I've just received something that may be of interest to you lovely people.
BFI Flipside Presents: Short Sharp Shocks (Rated 18, 2 disc set with booklet, 216 minutes).
Sadly I don't own a blue-ray player so, I've loaned it to my brother who going to put some of it on data stick for me. These disc are full of short horrors - not large enough to be put out on there own.
A quick not-comprehensive list of the shorts and short film on it;
Lock your Door (Anthony Gikison, 1949) - 15 mins
the Reformation of St. Jules (Anthony Gikison, 1949) - 14 mins
The Tell-Tale Heart (J B Williams, 1953) - 21 mins
Death was a Passenger (Theodore Zichy, 1958) - 18 mins
Portrait of a Matador (Theodore Zichy, 1958) - 24 mins
Twenty-Nine (Brian Cummins, 1969) - 26 mins
The Sex Victims (Derek Robbins, 1973) - 37 mins
The Lake (Lindsey C. Vickers, 1978) - 33 mins
The Errand (Nigel Finch, 1980) -29 mins
And lots of extras besides. I personally bought it for The Lake, by the director of The Appointment (an unusually film I rate highly, although I think there is a slight disconnect in presentation, it is still a powerful film), anyway there's the scrips for the The Lake on the Disc and some making of type documents, which I'm looking forward to.
Reviews and comments on it when I have a chance to look at it.
One of my Holy Grails has been announced! I Start Counting is getting a US BD release via Vinegar Syndrome* of all companies. I hope this means that a UK release will be forthcoming. It's absolutely made for a Flipside release. https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=27413
The I START COUNTING release came to my attention in October 2019, as I was contacted by Jonathan Hertzberg of Fun City Editions about working on extras - ultimately my participation didn't materialise, but I've been sitting on news of this release for almost a year. It's getting a great response online and hopefully will do well for Jonathan's label (formed after he left Kino Lorber). Frame comparisons between the FCE version and the YouTube upload have appeared on Facebook and there are heaps of additional picture detail and massively improved clarity. A day one purchase for me.
First Twitter comments re the BD "restoration" of the classic BBC version of The Day of the Triffids is that it has been very badly bungled - filmisation effects, wrong colour overlays and even the wrong font on the title sequence.
FAO Moodie. Kino Lorber have announced that they are bringing the first two Santo movies to BD: https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/monsterkidclassichorrorforum/el-santo-s-first-2-films-from-kino-in-2021-t78800.html#p1579349
German company Wicked Vision (not sure if they used to be Anolis or not) are releasing Biggles and Madhouse in variant covers in very limited editions. Each has new extras. https://www.wicked-shop.com/en/pre-order/
I was not aware that the BBC only ever screened 39 of the 52 episodes that were made. The new set contains all 52 episodes with 2004 voice tracks for the ones not shown by the Beeb.
"Bonus features include:
Documentary filmed around the dubbing of the lost 13 episodes and PDF scans of all the 39 original BBC dubbing scripts!"
@mal I only became aware of the other episodes when I started buying the DVDs, because you got one of them in the original Japanese as an extra feature on each disc!I might treat myself, but only if I hear glowing reports about the PQ and suchlike. It's certainly true that the episodes often look a bit horrible on the DVDs, but then again, it's only Monkey!
Over at CHFB someone is reporting that the restored version of The Masque of the Red Death is coming soon to BD via Studiocanal. I for one can't wait to re-watch a film about waiting around inside while a plague wipes out mankind ... It's getting so that I feel like incinerating a dwarf dressed up in an ape suit...
I watched their release of The Evil of Frankenstein and I'm sorry to say that it's pretty awful. I watched it with the commentary and, since I wasn't focused on how poor John Elder's script was, I was able to really appreciate how lovely the film looked with its gorgeous 1960s colours. Then the print damage kicked in and went on and on and on. A large chunk of the right side of the image is noticeably damaged for a very long part of the film's running time. Unfortunately, there's no option to watch the TV inserts separately so I was going to watch the entire TV version until I saw how bad that print was - colours faded to almost nothing and scratched to buggery. I might try and fast forward to the relevant scenes some time but at this point I was dispirited by the whole experience. Caveat emptor.
I'd forgotten all about Network's Blu-ray release of 'The Woman in Black', until it plopped through my letterbox this morning!Watching it now, it looks lovely. And I'm listening to the jovial and informative commentary featuring Kim Newman, Mark Gatiss and Andy Nyman.My copy came in a lovely slipcase that makes it look like an old book, and has a small reproduction of the press book. Spiffy!
We did 😀 It's a nice set, although it is distinguished by one of the most useless supplements (on "Cats in the Horror Film") I ever sat through (well I say I sat through it, but I switched it off after 5 minutes of tedium).
David McGillivray has reported that he's filmed an interview this week for a BFI release that many of us have been hoping for for a long while - it's a collection of nine British horror shorts, apparently due out later this year. His film THE ERRAND is the only confirmed title as yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if the three SCREAMTIME films, plus PANIC and THE LAKE, turn up, as the BFI have access to quality 35mm prints for all of those. They've nicked the title of my 2019 monograph for the package, which will be called SHORT SHARP SHOCKS.
The Reformation of St Jules (Anthony Gilkison, 1949)
The Tell-Tale Heart (J B Williams, 1953)
Death Was a Passenger (Theodore Zichy, 1958)
Portrait of a Matador (Theodore Zichy, 1958)
Twenty Nine (Brian Cummins, 1969)
The Sex Victims (Derek Robbins, 1973)
The Lake (Lindsey C Vickers, 1978)
The Errand (Nigel Finch, 1980)
Strictly limited edition of 3,000 copies
Extras
Interview with Peter Shillingford (2020): newly recorded interview with the producer of Twenty Nine
Interview with David McGillivray (2020): newly recorded interview the writer of The Errand
Interview with Kate Lees (2020): the chair of Adelphi Films discusses the 2017 discovery of the long thought lost 1953 short The Tell-Tale Heart starring Stanley Baker
Interview with Renee Glynn (2020): newly recorded interview with the script-supervisor on Twenty Nine
Image galleries for The Tell-Tale Heart, The Lake and The Errand
Script galleries for The Lake and The Errand
The original short story of The Errand, presented as a viewable gallery
Other extras TBC
***FIRST PRESSING ONLY*** Fully illustrated booklet with new writing on the films by Vic Pratt, Dr Josephine Botting, William Fowler, Jonathan Rigby, Peter Shillingford, Lindsey C Vickers and David McGillivray
"After the early example of “folk horror” in the Play for Today instalment Robin Redbreast, playwright John Bowen returned to the form with A Photograph, a deceptive piece of work that for the most part plays as a psychological thriller before taking a turn into “folk horror” territory in the closing moments." https://eofftvreview.wordpress.com/2018/05/14/play-for-today-a-photograph-1977/ (Beware SPOILERS)
Full list of the plays included:
"The Lie (Written by Ingmar Bergman | Dir. Alan Bridges, 1970)
Shakespeare or Bust (Written by Peter Terson | Dir. Brian Parker, 1973)
Back of Beyond (Written by Julia Jones | Dir. Desmond Davis, 1974)
Passage to England (Written by Leon Griffiths | Dir. John Mackenzie, 1975)
Our Flesh and Blood (Written by Mike Stott | Dir. Pedr James, 1977)
A Photograph (Written by John Bowen | Dir. John Glenister, 1977)
Your Man from Six Counties (Written by Colin Welland | Dir. Barry Davis, 1976)"
Indicator have confirmed that their October release will be a boxset of Christopher Lee's Fu Manchu films. The BBC used to show the first three quite a lot back in the day and I enjoyed them but was always frustrated that we never got to see the last two. Then about 24 years ago, when I was living in London, they turned up on late-night ITV and ... oh my! I think the best that can be said for those is that their remarkable incompetence means that they're slightly less tedious than most Jess Franco films. https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/the-fu-manchu-cycle-1965-1969-le?mc_cid=3c29473ddd&mc_eid=14dd2f4491 "*Includes an exclusive poster only available with direct orders from this website (poster features the famous FU MANCHU FOR MAYOR design, originally printed to coincide with the 1965 mayoral elections in New York, see image on this page)."
There are a few interesting extras to point out. The Ghost of Monk’s Island is a CFF serial edited into feature length form. I've reviewed this in the 1960s subforum. Also included are two episodes from silent British Fu Manchu serials, presumably all that survives of them. This is one of them: https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-the-coughing-horror-1924-online
I wish the Fus (pronounced "fooze") were more fun. Face of Fu is fun. Brides of Fu are fun. Vengeance of Fu isn't much fun. The Jessies aren't even funny fun fooze.
Kino Lorber's release of The Flesh and the Fiends sounds both disappointing and confusing. DVD Beaver's review http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_125/the_flesh_and_the_fiends_blu-ray.htm is unclear as to whether it's the UK or Continental cut that we're seeing. It says it's the UK version but there's a reference to "nudity" which would seem to suggest it's the Continental...? Either way, it's very disappointing that both versions are not included so I'll be passing on this one.
