The Absolutely Diabolical Hammer Films Thread - Page 7

John Hodson · 07-09-2006, 08:42

I think it may depend on how well their 'Icons of Horror' series kicks off with the Karloff set - I suggest we all buy two copies each...

Livius · 11-09-2006, 09:49

Zeta Minor has details on the extras for the Optimum Ultimate Hammer Box Set

John Hodson · 11-09-2006, 12:49

All I want is a decent anamorphic Dracula - Prince of Darkness...

R-T-C · 22-09-2006, 08:32

I've got the rather nice looking cover-art for the boxset, and details of the single disc releases at Mondo Esoterica.

Oddly, Optimum no longer list 'Devil-Ship Pirates' in their Press Releases so it might not be included in this set.

John Hodson · 25-09-2006, 18:41

The announcement at DVD Times; Optimum clearly need someone in their press office who can get their facts straight...

R-T-C · 25-09-2006, 19:15

Hmmm... 'Straight on Till Morning' is on the DVD Times announcement, but not on Optimum's own press page or their single disc release schedule while Slave Girls seems to be alternatingly refered too by its US title Prehistoric Women which makes things even more confusing. 'Viking Queen' seems to have replaced 'Devil-Ship Pirates', a pity since the latter film could use a nice new DVD - the UK WB disc was non-anamorphic.

I think we'll have to wait to see the set itself before finally knowing what is in it. Still no word yet on whether there will be any new transfers etc.

Julian K · 25-09-2006, 20:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by R-T-C

Still no word yet on whether there will be any new transfers etc.

Actually there is, you just have to know where to find it.

John Hodson · 29-09-2006, 09:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julian K

Actually there is, you just have to know where to find it.

Excellent Julian.

John Hodson · 29-09-2006, 15:45

...and Amazon is showing the upcoming Dracula, Prince of Darkness as anamorphic...

bullybullair · 29-09-2006, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hodson

...and Amazon is showing the upcoming Dracula, Prince of Darkness as anamorphic...

Well lets hope its not from the same transfer as the German anamorphic disc

R-T-C · 02-10-2006, 18:55

Its not all Hammer, but since it is just £17.97 at sendit.com, I recommend the DDHE 'Peter Cushing Collection' boxset:

Newly reviewed: http://mondo-esoterica.net/boxsets/Cushing.html

You get very good DVDs of Hammer's 'The Abominable Snowman' (1957), a slightly over-clever Val Guest/Nigel Kneale production and 'Island of Terror' (1966) an independent horror directed by Hammer favourite Terence Fisher. You get a good, but slightly cut DVD of the good 'Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell' (1974), one of Cushing's last films for Hammer, and a good DVD of the simply dire Tigon horror 'Blood Beast Terror'.

R-T-C · 05-10-2006, 18:10

First review of the new 'Twins of Evil' (1971) DVD from Network now up:

http://mondo-esoterica.net/Twins%20of%20Evil.html

It uses the same print as the OOP Carlton disc, although with a couple of new features that should appeal to those who do not have the film, but probably won't tempt an upgrade.

R-T-C · 07-10-2006, 12:24

More:

http://mondo-esoterica.net/Hands%20o...%20Ripper.html

'Hands of the Ripper' (1971) Network re-release. I presume it is the same print as the Carlton disc, but it does boast a nice commentary track. Temping for an upgrade?

John Hodson · 09-10-2006, 14:02

From Zeta Minor:

More good news about Optimum's forthcoming Ultimate Hammer Collection DVD set: the set contains new anamorphic versions of Dracula: Prince of Darkness and Prehistoric Women.

The new Prince of Darkness transfer isn't considerably better than the previous UK edition (from Warner Home Video): the anamorphic enhancement means that you get more detail in the image. In terms of colour density and contrast, the new disc is slightly brighter than the Warner Home Video version, but otherwise quite similar. It is, however, vastly superior to the anamorphic German version, from Anolis. Screen grabs from the three versions can be seen here.

The new Prince of Darkness disc features the hour-long documentary The Many Faces of Christopher Lee, which is a valuable bonus. Sadly, it's missing the bonus features found on the US (Anchor Bay) and German (Anolis) discs, so fans will probably want to have both.

The new Prehistoric Women disc has an anamorphic 2.31:1 transfer, and a widescreen theatrical trailer. (Anchor Bay's R1 disc was non-anamorphic).

Note that the individual Dracula: Prince of Darkness disc is currently available for pre-order at Play.com for £5.99... This offer also extends to The Devil Rides Out, The Horror of Frankenstein and Rasputin - The Mad Monk.

bullybullair · 09-10-2006, 21:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hodson

From Zeta Minor:

More good news about Optimum's forthcoming Ultimate Hammer Collection DVD set: the set contains new anamorphic versions of Dracula: Prince of Darkness and Prehistoric Women.

The new Prince of Darkness transfer isn't considerably better than the previous UK edition (from Warner Home Video): the anamorphic enhancement means that you get more detail in the image. In terms of colour density and contrast, the new disc is slightly brighter than the Warner Home Video version, but otherwise quite similar. It is, however, vastly superior to the anamorphic German version, from Anolis. Screen grabs from the three versions can be seen here.

The new Prince of Darkness disc features the hour-long documentary The Many Faces of Christopher Lee, which is a valuable bonus. Sadly, it's missing the bonus features found on the US (Anchor Bay) and German (Anolis) discs, so fans will probably want to have both.

The new Prehistoric Women disc has an anamorphic 2.31:1 transfer, and a widescreen theatrical trailer. (Anchor Bay's R1 disc was non-anamorphic).

Note that the individual Dracula: Prince of Darkness disc is currently available for pre-order at Play.com for £5.99... This offer also extends to The Devil Rides Out, The Horror of Frankenstein and Rasputin - The Mad Monk.

I hope its not another cut version cock up

MaxNutter · 09-10-2006, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hodson

Dracula: Prince of Darkness and the Prehistoric Women.

i'd love to see that!

R-T-C · 10-10-2006, 09:43

Okay here we go, The Ultimate Hammer Collection reviewed:

http://mondo-esoterica.net/boxsets/U...%20Hammer.html

For now, we have brand new full reviews of:
'Horror of Frankenstein', 'Prehistoric Women', 'The Reptile' and 'Quatermass and the Pit', as well as notes on transfers and special features for most of the other films in the set.

More reviews to come later this week.

bullybullair · 10-10-2006, 22:59

Well its wrong right at the start by claiming that The Nanny is new to dvd.
It had an earlier UK release doubled up with The Blue Lamp

R-T-C · 11-10-2006, 09:17

Actually, that was just bad grammar. Corrected now.

John Hodson · 11-10-2006, 09:47

Optimum themselves made the claim in their press release; R-T-C it still says: 'Fans of the Hammer films will be interested in this set, especially with The Nanny making its DVD debut here.' It's the pedant in me, but it's worth clearing up.

EDIT - corrected now I see; well done.