HAMMER FILMS: Two Double Features from Mill Creek! - September 6, 2016

[houndfan]

Some (highly premature?) grumbles that these might include truncated American cuts of the films. Does anyone know the differences between the US and UK cuts of the SD DVDs?

[Pecker]

Good to see Sony's Revenge of Frankenstein getting a release.

I'd like to collect all of the Hammer Frankenstein & Dracula films, and I feared this one might get missed - I think it's the last unreleased Frankenstein Hammer).

I believe the only ones still MIA are:

Scars Of Dracula (UK distributor - EMI)
Lust For A Vampire (UK distributor - EMI - Not Frankenstein/Dracula, but needed to complete the Karnstein trilogy)
Dracula A.D. 1972 (UK distributor - Warner - announced in Germany)
The Satanic Rites Of Dracula (UK distributor - Warner)
The Legend Of The 7 Golden Vampires (UK distributor - Warner)

Happy to be corrected on any of the above.

[Mr. Thomsen]

Originally Posted by Pecker

Good to see Sony's Revenge of Frankenstein getting a release.

I'd like to collect all of the Hammer Frankenstein & Dracula films, and I feared this one might get missed - I think it's the last unreleased Frankenstein Hammer).

I believe the only ones still MIA are:

Scars Of Dracula (UK distributor - EMI)
Lust For A Vampire (UK distributor - EMI - Not Frankenstein/Dracula, but needed to complete the Karnstein trilogy)
Dracula A.D. 1972 (UK distributor - Warner - announced in Germany)
The Satanic Rites Of Dracula (UK distributor - Warner)
The Legend Of The 7 Golden Vampires (UK distributor - Warner)

Happy to be corrected on any of the above.

The Horror of Frankenstein is also still missing, I believe?

[cakefactory]

Originally Posted by Mr. Thomsen

The Horror of Frankenstein is also still missing, I believe?

That one shouldn't be counted, IMO!

Originally Posted by Pecker

Good to see Sony's Revenge of Frankenstein getting a release.

I'd like to collect all of the Hammer Frankenstein & Dracula films, and I feared this one might get missed - I think it's the last unreleased Frankenstein Hammer).

I believe the only ones still MIA are:

Scars Of Dracula (UK distributor - EMI)
Lust For A Vampire (UK distributor - EMI - Not Frankenstein/Dracula, but needed to complete the Karnstein trilogy)
Dracula A.D. 1972 (UK distributor - Warner - announced in Germany)
The Satanic Rites Of Dracula (UK distributor - Warner)
The Legend Of The 7 Golden Vampires (UK distributor - Warner)

Happy to be corrected on any of the above.

I don't really know how Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires worked. In this country, it was released on a triple feature put out by Millennium/Elite along with Frankenstein Created Woman and Dracula Prince of Darkness. I don't know how/where they got the rights from. They put out the other two on blu-ray and apparently the master for 7 Golden Vampires was in terrible shape so they didn't do it immediately, and then the company kinda rolled over and died, so who knows where the rights went.

I have no idea who has it in the UK, but the other two are Studiocanal. If you're right about Warner, you might be SOL unless somehow they got the rights back in this country as well.

Scars of Dracula/Lust for a Vampire are also studiocanal so you can only hope that they put them out in the UK or Anolis puts them out in Germany. If Studiocanal ever goes back to releasing hammer flicks I'd guess Scars would be one of the first in line, but from what I heard, they sold like crap so they aren't too eager about it. Final Cut keeps plugging away, but they don't have rights to the studiocanal flicks. Anolis said something about getting rights to Studiocanal catalog, but so far they've exclusively re-released other movies, so it could be a long time before they make it to Scars of Dracula, let alone Lust for a Vampire.

[cakefactory]

Originally Posted by houndfan

Some (highly premature?) grumbles that these might include truncated American cuts of the films. Does anyone know the differences between the US and UK cuts of the SD DVDs?