Indicator have announced a 2-BD set of John Badham's Dracula, presumably utilising the same two masters of the "desaturated" and original theatrical colour versions of the film that Shout! released in the USA. It's a film that I always wanted to like but I hate that Dracula is now a romantic lead and the talented cast all seem to be at their worst. I might still get this release though as I remember quite liking the garish colours that Badham ruined in his preferred desaturated home video release. What I would really like is a good featurette on John Williams' score which I adore even though I don't think it's appropriate for a horror movie.
Yup, I totally agree. It's a film where the elements just don't seem to gel, and John Williams' score is a big part of that for me. It's lovely music, but it doesn't belong in a horror film. Mind you, he was probably asked to ramp up the romance. Come to think of it, has Williams ever done a good horror score? I can't think of one. Now, if they'd only got Jerry Goldsmith...
I, Monster from Indicator looks a terrific edition:
INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
New 2K restoration by Powerhouse Films from original film materials
Two presentations of the film: the original 75-minute theatrical cut; and the extended 80-minute version
Original mono audio
Audio commentary with director Stephen Weeks (2020)
The BEHP Interview with Peter Tanner – Part One, 1914–1939 (1987): an archival audio recording, made as part of the British Entertainment History Project, featuring the celebrated editor in conversation with Roy Fowler and Taffy Haines
Introduction by Stephen Laws (2020): appreciation by the acclaimed horror author
Stephen Weeks at the Manchester Festival of Fantastic Films (1998): archival video recording of the director in conversation
Interview with Milton Subotsky (1985): archival audio recording of the famed producer
Interview with Carl Davis (2020): the renowned composer discusses his score
Image gallery: publicity and promotional material
Original theatrical trailer
Kim Newman and David Flint trailer commentary (2017): short critical appreciation by the genre-film experts
New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
Limited edition exclusive 36-page booklet with a new essay by Josephine Botting, Milton Subotsky on I, Monster, an archival interview with Stephen Weeks, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and film credits
"Powerhouse Films have used Studio Canal's restoration which strikes me as impeccable; no signs of print damage or age related wear and tear. Never have I seen this looking and sounding ... as good as it it is here. Most striking are the colours which have had their lustre restored. Flesh tones are warm and rich but natural. The green forests have never looked lusher and the marvellous sets and locations really come off well; the production design stands out nicely as well.
...
Quite simply, it's never - repeat, never - looked or sounded as good as it does on this new BD from Powerhouse Films. That's it, period. For that reason alone this would be one of THE discs of the year. However, it's stacked with vintage and newly available supplements that make this disc an absolutely essential purchase for any fan of horror, Amicus or '70s action cinema.
The Film: B Video: A+ Audio: A+ Extras: A+ Overall: A+"
Wow! I've loved The Beast Must Die unreservedly for nearly 40 years and I've seen it into double figures. One thing I would never have ranked among its virtues is visual sumptuousness ... but that has now changed. The new restoration is a complete revelation after years of watching undernourished prints. It's now a visually-rich experience with the mansion interiors looking gorgeous, the natural hues of the exteriors popping. I intended just to spot-check it last night and ended up watching the whole thing. Fans of this movie are going to be overjoyed.
Indicator have had so many pre-orders for The Beast Must Die that they're making their limited edition run 5,000 copies rather than the more usual 3,000.
I am slightly disturbed that this is to mark the 40th anniversary, the halfway point between now and the release of Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe...
BBC are releasing an upgraded Power of the Daleks animation. Yes, that is odd. Reason I'm mentioning it is that the extras include the excellent Whicker’s World – I Don’t Like My Monsters to Have Oedipus Complexes which looks at the wider horror scene, not just Doctor Who.
Interesting! I might be tempted to double-dip, but only if the animation is significantly improved, not that there was much wrong with the version they put out previously - or at least, it seemed in line with the general standard of the recent animated recreations. I'll wait for a trailer to knock my socks off!
"The particular problem with the Hammer boxes is that they demand a lot of analogue archival research (i.e. physically rummaging through the vaults of the BFI National Archive and elsewhere in search of alternative cuts that haven't been digitised before) of a kind that's impossible to carry out right now, and with only a few exceptions (usually old commentaries) all the extras tend to be original productions of a kind that aren't really practical to make under lockdown conditions.
...
So we're playing things by ear for now - but yes, there will definitely be more Hammer volumes at some point!"
Warner have confirmed Mystery of the Wax Museum for May, with extras:
BRAND NEW MASTER OF THE FILM - Restored by UCLA Film & Television Archive and The Film Foundation in association with Warner Bros. Entertainment. Funding provided by the George Lucas Family Foundation
Documentary "Remembering Fay Wray"
Audio Commentary by Author.Film Historian Alan K. Rode; Audio Commentary by Scott MacQueen, head of preservation, UCLA Film & Television Archive
Restoration Featurette
Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature
Kino Lorber have confirmed The Flesh and the Fiends for 7 July. Their tweet was disappointingly unclear on whether the "continental" footage would be included, they typo'd the film's original release date and they seem to think that the Mania and The Fiendish Ghouls titles refer to the same cut of the film, which I don't think is the case ("Fiendish Ghouls" cuts out 20+ minutes!).
Hooray for this! It's so much better than the 3D remake and deserves more attention.I would be in 30s horror heaven if they'd also do a decent Blu-ray release of Dr X, but I know I'm being greedy! :D
@moodie Restoration seems to be underway now. Early stills look amazing: https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/monsterkidclassichorrorforum/first-look-at-restored-doctor-x-t78725.html#p1577832
Specs and release date have been confirmed for Kino Lorber's previously-announced MURDER BY DECREE.
Coming June 23rd!
Murder by Decree (1979)
• 2019 HD Master by StudioCanal
• Audio Commentary with Director Bob Clark
• NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell
• Optional English Subtitles
• Dual-Layered BD50 Disc
• Theatrical Trailer
From Bob Clark, the acclaimed director of Dead of Night, Black Christmas, Breaking Point, Tribute, Porky’s and A Christmas Story, comes this horrifying murder-mystery which pits legendary detective Sherlock Holmes against the notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper! When Scotland Yard is unable to stop the gruesome rampage of Jack the Ripper, a citizens’ committee asks Sherlock Holmes (Christopher Plummer, The Silent Partner) and his trusted associate Dr. John H. Watson (James Mason, The Man Between) to investigate. Now the brilliant pair must follow a terrifying trail of clues that includes a frightened psychic (Donald Sutherland, The Great Train Robbery), a suspicious inspector (David Hemmings, Juggernaut), an institutionalized woman (Geneviève Bujold, Coma) and the Prime Minister of England (John Gielgud, Murder on the Orient Express). But even if Holmes and Watson’s remarkable powers of deduction can unmask the maniacal fiend, are they prepared to face the most shocking secret of all? Find out in this masterful suspense thriller that both fans and critics have called the most exciting and original Sherlock Holmes movie ever made!
Wasn't the made-for-TV stuff up on the Tube? I'm sure I saw it. Might still be around. As far as I can remember, we don't get to see the box of kiwis. I mean we don't see the monster's "Here's one I prepared earlier" shoebox-with-eyeholes head. Just his big feet.
What about the made-for-TV extra stuff in THE KISS OF THE VAMPIRE? Is that stuff lost? Something about the trials and tribulations of those who sew together the robes.
Oof! Perhaps the TV version of EoF has an even crappier papier-mâché mask for the monster?I don't think curiosity alone will get me to shell out for this stinker on Blu-ray.
Due to the present circumstances, Indicator aren't able to put a date on these releases but they have confirmed in their newsletter that they are working on I, Monster and Britannia Hospital. I think Robin Askwith mentioned a while ago that he was working on extras for the latter some time ago. I wonder if they've found some better elements for I, Monster since that has never looked great on home video.
I've never seen Britannia Hospital, so I might be tempted to rectify that by getting the Blu-ray. Indicator always put excellent packages together and I'm sure this will be no exception.
Last time I watched it (on Talking Pictures) I found it very dated due to the depiction of the Unions which were soon after to be castrated in real life by Thatcher. For me, it never reaches the heights of Anderson's previous Mick Travis films, but I think it's still worth watching, not least because of the great cast.
Man, even Darrell is fake news now... The Guinea Pig sounds like a strange choice for a Flipside (and the sleeve design on Amazon doesn't have Flipside branding) so now I don't know what to believe.
What with this and the tweet earlier about the Scottish government banning alcohol sales during the lockdown it has been an emotional April Fools' Day.
Sorry mal and moods, the above is a bit of April Fool's Day fake news! 'Flip-O-Rola' and 'Olaf Pirlo' and 'Ken Swafe' are all anagrams. The only bit of truth in there is that the films are real (though three of them haven't been seen for decades), and that the next Flipside release will indeed be number 041 - so that isn't a reference to today's date! (Apparently the actual Flipside 041 will be Roy Boulting's THE GUINEA PIG, due for release in June)
Curse you Buxton, you fiendish trickster! I always forget that it's April 1st. No harm no foul for me, since I've never heard of any of the films, so it's not as though you gave me the promise of riches, only to snatch them away again. Now, if you'd said there was to be an imminent double-disc release of 'Legend of the Werewolf' and 'The Ghoul', that would have had some impact! :P
An impressive collection indeed. I've never heard of 'Whispers of Fear' but am always keen to explore the obscure nooks and crannies of 70s Brit horror. Is it a good 'un?
