Yambao: Cry of the Bewitched (DVD, 2008)

We already have the old, non-topless version on VHS so we didn't expect much difference but this dvd is the whole story and is very enjoyable. It almost sounds like a documentary from the 70s told in a fashion of Lloyd Bridges Sea Hunt or even stretching some to Capt. Jacque Yves Cousteaus programs. There is no sex, not even in inuendo, very little violence (which is even "muted"). Lots of very beautifull mermaids who are working hard to stay underwater but they do keep their eyes open which is no small task in the ocean. The ominous shark is obviously homemade but no big deal. It was a very welcome relief to watch something that doesn't rely on computer special effects or endless violence to tell a story. I'm really sorry that a sequel couldn't be made. Of course if made today the story would be some convoluted exercise in the aforementioned sex & violence. I would agree that some special effect technologies could do some wonderous things with the subject matter. As an example most of the mermaids don't have mermaid tails but sport seaweed bikini bottoms. The mermaids with actual fish like tails are very good swimmers though as it is difficult to do the dolphin kick even without the elaborate costumes created for them. This movie is great fun and sits in honor next to many of our other 50s and 60s favorites such as The Creature From The Black Lagoon & its sequels. I know some would term such movies as campy or even corny but having grown up in the 50s & 60s I can tell you that it was a far nicer time than now. No one had to worry about their kid being shot in school or seeing a movie that glorified drugs or violence. Having a new HD television we've been trying to get dvds for all the movies we have on vhs but I really didn't expect the quality of this dvd to be much better than the vhs. We were pleasantly surprised even on a 37" lcd set to full cinema screen. If you're a diver you should at least get a kick out of the old twin hose regulator and other equipment! We haven't watched the second feature yet but The Mermaids of Tiburon alone is worth the price of admisssion. Grab the microwave popcorn and enjoy!