Who grumbled that??? What a bizarre and specific accusation. I can't imagine you saw more than one forum person saying that. Either they were some kind of Hammer expert that knows more than any basic sources out there, they were ONLY talking about Dr Jekyll and they were unaware of the DVD, or they were just an idiot.

The only one I'm aware of that ever had a cut version was Dr Jekyll, and that one's DVD was uncut, so...I see no reason to think this one would be cut. It would have to be an entirely different transfer than the DVD (it had a different title, etc).

[houndfan]

Yeah, it was not on this forum. But glad to hear your thoughts. Just have to wait for them now!

Originally Posted by cakefactory

Who grumbled that??? What a bizarre and specific accusation. I can't imagine you saw more than one forum person saying that. Either they were some kind of Hammer expert that knows more than any basic sources out there, they were ONLY talking about Dr Jekyll and they were unaware of the DVD, or they were just an idiot.

The only one I'm aware of that ever had a cut version was Dr Jekyll, and that one's DVD was uncut, so...I see no reason to think this one would be cut. It would have to be an entirely different transfer than the DVD (it had a different title, etc).

[demonknight]

So for Frankenstein's, by the end of the year, we'll have seen releases of 2,3,4,&5. Still no sign of Curse though.

[cakefactory]

Originally Posted by demonknight

So for Frankenstein's, by the end of the year, we'll have seen releases of 2,3,4,&5. Still no sign of Curse though.

I'd say it's very probable we'll see Warner announce Curse before the end of the year since we've heard they're working on Vol 2. There's a UK blu-ray if they give up on it due to the bad elements, too.

Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell has a pretty good blu-ray, too. The upcoming German release will be the best but the UK one is good too. It's paramount here so I don't expect to see it unless Olive puts out a stripped edition.

Horror of Frankenstein will likely never be released in this country because of Lionsgate, but fortunately it's terrible anyway

[dsman71]

Originally Posted by demonknight

So for Frankenstein's, by the end of the year, we'll have seen releases of 2,3,4,&5. Still no sign of Curse though.

Curse is rumored to be part of Warners Volume II horror set, which should be announced sooner or later. Over a month ago, they said it was being planned.

[schlock]

Mill Creek is really stepping up to the plate recently. Beautiful covers, and two movies for less than half the price of one from Twilight Time. I know Mill Creek are bare-bones, but their price point can't be beat. I hope these sell like hotcakes and they continue with more Hammer releases.

[CinemaScope]

Well if they play in region B I'm buying them. Dr Jekyll is the only one I'm not that keen on. Are these new HD masters? I only ask because I have the Sony DVDs (except Frankenstein) & on the box it states, mastered in HD, & those DVDs do look great. The Gorgon & The Curse Of The Mummy's Tomb were released as a double-bill in the UK, I remember going to see them (I was only 13, but quite tall, so passed for 16, which I had to be to see an X rated film).

I hope we also get, The Pirates of Blood River & The Terror of the Tongs (Lee's dry run for Dr Fu Manchu), two big favourites.

[dsman71]

Originally Posted by cakefactory

Who grumbled that??? What a bizarre and specific accusation. I can't imagine you saw more than one forum person saying that. Either they were some kind of Hammer expert that knows more than any basic sources out there, they were ONLY talking about Dr Jekyll and they were unaware of the DVD, or they were just an idiot.

The only one I'm aware of that ever had a cut version was Dr Jekyll, and that one's DVD was uncut, so...I see no reason to think this one would be cut. It would have to be an entirely different transfer than the DVD (it had a different title, etc).

Yeah dont believe that crap. If you want comparisons / know the difference in cuts, http://www.dvdcompare.com has loads of them
http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparison....php?fid=14195
Plus Sony used the UK longer by 5 seconds cut for their DVD and see no reason why the bluray wouldnt be any different

[Morsoth]

I'm only interested in the Frankenstein and Dracula series...