BFI Flipside is proud to announce a Blu-ray restoration of this long-lost cult classic, one of the key titles from post-Hammer British horror cinema. A 2K presentation, remastered from surviving elements located at Finland Film Storage (FFS), Helsinki by chief archivist Olaf Pirlo.
Whispers of Fear (1974, 73 mins): 2K restoration of film by Harry Bromley Davenport, starring Ika Hindley. Presented in High Definition and Standard Definition
Special Features:
Face of Darkness (1976, 58 mins): 2K restoration of film by Ian F.H. Lloyd, starring Lennard Pearce
Red (1976, 24 mins): film by Astrid Frank, starring Gabrielle Drake
Panic (1978, 20 mins): film by James Dearden, starring Julie Neesam and Avis Bunnage
From Wales to Outer Space (2020, 22 mins): short interview with Harry Bromley Davenport, director of Whispers of Fear
Death in the Valleys (2020, 38 mins): Kevin Lyons presents a new video essay on the subject of Wales and its use in horror films
Home Sweet Home (2020, 6 mins): short interview with Ken Swafe, current owner of the house where Whispers of Fear was filmed
Grandad, Fools and Horses (2020, 4 mins): Sir David Jason interviewed about his memories of working with Lennard Pearce
No Blu-ray yet, but 'the film wot I wrote' is out on DVD in the States and Canada on April 14th. Though it now seems to be called 'Quijageist' and features a floating character with six arms, which is news to the scriptwriters...
We might nick that concept if we do a sequel! On our budgets, a six-armed female fiend seems unlikely, mind you. I've seen a revised cover design now - same image, but the title's first letter is now clearly an 'O'.
Currently me and my co-writer are seeking a producer and director for our Amicus-inspired anthology screenplay, which we've been working on for about 18 months and completed earier this year.
I'm thinking of buying a Blue machine, but I don't know if it'll make turds turn into sparkling boot polish. Which kind of player should I get? And another thing...
It says somewhere on the screen that the most "recent activity" on this thread was yesterday, but the last post I see is mal's, about The Sorcerorcerorcererererererers, from Jan 8. Why is that?
Also from Arrow, another 80s BHF, the Anglo-Greek BLOOD TIDE (which was all over the Internet as a public domain title when I first got a computer in the late 90s!).
There's a spectacular-looking Mary Millington box set featuring Blu-rays of all the previous releases on the way in early April, with a few new commentaries and extras, and a book. Includes 70s BHF, THE PLAYBIRDS.
@Mind that bloody Gappy No reason. Equally, just because Hammer turned out crafted, professional product doesn't mean to say that they didn't love what they did. (I'll exclude Sir Jim because he loved other aspects of the business more than films). It's a mistake though to think that Adamson was a devoted amateur simply because his films look amateurish. He doesn't seem to have had to scrape a living like Ed Wood or some of the others struggling in the grade-Z end of film making.
I must say I would love to see the documentary on Adamson but I don't suppose it will get released here.
Some nice extras there, including a disc of Bass shorts. It's a pity that the batshit crazy original ending is only presented as an extra rather than letting us watch it reintegrated into the film.
Kim has confirmed that the commentaries are for Australian releases of: The War of the Worlds, I Married a Monster from Outer Space and When Worlds Collide.
Severin have announced "Al Adamson: The Masterpiece Collection" - 30 films, plus a new feature-length doco. At last! All the Al Adamson films you'll ever need to see, plus 29 others in case you didn't learn your lesson from the first one. Seriously, who is going to buy this? I don't imagine it'll be cheap. https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=325951
Indicator have finally confirmed The Ugly Duckling. Looks like they might have been waiting on a restoration being made available by Sony. I'm assuming that a Hammer Comedy boxset might be possible, judging by the films that have been screened on Talking Pictures who also have a Sony deal
Indicator's Hammer 5 set is confirmed as Visa to Canton, The Pirates of Blood River, The Scarlet Blade and The Brigand of Kandahar. Two decent swashbucklers and two stinkers.
Indicator have confirmed that Hammer Vol. 5 will be called "Death & Deceit". No confirmation of which films are to be included but that title sounds more suitable for a noir set than the films we know are in preparation (PoBR has passed the BBFC and, apparently a commentary has been recorded for the ultra-rare and rubbish Visa to Canton).
My 'Abominable Snowman' Blu-ray is here. I've had a quick look and there are a few bits in the middle section where the HD picture drops out and we get SD footage. Weirdly, most of this 'missing' footage is present and correct in HD on the Japanese disc I bought a while back. If it wasn't for the fact that certain key scenes are cut from that disc, it would be the one to own. So, I'll be keeping both!
Tangentially horror-related I suppose but it's worth saying that Monty Python's Flying Circus: Norwegian Blu-Ray Edition is absolutely stellar. The picture quality is stunning and probably looks better than it did even on first transmission.
The Revenge of Frankenstein in the new Indicator set looks far better than I've ever seen it before. There are some nifty extras as well, including 2 very good commentaries and the original theatrical trailer in colour (I've only seen it in black & white before). There are also some mute outtakes which aren't exactly thrilling in themselves but I think they're unique in being surviving unused footage from this era.
I finally pulled the trigger on the blu ray of The Haunted House of Horrors once it appeared in a sale at a halfway sensible price; image looked good, sound a bit iffy. The film itself is one of Tigon's weakest, showing the scars of the studio battles that mired it; Frankie Avalon's character is a mystery - he seems to be set up as the Male lead but makes no impression whatsoever (if only the part had gone to Bowie as the director intended).
Watched THE HUMAN MONSTER this week myself and agree with moods that pic and sound quality fall below the expectations and promises. Didn't like either of the commentaries too much either. Nice image gallery, but paying twenty bucks for a nice image gallery isn't exactly money well spent...
My Blu-ray of 'The Human Monster' is here, and I have to say, I'm pretty disappointed with it. The glowing review from DVD Drive-in led me to expect better than what looks to me like a poor second generation dupe, and the image quality is about the level you'd expect from a public domain DVD. The sound is awful too, very muffled. I have to boost the volume on my digital decoder to unnatural levels in order to hear the dialogue. Basically, the home-made DVD I made from my old 'taped off the telly' VHS recording looks and sounds better, with more detail,more natural film grain, and much better contrast and black levels, and clearer dialogue! And it has the correct title too! So I'll be hanging onto that.
"Obviously, this fine thriller gets the extensive Blu-ray release that it deserves. Indicator are the best BD production company in the world - and, while I suspected it - this Hammer release has me 100% convinced. A huge congratulations to these guys - what an accomplishment. This IS the version to own for Hammer fans and won't be beat unless this, somehow, makes it to UHD. Don't wait."
My Fearless Vampire Killers Blu-ray is here! And it looks gorgeous. Much better contrast levels, vibrant colours, more detail, texture and depth than I've ever seen before. The sounds is a tad clearer than on previous releases too. I am a happy chappy. :)
Some updated info on The Abominable Snowman etc. Happy to see two new commentaries on the extras but this is a bit sad: "Please Note: usable film elements of the complete film no longer exist; approximately five minutes of the film have been upconverted to high definition from a standard definition source."
One thing to note about the forthcoming HAMMER VOLUME FOUR: FACES OF FEAR boxset is that the shorter UK theatrical cut of The Damned is marked as exclusive to the boxset which is unusual for Indicator whose normal practice is to release normal editions of any sold out special editions with the same disc contents but minus any booklets or special packaging. It'll be interesting to see if the shorter version improves the pacing any as I've always felt it to be overlong.
The three black & white Kneales plus X the Unknown would be lovely. Of course we don't know if Indicator have access to these particular titles but I think they'd be guaranteed to do a bang-up job.
It's certainly good news that the Hammer Blu-rays will finally be handled by people who understand their customers! Great news for people who are just starting to build their collections, but a bit of a pain for those of us who've been at it for years!I'm pretty happy with the Studiocanal releases of QatP and Plague of the Zombies, so wouldn't feel the need to double-dip on those. Maybe Indicator could do us a nice double set of the first two Quatermass films?
Over on the blu-ray.com Indicator forum they've said that Indicator have licensed titles from Studiocanal, including Hammer titles. Studiocanal have struck a new deal with Hammer so there should be plenty of titles available.
This isn't BD news as such yet but there's a discussion over at CHFB about a new UCLA Film & Television Archive of the classic The Mystery of the Wax Museum. According to one poster it will repair damage and faithfully recreate the original 2-strip Technicolor. It looks like the BD will come via Warner Archives in 2020. UCLA are also trying to raise the funds to restore Doctor X.
