The Film (3.5/5)

    Troma in the old marketing materials for Def by Temptation used to call it the first all-black horror film. I guess they missed Ganja and Hess, but I digress. The film  made by some actors and crew in Spike Lee's wheelhouse, is a solid entry into 1990's horror that remains largely obscure, probably due to it's connection to Troma Entertainment, who fortunately gave the film finishing funds, so at the very least the film could be completed.

    Joel (James Bond III, also the director) is new to the city. He is trying to adjust to life there with his long time friend K., who is also a transplant to the area. This is not being made easier by a Vampire/Succubus who is is seducing young men like the pair, and killing them in gruesome ways.   They will, of course run into her before it is all over.

    Def by Temptation is an excellent horror film from the period, that has been unfortunately mistreated. The film was shot by Spike Lee's former cinematographer Ernest Dickerson, who would go on to direct the amazing Tales from the Crypt - Demon Knight (still one of the best horror films of the 1990's, imo). The cast is solid, and it delivers on quite a few levels, the direction from Bond  is solid, and is only limited by obvious budgetary issues. The use of Dickerson is an obvious brilliant choice, as he helps inject the film with a style that helps elevate the film significantly, not to say it would not have been an entertaining ride on its own, but Dickerson really brings a real style to the whole affair.

Audio/Video (4/5)

    I've seen Def by Temptation on TV, VHS, DVD, and now Vinegar Syndrome's as great as it gets Blu-ray. Vinegar Syndrome did a 2k scan of the original camera negative (can Troma just hand over all there elements to VS, PLEASE), and thus the ugly look of prior home video releases is now gone. The red and blue hues one could detect, but not quite see are fully restored to their vibrance, detail is excellent, black levels are inky and deep.

Extras (3/5)

    Vinegar Syndrome puts together a solid extras slate together for their Def by Temptation release. This includes a long-form interview with James Bond III that discusses his entire career including this film. We also get a fantastic interview between Ernest Dickerson and Troma's Lloyd Kaufman. An interview with Michael Gingold and on the film. There is a gallery of art, and an original trailer.

Overall

    Def By Temptation is a fun 1990's horror experience, that has been wonderfully restored by the folks at Vinegar Syndrome making it look like it has never looked before. It also has a solid extras slate. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.