Is there any chance that a studio release two USA box-sets? (similarly to the Universal Classic Monsters sets)

I'm trying to figure out how to complete the series, but it's far from being easy! If a box-set is not possible (because of the distribution rights), I hope they all become available in Stand-Alone releases someday...

FRANKENSTEIN SERIES
The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) Not Yet Available
The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958) → The Revenge of Frankenstein/The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb
The Evil of Frankenstein (1964) → Hammer Horror 8-Film Collection
Frankenstein Created Woman (1967) → Stand-Alone
Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969) → Stand-Alone | Hammer Horror Classics, Volume One
The Horror of Frankenstein (1970) Not Yet Available
Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974) Not Yet Available

DRACULA SERIES
The Horror of Dracula (Dracula) (1958) Not Yet Available
The Brides of Dracula (1960) → Hammer Horror 8-Film Collection
Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966) → Stand-Alone
Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968) → Stand-Alone | Hammer Horror Classics, Volume One
Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970) → Stand-Alone | Hammer Horror Classics, Volume One
Scars of Dracula (1970) Not Yet Available
Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972) Not Yet Available
The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973) → Not Yet Available (Only SD in the "Ultimate Shockfest" release)
The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974) Not Yet Available

[dsman71]

Originally Posted by Morsoth

I'm only interested in the Frankenstein and Dracula series...

Is there any chance that a studio release two USA box-sets? (similarly to the Universal Classic Monsters sets)

I'm trying to figure out how to complete the series, but it's far from being easy! If a box-set is not possible (because of the distribution rights), I hope they all become available in Stand-Alone releases someday...

FRANKENSTEIN SERIES
The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) Not Yet Available
The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958) → The Revenge of Frankenstein/The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb
The Evil of Frankenstein (1964) → Hammer Horror 8-Film Collection
Frankenstein Created Woman (1967) → Stand-Alone
Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969) → Stand-Alone | Hammer Horror Classics, Volume One
The Horror of Frankenstein (1970) Not Yet Available
Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974) Not Yet Available

DRACULA SERIES
Dracula (1958) Not Yet Available
The Brides of Dracula (1960) → Hammer Horror 8-Film Collection
Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966) → Stand-Alone
Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968) → Stand-Alone | Hammer Horror Classics, Volume One
Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970) → Stand-Alone | Hammer Horror Classics, Volume One
Scars of Dracula (1970) Not Yet Available
Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972) Not Yet Available
The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973) → Ultimate Shockfest
The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974) Not Yet Available

Curse of Frankenstein, Horror of Dracula, Dracula 1972 and Satanic Rites of Dracula are with Warner and are rumored to be on a Volume II set from them. The other ones with Warner already had a Volume, and while it might be possible they could repackage them, I wouldnt hold my breath

Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell is one of the titles Warner licensed from Paramounts library WB didnt show any interest in releasing it in HD along with other horror movies they have from Paramount.

Horror of Frankenstein and Scars of Dracula are with Studio Canal which would mean Lionsgate in the USA

[dangerwillrobinson]

A boxset with all the Hammer Dracula movies or all the Frankenstein movies would be a miracle of the type never seen before.
Unexpected collaborations have appeared but I don't think one on that scale which would require a joint effort from 3 or 4 different Hollywood majors is likely.
Be excellent though wouldn't it?

But I think we'd be happy if all the movies were actually available and we had to get them bit by bit like we did on dvd.

[cakefactory]

Originally Posted by dsman71

Curse of Frankenstein, Horror of Dracula, Dracula 1972 and Satanic Rites of Dracula are with Warner and are rumored to be on a Volume II set from them. The other ones with Warner already had a Volume, and while it might be possible they could repackage them, I wouldnt hold my breath

Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell is one of the titles Warner licensed from Paramounts library WB didnt show any interest in releasing it in HD along with other horror movies they have from Paramount.