This is tremendous news. TMotWM really needs to come out of the shadow of its inferior 3D remake.
" Bringing a movie back to a close approximation of its original glory isn’t cheap, either; $50,000 to $70,000 is the average cost for a feature. The archive’s current restoration of Warner Bros.’ 1933 “Mystery of the Wax Museum” should run around $300,000. "
I see that the trailers for Dracula AD 1972 and The Satanic Rites of Dracula have gone through the BBFC from Warner Home Video. Presumably, BDs of the films are imminent.
ETA: Confirmed that these are HMV exclusives and are now up for pre-order on their site. Street date is 14 October.
Dance of the Vampires and From Beyond the Grave from Warner Archive. Wonder if there's any chance of Anolis getting hold of these. I'm assuming we wont get an actual UK release.
Also coming from Scream Factory, THE FLY COLLECTION including BHF THE CURSE OF THE FLY (and THE FLY II, which once failed to attract a single punter to a late night screening programmed at Derby's Metro Cinema)
Third Universal box set from Scream Factory. I've just finished watching the second set. (The Lugosi MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE is released alongside it too)
INDICATOR LIMITED BLU-RAY EDITION BOX SET SPECIAL FEATURES:
THE REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN
New 4K restorationOriginal mono audioNew and exclusive documentary about the film, produced by Hammer expert Marcus Hearn (2019)Audio commentary by celebrated horror and fantasy authors Stephen Jones and Kim Newman (2019)A Frankenstein for the 20th Century (2019): video essay by film historian Kat Ellinger and Dima BallinHammer's Women – Eunice Gayson(2019): profile of the Hammer star by critic and film historian Pamela HutchinsonDavid Huckvale on Leonard Salzedo (2019): new appreciation of the renowned composer by the author of Hammer Film Scores and the Musical Avant-GardeSuper 8 version: original cut-down home cinema presentationOriginal theatrical trailerTrailer commentary (2013): short critical appreciation by filmmaker Joe DanteImage gallery: on-set and promotional photographyNew and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearingLimited edition box set exclusive booklet with new essays by Marcus Hearn and Kieran Foster, archival interview materials, historical articles, contemporary reviews, and film creditsUK premiere on Blu-ray
THE TWO FACES OF DR. JEKYLL
High Definition remasterOriginal mono audioNew and exclusive documentary about the film, produced by Hammer expert Marcus Hearn (2019)Audio commentary by film historians Josephine Botting and Jonathan Rigby (2019)Interview with Paul Massie (1967): rare archival audio interview with the film’s starHammer's Women – Dawn Addams (2019): British cinema expert Laura Mayne explores the life and career of the UK-born starDavid Huckvale on Monty Norman (2019): new appreciation of the renowned composerOriginal theatrical trailerTrailer commentary (2013): short critical appreciation by Josh OlsonImage gallery: on-set and promotional photographyNew and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearingLimited edition box set exclusive booklet with a new essay by Kat Ellinger, archival interview materials, historical articles, contemporary reviews and film creditsUK premiere on Blu-ray
TASTE OF FEAR
High Definition remasterOriginal mono audioAlternative presentation with US Scream of Fear title sequenceNew and exclusive documentary about the film, produced by Hammer expert Marcus Hearn (2019)Audio commentary with Kevin Lyons, editor of The Encyclopedia of Fantastic Film and Television (2019)The BFI Interview with Jimmy Sangster(2008): archival audio recording of the celebrated filmmaker and screenwriter in conversation with Marcus Hearn at London’s National Film TheatreThe BEHP Video interview with Jimmy Sangster (2008): archival video recording, made as part of the British Entertainment History Project, featuring Sangster in conversation with Jonathan RigbyThe BEHP Interview with Douglas Slocombe – Part Two (1988): archival audio recording, made as part of the British Entertainment History Project, featuring the renowned cinematographer in conversation with Sidney ColeFear Makers (2019): interviews with camera operator Desmond Davis, assistant editor John Crome and clapper loader Ray AndrewHammer's Women – Ann Todd (2019): Melanie Williams, author of Female Stars of British Cinema profiles the English star and producerDavid Huckvale on Clifton Parker (2019): new appreciation of the renowned composerSuper 8 version of Scream of Fear: original cut-down home cinema presentationOriginal theatrical trailerTrailer commentary (2013): short critical appreciation by Sam HammImage gallery: on-set and promotional photographyNew and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearingLimited edition box set exclusive booklet with an essay by Marcus Hearn, archival interview materials, historical articles, contemporary reviews and film creditsUK premiere on Blu-ray
THE DAMNED
New 2K restorationOriginal mono audioTwo presentations of the film: The Damned, the original UK theatrical release version; and These Are the Damned, the complete and uncut restoration which first premiered in 2007New and exclusive documentary about the film, produced by Hammer expert Marcus Hearn (2019)Audio commentary by film historians Samm Deighan and Kat Ellinger (2019)Beneath the Surface (2019): new interview with filmmaker Gavrik Losey, son of director Joseph LoseyInterview with actor Shirley Anne Field (2019)Interview with screenwriter Evan Jones (2010)Children of 'The Damned' (2019): new interviews with actors Kit Williams, David Palmer and Christopher WittyHammer's Women – Viveca Lindfors (2019): profile of the renowned actor by critic and film historian Lindsay HallamDavid Huckvale on James Bernard (2019): new appreciation of the celebrated composerBeyond Black Leather (2019): appreciation by film expert I Q HunterNo Future (2019): analysis by author and film historian Neil SinyardOriginal theatrical trailerTrailer commentary (2013): short critical appreciation by filmmaker Joe DanteImage gallery: on-set and promotional photographyNew and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearingLimited edition box set exclusive booklet with a new essay by Richard Combs, archival interview materials, historical articles, contemporary reviews and film creditsUK premiere on Blu-ray
Limited edition box set of 6,000 numbered unitsAll extras subject to change
Special Features and Technical Specs:BRAND NEW SCAN AND RESTORATION OF THE FILMNEW audio commentary with Actors Madeline Smith, Rosalyn Landor, Stuart Lock and Marc GrangerNEW interview with Madeline SmithNEW interview with Rosalyn LandorNEW Mark Gatiss on The Amazing Mr Blunden2014 archive BFI Q&A with Madeline Smith, Rosalyn Landor and Stuart LockReversible sleeve with new artwork by Rich Davies and original artworkOptional English Subtitles for the Hard of HearingREGION-B "LOCKED"Limited Edition Contents'The Ghosts' – the original out -of-print source novel by Antonia Barber specially reproduced for this releaseRigid slipcase with new artwork by Rich DaviesSoft cover book with new essays by Kevin Lyons and Kim NewmanReversible poster with new and original artwork
Just announced: "Studio Canal (under the "Vintage Classics" banner) will be releasing a UK Blu-ray of FRIGHT in October. Extras will include an interview with star Susan George, an interview with Kim Newman, and a "Behind the Scenes" stills gallery. The upcoming Scream Factory release will not include the George interview."
Indicator are teasing their next Hammer box set - from the image they've posted, it appears it may be called 'Faces of Fear', leading to some fan speculation that TASTE OF FEAR and TWO FACES OF DR JEKYLL (with THE UGLY DUCKLING as an extra?) will be included. To be rounded out with THE DAMNED and REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN?
Very enticing batch of extras on Olive's forthcoming A BUCKET OF BLOOD:
A Bucket of Blood (1959) enters the Olive Signature Collection on September 24th! Roger Corman’s black-comedy-beatnik-culture-horror masterpiece is mastered from a new 4K scan and comes with a bucket full of extras! This release will be manufactured in a limited pressing of 3,500 units, so preorder your copy today! You’ll be sick sick SICK with laughter!
A Bucket of Blood – Olive Signature is available for preorder here: https://amzn.to/2Ma2I6t
In honor of its 60th anniversary, this Olive Signature edition of A Bucket of Blood celebrates the film’s enduring legacy. Shot in five days on a shoestring budget of $50,000, A Bucket of Blood remains one of the most iconic collaborations between Roger Corman and Dick Miller, and has rightfully earned its “cult classic” status.
OLIVE SIGNATURE FEATURES
* Mastered from new 4K scan
* “Creation Is. All Else is Not” – Roger Corman on A Bucket of Blood
* “Call Me Paisley” – Dick and Lainie Miller on A Bucket of Blood
* Audio commentary by Elijah Drenner, director of That Guy Dick Miller
* Archival audio interview with screenwriter Charles B. Griffith
* “Bits of Bucket” – Visual essay comparing the original script to the finished film
* Essay by Caelum Vatnsdal, author of You Don't Know Me, But You Love Me: The Lives of Dick Miller
I've just received something that may be of interest to you lovely people.
BFI Flipside Presents: Short Sharp Shocks (Rated 18, 2 disc set with booklet, 216 minutes).
Sadly I don't own a blue-ray player so, I've loaned it to my brother who going to put some of it on data stick for me. These disc are full of short horrors - not large enough to be put out on there own.
A quick not-comprehensive list of the shorts and short film on it;
Lock your Door (Anthony Gikison, 1949) - 15 mins
the Reformation of St. Jules (Anthony Gikison, 1949) - 14 mins
The Tell-Tale Heart (J B Williams, 1953) - 21 mins
Death was a Passenger (Theodore Zichy, 1958) - 18 mins
Portrait of a Matador (Theodore Zichy, 1958) - 24 mins
Twenty-Nine (Brian Cummins, 1969) - 26 mins
The Sex Victims (Derek Robbins, 1973) - 37 mins
The Lake (Lindsey C. Vickers, 1978) - 33 mins
The Errand (Nigel Finch, 1980) -29 mins
And lots of extras besides. I personally bought it for The Lake, by the director of The Appointment (an unusually film I rate highly, although I think there is a slight disconnect in presentation, it is still a powerful film), anyway there's the scrips for the The Lake on the Disc and some making of type documents, which I'm looking forward to.
Reviews and comments on it when I have a chance to look at it.
BASIL FREAKIN' KIRCHIN!!!!!
One of my Holy Grails has been announced! I Start Counting is getting a US BD release via Vinegar Syndrome* of all companies. I hope this means that a UK release will be forthcoming. It's absolutely made for a Flipside release. https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=27413
*ETA, the actual company releasing the BD is the new boutique label Fun City but distribution is via the VS site: https://vinegarsyndrome.com/collections/fun-city-editions/products/i-start-counting-fun-city-editions
First Twitter comments re the BD "restoration" of the classic BBC version of The Day of the Triffids is that it has been very badly bungled - filmisation effects, wrong colour overlays and even the wrong font on the title sequence.
FAO Moodie. Kino Lorber have announced that they are bringing the first two Santo movies to BD: https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/monsterkidclassichorrorforum/el-santo-s-first-2-films-from-kino-in-2021-t78800.html#p1579349
German company Wicked Vision (not sure if they used to be Anolis or not) are releasing Biggles and Madhouse in variant covers in very limited editions. Each has new extras. https://www.wicked-shop.com/en/pre-order/
Circus of Horror is coming from Studiocanal: https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Circus-of-Horrors-Blu-ray/275713/
In non-BHF news, Leni's Waxworks is coming soon and there's a bunch of Japanese stuff like Mothra for folk that enjoy that sort of thing.
It's not a BHF, not a B, H or F for that matter, but I thought I'd mention it here for the nostalgia factor ... Monkey is coming to BD: https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Monkey-The-Complete-Series-Blu-ray/275489/
It might be as well to wait for reviews if anyone is thinking of getting this as I believe the DVD release was notoriously horrible.
Meanwhile, the earworm-packed soundtrack has been uploaded to YT: https://youtu.be/Sb30CUMeSBM
Over at CHFB someone is reporting that the restored version of The Masque of the Red Death is coming soon to BD via Studiocanal. I for one can't wait to re-watch a film about waiting around inside while a plague wipes out mankind ... It's getting so that I feel like incinerating a dwarf dressed up in an ape suit...
Seriously, bring it on! There's a clip from last year's LFF screening here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icAxzMkZZlQ
Scream! have announced The Brides of Dracula.
I watched their release of The Evil of Frankenstein and I'm sorry to say that it's pretty awful. I watched it with the commentary and, since I wasn't focused on how poor John Elder's script was, I was able to really appreciate how lovely the film looked with its gorgeous 1960s colours. Then the print damage kicked in and went on and on and on. A large chunk of the right side of the image is noticeably damaged for a very long part of the film's running time. Unfortunately, there's no option to watch the TV inserts separately so I was going to watch the entire TV version until I saw how bad that print was - colours faded to almost nothing and scratched to buggery. I might try and fast forward to the relevant scenes some time but at this point I was dispirited by the whole experience. Caveat emptor.
I'd forgotten all about Network's Blu-ray release of 'The Woman in Black', until it plopped through my letterbox this morning! Watching it now, it looks lovely. And I'm listening to the jovial and informative commentary featuring Kim Newman, Mark Gatiss and Andy Nyman. My copy came in a lovely slipcase that makes it look like an old book, and has a small reproduction of the press book. Spiffy!
Ooh! I just discovered this! Did we know about it? https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/murders-in-the-rue-morgue-the-black-cat-the-raven/ I'll be having that! This saves me from having to buy an expensive Blu-ray set from America that has several crap films in it! Rue Morgue isn't great, but it does have Bela swearing in Hungarian, and sporting one of the greatest eyebrows in the history of monobrows. And I see Eureka have released this beaut too: https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/mr-vampire-limited-edition/ Have Eureka been reading mind, or what? :D
David McGillivray has reported that he's filmed an interview this week for a BFI release that many of us have been hoping for for a long while - it's a collection of nine British horror shorts, apparently due out later this year. His film THE ERRAND is the only confirmed title as yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if the three SCREAMTIME films, plus PANIC and THE LAKE, turn up, as the BFI have access to quality 35mm prints for all of those. They've nicked the title of my 2019 monograph for the package, which will be called SHORT SHARP SHOCKS.
BFI are releasing Play For Today Volume One which includes A Photograph (Written by John Bowen | Dir. John Glenister, 1977). https://shop.bfi.org.uk/pre-order-play-for-today-volume-one-4-disc-blu-ray-box-set.html?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200724-shop-dvd-oct20-announcement&utm_content=20200724-shop-dvd-oct20-announcement+CID_8b518bdedce89f1d12e6c57bbcbf4218&utm_source=cm&utm_term=Play%20for%20Today%20Volume%20One
"After the early example of “folk horror” in the Play for Today instalment Robin Redbreast, playwright John Bowen returned to the form with A Photograph, a deceptive piece of work that for the most part plays as a psychological thriller before taking a turn into “folk horror” territory in the closing moments." https://eofftvreview.wordpress.com/2018/05/14/play-for-today-a-photograph-1977/ (Beware SPOILERS)
Full list of the plays included:
"The Lie (Written by Ingmar Bergman | Dir. Alan Bridges, 1970)
Shakespeare or Bust (Written by Peter Terson | Dir. Brian Parker, 1973)
Back of Beyond (Written by Julia Jones | Dir. Desmond Davis, 1974)
Passage to England (Written by Leon Griffiths | Dir. John Mackenzie, 1975)
Our Flesh and Blood (Written by Mike Stott | Dir. Pedr James, 1977)
A Photograph (Written by John Bowen | Dir. John Glenister, 1977)
Your Man from Six Counties (Written by Colin Welland | Dir. Barry Davis, 1976)"
Indicator have confirmed that their October release will be a boxset of Christopher Lee's Fu Manchu films. The BBC used to show the first three quite a lot back in the day and I enjoyed them but was always frustrated that we never got to see the last two. Then about 24 years ago, when I was living in London, they turned up on late-night ITV and ... oh my! I think the best that can be said for those is that their remarkable incompetence means that they're slightly less tedious than most Jess Franco films. https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/the-fu-manchu-cycle-1965-1969-le?mc_cid=3c29473ddd&mc_eid=14dd2f4491 "*Includes an exclusive poster only available with direct orders from this website (poster features the famous FU MANCHU FOR MAYOR design, originally printed to coincide with the 1965 mayoral elections in New York, see image on this page)."
There are a few interesting extras to point out. The Ghost of Monk’s Island is a CFF serial edited into feature length form. I've reviewed this in the 1960s subforum. Also included are two episodes from silent British Fu Manchu serials, presumably all that survives of them. This is one of them: https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-the-coughing-horror-1924-online
Kino Lorber's release of The Flesh and the Fiends sounds both disappointing and confusing. DVD Beaver's review http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_125/the_flesh_and_the_fiends_blu-ray.htm is unclear as to whether it's the UK or Continental cut that we're seeing. It says it's the UK version but there's a reference to "nudity" which would seem to suggest it's the Continental...? Either way, it's very disappointing that both versions are not included so I'll be passing on this one.
Here's my VHS (taped off the telly), uploaded at 720p resolution to YT. To my eyes, this looks better than the recent Blu-ray release! And it has the proper title card too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfm3sLnmeac&feature=youtu.be
Indicator have announced a 2-BD set of John Badham's Dracula, presumably utilising the same two masters of the "desaturated" and original theatrical colour versions of the film that Shout! released in the USA. It's a film that I always wanted to like but I hate that Dracula is now a romantic lead and the talented cast all seem to be at their worst. I might still get this release though as I remember quite liking the garish colours that Badham ruined in his preferred desaturated home video release. What I would really like is a good featurette on John Williams' score which I adore even though I don't think it's appropriate for a horror movie.
Kino Lorber have announced Tod Slaughter's The Face at the Window from a new 4K master. That just seems wrong somehow.
I, Monster from Indicator looks a terrific edition:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/i-monster-le
Good to know I'm not the only one who loves the Werewolf Break! :)
Indicator have had so many pre-orders for The Beast Must Die that they're making their limited edition run 5,000 copies rather than the more usual 3,000.