Horror of Frankenstein and Scars of Dracula are with Studio Canal which would mean Lionsgate in the USA

Someone asked the same question elsewhere and got a detailed response, I guess it wasn't this guy. Anyway, "Ultimate Shockfest" sure doesn't count as a release for Satanic Rites, it's a pan and scan SD thing smushed on a single disc with 25 other films!!

[Morsoth]

Originally Posted by cakefactory

Someone asked the same question elsewhere and got a detailed response, I guess it wasn't this guy. Anyway, "Ultimate Shockfest" sure doesn't count as a release for Satanic Rites, it's a pan and scan SD thing smushed on a single disc with 25 other films!!

Oh thanks for the info. I was pretty much certain the quality was bad, but SD... I've added a "To be avoided" note on the side for it.

I think I'll try to track them down, all of them, and regroup both series in two multi-discs Blu-ray cases, with custom covers.

[The Great Owl]

Last night, I watched my Mill Creek Blu-ray of The Revenge of Frankenstein.

Peter Cushing (Star Wars: A New Hope) reprises his role as Baron Frankenstein in this Hammer Studios film. Following the events laid out in The Curse of Frankenstein, Baron Frankenstein has been sentenced to death by guillotine, but manages to escape and flee to another area, where he successfully practices medicine under the name, "Dr. Stein." Of course, Frankenstein is intent on continuing his brain transplant experiments, with the usual grisly outcomes. The gorgeous Eunice Gayson, who is best known for playing Sylvia Trench, James Bond's sometimes-girlfriend in Dr. No and From Russia with Love, plays a hospital assistant whose meddling ways result in a rampage of sorts from Frankenstein's newest creation. I liked this movie quite a lot, as it stands in the middle ground between the masterful storytelling of The Curse of Frankenstein and the wonderful maliciousness of later Hammer films like Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed.

The picture quality on this Mill Creek Blu-ray is not the best. In fact, it's quite soft and non-distinct. As usual with my movie viewings, though, I forgot about the picture quality once I became embroiled in the story.

[The Great Owl]

I just finished watching my Mill Creek Blu-ray of The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb.

People from "civilized" countries always loot, ransack, and disrespect Egyptian burial grounds in these movies, and they always fail to heed the fact that the curses are real. The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb, another entertaining Hammer Studios film, may not quite have the effectiveness of the 1959 Hammer production, The Mummy, but it gets going quite well once the mummy is revived and starts to rampage. The mummy in this film is quite fearsome-looking and formidable, and the makeup effects are a highlight. Jeanne Roland, whom you all know from the James Bond movie, You Only Live Twice, is gorgeous as a potential victim of the mummy's wrath. Terence Morgan is also quite good as the slick and wealthy man who steals the heart of Jeanne's character and who harbors a fascinating secret.

This film looks significantly better than The Revenge of Frankenstein when it comes to the technical presentation on this double-feature Blu-ray. It's not perfect, by any stretch, but it's quite good.

[happydood]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I just finished watching my Mill Creek Blu-ray of The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb.

People from "civilized" countries always loot, ransack, and disrespect Egyptian burial grounds in these movies, and they always fail to heed the fact that the curses are real. The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb, another entertaining Hammer Studios film, may not quite have the effectiveness of the 1959 Hammer production, The Mummy, but it gets going quite well once the mummy is revived and starts to rampage. The mummy in this film is quite fearsome-looking and formidable, and the makeup effects are a highlight. Jeanne Roland, whom you all know from the James Bond movie, You Only Live Twice, is gorgeous as a potential victim of the mummy's wrath. Terence Morgan is also quite good as the slick and wealthy man who steals the heart of Jeanne's character and who harbors a fascinating secret.

This film looks significantly better than The Revenge of Frankenstein when it comes to the technical presentation on this double-feature Blu-ray. It's not perfect, by any stretch, but it's quite good.

I pretty much agree with all your assessments of the picture quality on these so far. I've watched Revenge twice and enjoyed it a lot more when I wasn't scrutinizing it. Overall, I can live with it. I've more than gotten my money's worth out of these already and will revisit them quite a bit.