RareWaves are now taking orders for The Mystery of the Wax Museum via Amazon: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Mystery-Wax-Museum-Blu-ray/dp/B087GVXYZS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PV88KBIXHT6Y&dchild=1&keywords=mystery+of+the+wax+museum+blu+ray&qid=1589542284&s=dvd&sprefix=mystery+of+the%2Cdvd%2C429&sr=1-1
Not horror, but fantasy and British and a favourite of a few people here, Flash Gordon is getting what looks like a splendid release: https://www.filmstories.co.uk/news/flash-gordon-4k-re-release-confirmed-for-august/
I am slightly disturbed that this is to mark the 40th anniversary, the halfway point between now and the release of Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe...
Indicator have announced Britannia Hospital and The Beast Must Die for 29 June. Standard Editions of some of their Hammers are also available individually. https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/?mc_cid=f5257ef230&mc_eid=14dd2f4491
Scream's Universal Horrors Volume 6 rather peculiarly includes BHF sort-of-Hammer Shadow of the Cat.
https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=26776
BBC are releasing an upgraded Power of the Daleks animation. Yes, that is odd. Reason I'm mentioning it is that the extras include the excellent Whicker’s World – I Don’t Like My Monsters to Have Oedipus Complexes which looks at the wider horror scene, not just Doctor Who.
http://www.doctorwhotv.co.uk/the-power-of-the-daleks-special-edition-dvd-and-blu-ray-93895.htm
Indicator have confirmed further Hammer sets (note the plural) but they will be delayed due to the present circumstances:
https://www.cult-labs.com/forums/other-labels/13399-powerhouse-films-99.html#post625379
"The particular problem with the Hammer boxes is that they demand a lot of analogue archival research (i.e. physically rummaging through the vaults of the BFI National Archive and elsewhere in search of alternative cuts that haven't been digitised before) of a kind that's impossible to carry out right now, and with only a few exceptions (usually old commentaries) all the extras tend to be original productions of a kind that aren't really practical to make under lockdown conditions.
...
So we're playing things by ear for now - but yes, there will definitely be more Hammer volumes at some point!"
Warner have confirmed Mystery of the Wax Museum for May, with extras:
BRAND NEW MASTER OF THE FILM - Restored by UCLA Film & Television Archive and The Film Foundation in association with Warner Bros. Entertainment. Funding provided by the George Lucas Family Foundation
Documentary "Remembering Fay Wray"
Audio Commentary by Author.Film Historian Alan K. Rode; Audio Commentary by Scott MacQueen, head of preservation, UCLA Film & Television Archive
Restoration Featurette
Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature
There's an interview and some silent restoration comparisons here: https://www.cinema.ucla.edu/blogs/archive-blog/2020/04/21/mystery-wax-museum-restored-qa-scott-macqueen
Kino Lorber have confirmed The Flesh and the Fiends for 7 July. Their tweet was disappointingly unclear on whether the "continental" footage would be included, they typo'd the film's original release date and they seem to think that the Mania and The Fiendish Ghouls titles refer to the same cut of the film, which I don't think is the case ("Fiendish Ghouls" cuts out 20+ minutes!).
Specs and release date have been confirmed for Kino Lorber's previously-announced MURDER BY DECREE.
Coming June 23rd!
Murder by Decree (1979)
• 2019 HD Master by StudioCanal
• Audio Commentary with Director Bob Clark
• NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell
• Optional English Subtitles
• Dual-Layered BD50 Disc
• Theatrical Trailer
From Bob Clark, the acclaimed director of Dead of Night, Black Christmas, Breaking Point, Tribute, Porky’s and A Christmas Story, comes this horrifying murder-mystery which pits legendary detective Sherlock Holmes against the notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper! When Scotland Yard is unable to stop the gruesome rampage of Jack the Ripper, a citizens’ committee asks Sherlock Holmes (Christopher Plummer, The Silent Partner) and his trusted associate Dr. John H. Watson (James Mason, The Man Between) to investigate. Now the brilliant pair must follow a terrifying trail of clues that includes a frightened psychic (Donald Sutherland, The Great Train Robbery), a suspicious inspector (David Hemmings, Juggernaut), an institutionalized woman (Geneviève Bujold, Coma) and the Prime Minister of England (John Gielgud, Murder on the Orient Express). But even if Holmes and Watson’s remarkable powers of deduction can unmask the maniacal fiend, are they prepared to face the most shocking secret of all? Find out in this masterful suspense thriller that both fans and critics have called the most exciting and original Sherlock Holmes movie ever made!
Wasn't the made-for-TV stuff up on the Tube? I'm sure I saw it. Might still be around. As far as I can remember, we don't get to see the box of kiwis. I mean we don't see the monster's "Here's one I prepared earlier" shoebox-with-eyeholes head. Just his big feet.
What about the made-for-TV extra stuff in THE KISS OF THE VAMPIRE? Is that stuff lost? Something about the trials and tribulations of those who sew together the robes.
Scream's release of The Evil of Frankenstein has some interesting extras, including the first home video release of the infamous TV version of the movie: https://bleedingcool.com/movies/the-evil-of-frankenstein-blu-ray-coming-in-may-from-scream-factory/. I'm curious to see this version as it must have been a real challenge to make EoF worse.
They've also announced Kiss of the Vampire. Extras TBC.
Due to the present circumstances, Indicator aren't able to put a date on these releases but they have confirmed in their newsletter that they are working on I, Monster and Britannia Hospital. I think Robin Askwith mentioned a while ago that he was working on extras for the latter some time ago. I wonder if they've found some better elements for I, Monster since that has never looked great on home video.
Man, even Darrell is fake news now... The Guinea Pig sounds like a strange choice for a Flipside (and the sleeve design on Amazon doesn't have Flipside branding) so now I don't know what to believe.
What with this and the tweet earlier about the Scottish government banning alcohol sales during the lockdown it has been an emotional April Fools' Day.
Sorry mal and moods, the above is a bit of April Fool's Day fake news! 'Flip-O-Rola' and 'Olaf Pirlo' and 'Ken Swafe' are all anagrams. The only bit of truth in there is that the films are real (though three of them haven't been seen for decades), and that the next Flipside release will indeed be number 041 - so that isn't a reference to today's date! (Apparently the actual Flipside 041 will be Roy Boulting's THE GUINEA PIG, due for release in June)
An impressive collection indeed. I've never heard of 'Whispers of Fear' but am always keen to explore the obscure nooks and crannies of 70s Brit horror. Is it a good 'un?
Flip-O-Rola productions presents...
WHISPERS OF FEAR
BFI Flipside 041
BFI Flipside is proud to announce a Blu-ray restoration of this long-lost cult classic, one of the key titles from post-Hammer British horror cinema. A 2K presentation, remastered from surviving elements located at Finland Film Storage (FFS), Helsinki by chief archivist Olaf Pirlo.
Whispers of Fear (1974, 73 mins): 2K restoration of film by Harry Bromley Davenport, starring Ika Hindley. Presented in High Definition and Standard Definition
Special Features:
Face of Darkness (1976, 58 mins): 2K restoration of film by Ian F.H. Lloyd, starring Lennard Pearce
Red (1976, 24 mins): film by Astrid Frank, starring Gabrielle Drake
Panic (1978, 20 mins): film by James Dearden, starring Julie Neesam and Avis Bunnage
From Wales to Outer Space (2020, 22 mins): short interview with Harry Bromley Davenport, director of Whispers of Fear
Death in the Valleys (2020, 38 mins): Kevin Lyons presents a new video essay on the subject of Wales and its use in horror films
Home Sweet Home (2020, 6 mins): short interview with Ken Swafe, current owner of the house where Whispers of Fear was filmed
Grandad, Fools and Horses (2020, 4 mins): Sir David Jason interviewed about his memories of working with Lennard Pearce
Image Gallery
Nigel Kneale version of The Woman in Black: https://networkonair.com/all-products/3177-the-woman-in-black-blu-ray-
No Blu-ray yet, but 'the film wot I wrote' is out on DVD in the States and Canada on April 14th. Though it now seems to be called 'Quijageist' and features a floating character with six arms, which is news to the scriptwriters...
Thanks Mike. I didn't get notified of your response, which is the first time I've never been notified. I think I pressed a wrong button yesterday.
I'm thinking of buying a Blue machine, but I don't know if it'll make turds turn into sparkling boot polish. Which kind of player should I get? And another thing...
It says somewhere on the screen that the most "recent activity" on this thread was yesterday, but the last post I see is mal's, about The Sorcerorcerorcererererererers, from Jan 8. Why is that?
Hammer's latest The Lodge is coming to US BD in May, after its recent limited cinema release.
Also from Arrow, another 80s BHF, the Anglo-Greek BLOOD TIDE (which was all over the Internet as a public domain title when I first got a computer in the late 90s!).
There's a spectacular-looking Mary Millington box set featuring Blu-rays of all the previous releases on the way in early April, with a few new commentaries and extras, and a book. Includes 70s BHF, THE PLAYBIRDS.
Arrow are releasing atrocious 80s BHF Dream Demon: https://arrowfilms.com/product-detail/dream-demon-blu-ray/FCD1963
Here's the magnificent trailer for the Al Adamson set: https://youtu.be/DWz8WOFiL6w
Prices start at $170 and there are memorabilia bundles that take you way north of that: https://severin-films.com/
Phase IV coming to UK BD: https://101-films-store.myshopify.com/products/phase-iv-1974-limited-edition
Some nice extras there, including a disc of Bass shorts. It's a pity that the batshit crazy original ending is only presented as an extra rather than letting us watch it reintegrated into the film.
Kim Newman has tweeted about recording commentaries for 3 "long-awaited" 1950s science fiction releases. Let the speculation commence.
Severin have announced "Al Adamson: The Masterpiece Collection" - 30 films, plus a new feature-length doco. At last! All the Al Adamson films you'll ever need to see, plus 29 others in case you didn't learn your lesson from the first one. Seriously, who is going to buy this? I don't imagine it'll be cheap. https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=325951
Let's hope they don't go with On The Buses...
Indicator have finally confirmed The Ugly Duckling. Looks like they might have been waiting on a restoration being made available by Sony. I'm assuming that a Hammer Comedy boxset might be possible, judging by the films that have been screened on Talking Pictures who also have a Sony deal
Indicator's Hammer 5 set is confirmed as Visa to Canton, The Pirates of Blood River, The Scarlet Blade and The Brigand of Kandahar. Two decent swashbucklers and two stinkers.
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/hammer-volume-five-death-deceit-le?mc_cid=9616b3d637&mc_eid=14dd2f4491
Scream have announced US BDs of The Curse of the Werewolf, The Lost Continent and Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter.
New Anolis release of The Sorcerers includes feature-length doco The Magnificent Obsession of Michael Reeves as an extra: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film8/blu-ray_review_100/the_sorcerers_blu-ray.htm
Indicator have confirmed that Hammer Vol. 5 will be called "Death & Deceit". No confirmation of which films are to be included but that title sounds more suitable for a noir set than the films we know are in preparation (PoBR has passed the BBFC and, apparently a commentary has been recorded for the ultra-rare and rubbish Visa to Canton).
My 'Abominable Snowman' Blu-ray is here. I've had a quick look and there are a few bits in the middle section where the HD picture drops out and we get SD footage. Weirdly, most of this 'missing' footage is present and correct in HD on the Japanese disc I bought a while back. If it wasn't for the fact that certain key scenes are cut from that disc, it would be the one to own. So, I'll be keeping both!
Scream have announced Frankenstein: The True Story. I wonder if they'll include the reputedly incoherent UK theatrical cut.
Tangentially horror-related I suppose but it's worth saying that Monty Python's Flying Circus: Norwegian Blu-Ray Edition is absolutely stellar. The picture quality is stunning and probably looks better than it did even on first transmission.
The Revenge of Frankenstein in the new Indicator set looks far better than I've ever seen it before. There are some nifty extras as well, including 2 very good commentaries and the original theatrical trailer in colour (I've only seen it in black & white before). There are also some mute outtakes which aren't exactly thrilling in themselves but I think they're unique in being surviving unused footage from this era.
I finally pulled the trigger on the blu ray of The Haunted House of Horrors once it appeared in a sale at a halfway sensible price; image looked good, sound a bit iffy. The film itself is one of Tigon's weakest, showing the scars of the studio battles that mired it; Frankie Avalon's character is a mystery - he seems to be set up as the Male lead but makes no impression whatsoever (if only the part had gone to Bowie as the director intended).
Watched THE HUMAN MONSTER this week myself and agree with moods that pic and sound quality fall below the expectations and promises. Didn't like either of the commentaries too much either. Nice image gallery, but paying twenty bucks for a nice image gallery isn't exactly money well spent...
My Blu-ray of 'The Human Monster' is here, and I have to say, I'm pretty disappointed with it. The glowing review from DVD Drive-in led me to expect better than what looks to me like a poor second generation dupe, and the image quality is about the level you'd expect from a public domain DVD. The sound is awful too, very muffled. I have to boost the volume on my digital decoder to unnatural levels in order to hear the dialogue. Basically, the home-made DVD I made from my old 'taped off the telly' VHS recording looks and sounds better, with more detail,more natural film grain, and much better contrast and black levels, and clearer dialogue! And it has the correct title too! So I'll be hanging onto that.
Details for Scream's Curse of the Fly (and the rest of the boxset): https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=25980
Indicator are teasing Endless Night, the Agatha Christie adaptation which is a bit of a BHF board favourite.
Scream have announced US BDs of Rasputin the Mad Monk and X the Unknown for February. I do love the latter.
DVD Beaver on The Revenge of Frankenstein: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/blu-ray_reviews_77/revenge_of_frankenstein_blu-ray.htm
"It's another Blu-ray package that will go in the 'rewatchable shelf'. Indicator just keep impressing - 'WOW'. "
and Taste of Fear: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/blu-ray_reviews_77/scream_of_fear_blu-ray.htm
"Obviously, this fine thriller gets the extensive Blu-ray release that it deserves. Indicator are the best BD production company in the world - and, while I suspected it - this Hammer release has me 100% convinced. A huge congratulations to these guys - what an accomplishment. This IS the version to own for Hammer fans and won't be beat unless this, somehow, makes it to UHD. Don't wait."
My Fearless Vampire Killers Blu-ray is here! And it looks gorgeous. Much better contrast levels, vibrant colours, more detail, texture and depth than I've ever seen before. The sounds is a tad clearer than on previous releases too. I am a happy chappy. :)
Some updated info on The Abominable Snowman etc. Happy to see two new commentaries on the extras but this is a bit sad: "Please Note: usable film elements of the complete film no longer exist; approximately five minutes of the film have been upconverted to high definition from a standard definition source."
https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=25938
One thing to note about the forthcoming HAMMER VOLUME FOUR: FACES OF FEAR boxset is that the shorter UK theatrical cut of The Damned is marked as exclusive to the boxset which is unusual for Indicator whose normal practice is to release normal editions of any sold out special editions with the same disc contents but minus any booklets or special packaging. It'll be interesting to see if the shorter version improves the pacing any as I've always felt it to be overlong.
The three black & white Kneales plus X the Unknown would be lovely. Of course we don't know if Indicator have access to these particular titles but I think they'd be guaranteed to do a bang-up job.
It's certainly good news that the Hammer Blu-rays will finally be handled by people who understand their customers! Great news for people who are just starting to build their collections, but a bit of a pain for those of us who've been at it for years! I'm pretty happy with the Studiocanal releases of QatP and Plague of the Zombies, so wouldn't feel the need to double-dip on those. Maybe Indicator could do us a nice double set of the first two Quatermass films?
DVD Beaver recommends the Shout release of TDRO although I can't see any acknowledgment from them of the new v old opticals: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-ray_reviews_61/the_devil_rides_out_blu-ray.htm
Over on the blu-ray.com Indicator forum they've said that Indicator have licensed titles from Studiocanal, including Hammer titles. Studiocanal have struck a new deal with Hammer so there should be plenty of titles available.
I have ordered the Dance of the Vampires Bluey from Amazon and WOW HD. Let's see which one arrives first...:D
Ooh! Did we know about this? The Abominable Snowman coming from Shout! Factory in December. Another of my faves on Blu-ray! https://www.shoutfactory.com/product/the-abominable-snowman?product_id=7233
This isn't BD news as such yet but there's a discussion over at CHFB about a new UCLA Film & Television Archive of the classic The Mystery of the Wax Museum. According to one poster it will repair damage and faithfully recreate the original 2-strip Technicolor. It looks like the BD will come via Warner Archives in 2020. UCLA are also trying to raise the funds to restore Doctor X.
This is tremendous news. TMotWM really needs to come out of the shadow of its inferior 3D remake.
Here's a link to UCLA's Twitter: https://twitter.com/UCLAFTVArchive/status/1179508702681788416
And a little bit about their work: https://www.dailynews.com/2019/08/12/uclas-film-television-archive-has-a-classical-yet-state-of-the-art-home-at-the-stoa-in-santa-clarita/
" Bringing a movie back to a close approximation of its original glory isn’t cheap, either; $50,000 to $70,000 is the average cost for a feature. The archive’s current restoration of Warner Bros.’ 1933 “Mystery of the Wax Museum” should run around $300,000. "
DVD Drive-In on The Dark Eyes of London: http://www.dvddrive-in.com/reviews/e-h/humanmonsterblu39.htm
DVD Drive-In has reviewed TFVK and FBTG:
http://www.dvddrive-in.com/reviews/e-h/fearlessvampirekillers67.htm
Moodie is going to start drooling when he reads that.
http://www.dvddrive-in.com/reviews/e-h/frombeyondgrave74blu.htm
I see that the trailers for Dracula AD 1972 and The Satanic Rites of Dracula have gone through the BBFC from Warner Home Video. Presumably, BDs of the films are imminent.
ETA: Confirmed that these are HMV exclusives and are now up for pre-order on their site. Street date is 14 October.
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/monsterkidclassichorrorforum/warner-archive-blu-ray-fearless-vampire-killers-fr-t74478.html#p1483490
Dance of the Vampires and From Beyond the Grave from Warner Archive. Wonder if there's any chance of Anolis getting hold of these. I'm assuming we wont get an actual UK release.
I don't know how folks find the time to watch so many extras. I have my work cut out just trying to watch the regular films.
Also coming from Scream Factory, THE FLY COLLECTION including BHF THE CURSE OF THE FLY (and THE FLY II, which once failed to attract a single punter to a late night screening programmed at Derby's Metro Cinema)Third Universal box set from Scream Factory. I've just finished watching the second set. (The Lugosi MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE is released alongside it too)
TO THE DEVIL A DAUGHTER from Scream Factory (so likely to be region A locked) in December.
Borderline psychological creepfest SECRET CEREMONY is coming from Indicator in November.
4K master of the much-admired US seventies item HOMEBODIES due next year from Kino Lorber. One I'll be buying for certain.
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/hammer-volume-four-faces-of-fear-le
INDICATOR LIMITED BLU-RAY EDITION BOX SET SPECIAL FEATURES:
THE REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN
New 4K restorationOriginal mono audioNew and exclusive documentary about the film, produced by Hammer expert Marcus Hearn (2019)Audio commentary by celebrated horror and fantasy authors Stephen Jones and Kim Newman (2019)A Frankenstein for the 20th Century (2019): video essay by film historian Kat Ellinger and Dima BallinHammer's Women – Eunice Gayson(2019): profile of the Hammer star by critic and film historian Pamela HutchinsonDavid Huckvale on Leonard Salzedo (2019): new appreciation of the renowned composer by the author of Hammer Film Scores and the Musical Avant-GardeSuper 8 version: original cut-down home cinema presentationOriginal theatrical trailerTrailer commentary (2013): short critical appreciation by filmmaker Joe DanteImage gallery: on-set and promotional photographyNew and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearingLimited edition box set exclusive booklet with new essays by Marcus Hearn and Kieran Foster, archival interview materials, historical articles, contemporary reviews, and film creditsUK premiere on Blu-ray
THE TWO FACES OF DR. JEKYLL
High Definition remasterOriginal mono audioNew and exclusive documentary about the film, produced by Hammer expert Marcus Hearn (2019)Audio commentary by film historians Josephine Botting and Jonathan Rigby (2019)Interview with Paul Massie (1967): rare archival audio interview with the film’s starHammer's Women – Dawn Addams (2019): British cinema expert Laura Mayne explores the life and career of the UK-born starDavid Huckvale on Monty Norman (2019): new appreciation of the renowned composerOriginal theatrical trailerTrailer commentary (2013): short critical appreciation by Josh OlsonImage gallery: on-set and promotional photographyNew and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearingLimited edition box set exclusive booklet with a new essay by Kat Ellinger, archival interview materials, historical articles, contemporary reviews and film creditsUK premiere on Blu-ray
TASTE OF FEAR
High Definition remasterOriginal mono audioAlternative presentation with US Scream of Fear title sequenceNew and exclusive documentary about the film, produced by Hammer expert Marcus Hearn (2019)Audio commentary with Kevin Lyons, editor of The Encyclopedia of Fantastic Film and Television (2019)The BFI Interview with Jimmy Sangster(2008): archival audio recording of the celebrated filmmaker and screenwriter in conversation with Marcus Hearn at London’s National Film TheatreThe BEHP Video interview with Jimmy Sangster (2008): archival video recording, made as part of the British Entertainment History Project, featuring Sangster in conversation with Jonathan RigbyThe BEHP Interview with Douglas Slocombe – Part Two (1988): archival audio recording, made as part of the British Entertainment History Project, featuring the renowned cinematographer in conversation with Sidney ColeFear Makers (2019): interviews with camera operator Desmond Davis, assistant editor John Crome and clapper loader Ray AndrewHammer's Women – Ann Todd (2019): Melanie Williams, author of Female Stars of British Cinema profiles the English star and producerDavid Huckvale on Clifton Parker (2019): new appreciation of the renowned composerSuper 8 version of Scream of Fear: original cut-down home cinema presentationOriginal theatrical trailerTrailer commentary (2013): short critical appreciation by Sam HammImage gallery: on-set and promotional photographyNew and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearingLimited edition box set exclusive booklet with an essay by Marcus Hearn, archival interview materials, historical articles, contemporary reviews and film creditsUK premiere on Blu-ray
THE DAMNED
New 2K restorationOriginal mono audioTwo presentations of the film: The Damned, the original UK theatrical release version; and These Are the Damned, the complete and uncut restoration which first premiered in 2007New and exclusive documentary about the film, produced by Hammer expert Marcus Hearn (2019)Audio commentary by film historians Samm Deighan and Kat Ellinger (2019)Beneath the Surface (2019): new interview with filmmaker Gavrik Losey, son of director Joseph LoseyInterview with actor Shirley Anne Field (2019)Interview with screenwriter Evan Jones (2010)Children of 'The Damned' (2019): new interviews with actors Kit Williams, David Palmer and Christopher WittyHammer's Women – Viveca Lindfors (2019): profile of the renowned actor by critic and film historian Lindsay HallamDavid Huckvale on James Bernard (2019): new appreciation of the celebrated composerBeyond Black Leather (2019): appreciation by film expert I Q HunterNo Future (2019): analysis by author and film historian Neil SinyardOriginal theatrical trailerTrailer commentary (2013): short critical appreciation by filmmaker Joe DanteImage gallery: on-set and promotional photographyNew and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearingLimited edition box set exclusive booklet with a new essay by Richard Combs, archival interview materials, historical articles, contemporary reviews and film creditsUK premiere on Blu-ray
Limited edition box set of 6,000 numbered units All extras subject to change
New The Amazing Mr. Blunden has a splendid set of extras: https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=25647
Special Features and Technical Specs:BRAND NEW SCAN AND RESTORATION OF THE FILMNEW audio commentary with Actors Madeline Smith, Rosalyn Landor, Stuart Lock and Marc GrangerNEW interview with Madeline SmithNEW interview with Rosalyn LandorNEW Mark Gatiss on The Amazing Mr Blunden2014 archive BFI Q&A with Madeline Smith, Rosalyn Landor and Stuart LockReversible sleeve with new artwork by Rich Davies and original artworkOptional English Subtitles for the Hard of HearingREGION-B "LOCKED"Limited Edition Contents'The Ghosts' – the original out -of-print source novel by Antonia Barber specially reproduced for this releaseRigid slipcase with new artwork by Rich DaviesSoft cover book with new essays by Kevin Lyons and Kim NewmanReversible poster with new and original artwork
Just announced: "Studio Canal (under the "Vintage Classics" banner) will be releasing a UK Blu-ray of FRIGHT in October. Extras will include an interview with star Susan George, an interview with Kim Newman, and a "Behind the Scenes" stills gallery. The upcoming Scream Factory release will not include the George interview."
Indicator are teasing their next Hammer box set - from the image they've posted, it appears it may be called 'Faces of Fear', leading to some fan speculation that TASTE OF FEAR and TWO FACES OF DR JEKYLL (with THE UGLY DUCKLING as an extra?) will be included. To be rounded out with THE DAMNED and REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN?
Very enticing batch of extras on Olive's forthcoming A BUCKET OF BLOOD:
A Bucket of Blood (1959) enters the Olive Signature Collection on September 24th! Roger Corman’s black-comedy-beatnik-culture-horror masterpiece is mastered from a new 4K scan and comes with a bucket full of extras! This release will be manufactured in a limited pressing of 3,500 units, so preorder your copy today! You’ll be sick sick SICK with laughter!
A Bucket of Blood – Olive Signature is available for preorder here: https://amzn.to/2Ma2I6t
In honor of its 60th anniversary, this Olive Signature edition of A Bucket of Blood celebrates the film’s enduring legacy. Shot in five days on a shoestring budget of $50,000, A Bucket of Blood remains one of the most iconic collaborations between Roger Corman and Dick Miller, and has rightfully earned its “cult classic” status.
OLIVE SIGNATURE FEATURES
* Mastered from new 4K scan
* “Creation Is. All Else is Not” – Roger Corman on A Bucket of Blood
* “Call Me Paisley” – Dick and Lainie Miller on A Bucket of Blood
* Audio commentary by Elijah Drenner, director of That Guy Dick Miller
* Archival audio interview with screenwriter Charles B. Griffith
* “Bits of Bucket” – Visual essay comparing the original script to the finished film
* Essay by Caelum Vatnsdal, author of You Don't Know Me, But You Love Me: The Lives of Dick Miller
* Rare prologue from German release
* Super 8 “digest” version
* Theatrical trailer
* German theatrical trailer
* Gallery of newly-discovered on-set photography
Got Lust for a Vampire on bluey today.
The Flesh and the Fiends is coming from Kino Lorber in 2020. 2 separate cuts from new 2K masters.