Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974) - May 19, 2020

[dml1988]

I have the Anolis standard blu ray release of this film. I wonder what different, for better or worse, Scream Factory will do with this release. The Anolis release already looks pretty darn good

[cakefactory]

Originally Posted by dml1988

I have the Anolis standard blu ray release of this film. I wonder what different, for better or worse, Scream Factory will do with this release. The Anolis release already looks pretty darn good

I doubt they'll get a new transfer, since the existing releases already looked quite good. They'll probably just add a few special features. My guess is that there will be no real reason to upgrade if you have the German or UK versions unless you are a special features nut.

[cannon1]

I hesitate to pre-order this, since I've found at least 3 different running times out there. This one at 93 mins. matches the one given for the old 1974 USA Paramount theatrical cut used for the old DVD. At this point, an HD release of that version wouldn't be fit for the 3.00 dump bin, Region A or not...

[Vixen of the Night]

Originally Posted by cannon1

I hesitate to pre-order this, since I've found at least 3 different running times out there. This one at 93 mins. matches the one given for the old 1974 USA Paramount theatrical cut used for the old DVD. At this point, an HD release of that version wouldn't be fit for the 3.00 dump bin, Region A or not...

It'll probably be uncut, or maybe bother versions are included? The difference is only so many seconds, so 93 minutes doesn't give us much to go by. So, I wouldn't worry, especially since an uncut HD master exists. So chill out until further details are revealed.

[cannon1]

Originally Posted by Vixen of the Night

It'll probably be uncut, or maybe bother versions are included? The difference is only so many seconds, so 93 minutes doesn't give us much to go by. So, I wouldn't worry, especially since an uncut HD master exists. So chill out until further details are revealed.

I'm chilled, thanks, just believe it doesn't hurt to 'air' such considerations when so few details are made available and a release is right around the corner. The running times vary in minutes, not seconds. I expect it is the recent transfer too.

[SMOOT]

Originally Posted by cannon1

I'm chilled, thanks, just believe it doesn't hurt to 'air' such considerations when so few details are made available and a release is right around the corner. The running times vary in minutes, not seconds. I expect it is the recent transfer too.

Looks like right-around-the-corner is now moved to August 18.

Maybe Shout Factory heard the noise here and will be using much better source than was used on the old Paramount DVD.

I have high hopes!

[Partyslammer]

Originally Posted by SMOOT

Looks like right-around-the-corner is now moved to August 18.

Maybe Shout Factory heard the noise here and will be using much better source than was used on the old Paramount DVD.

I have high hopes!

I would bet heavily that either SF is holding off due to manufacturing delays or more likely feel it will initially sell faster and get more attention when Covid-19 issues hopefully subside to some degree late this Summer. Especially in regards to whatever stores may sell it and Amazon which has been extremely unreliable getting non-essential items like Blu-rays to customers in any sort of reliable time frame.

[dodgysteve]

Why are you guys excited for some censored 93 minute version when the UK BD runs 94m 35s and the German runs 94m 49s (the extra 14s are German voice credits tacked on the end)?

[oddbox83]

Originally Posted by dodgysteve

Why are you guys excited for some censored 93 minute version when the UK BD runs 94m 35s and the German runs 94m 49s (the extra 14s are German voice credits tacked on the end)?

I think you've misunderstood. I read it as excited they might have realised the Paramount masters aren't ideal, hence the delay.

[Nailwraps]

Extras revealed (still no word yet if both cuts are included):

https://www.shoutfactory.com/product...roduct_id=7365

"NEW Audio Commentary With Film Historian/Author Steve Haberman And Film Historian/Filmmaker Constantine Nasr
•NEW The Men Who Made Hammer: Roy Skeggs
•Audio Commentary With Actress Madeline Smith, Actor David Prowse, And Film Historian Jonathan Sothcott
•Theatrical Trailer
•Radio Spots"

[tangerinewolf]

Originally Posted by Nailwraps

Extras revealed (still no word yet if both cuts are included):

https://www.shoutfactory.com/product...roduct_id=7365

No, SF's release only has the 93 minute cut.

[HuggyBear73]

Originally Posted by tangerinewolf

No, SF's release only has the 93 minute cut.

Think I'm gonna pass on this one with shorter cut and no new transfer.

I have the UK release.

[EManT2200]

Originally Posted by tangerinewolf

No, SF's release only has the 93 minute cut.

Well, if it is 93 minutes, then it still has to be better than what I have. I have the Shock Video release from Australia, which shows 99 minutes, but it is actually only 90 min 37 seconds. So, it's the SF for me.

[roy neary]

Also missing the two docs on the Region B disc: "Taking Over the Asylum" and "Charming Evil".

[capamerica224]

I rarely pay attention to the runtime on Shout's website, are they ever wrong? I have this pre-ordered through a buy 2/get 1 at Target but if it's cut I'm going to cancel my order.

[SpaceBlackKnight]

It's possible that Paramount won't allow Shout to use Hammer's transfer of the unrated cut, which could explain why SF didn't mention a new transfer or both cuts. Would be very odd if it were the case as Paramount is fine with Criterion using StudioCanal's 4k transfer for Elephant Man, though Paramount and Hammer may not be on good terms with each other like Universal and MK2 with Lost Highway (one of the other reasons KL weren't able to do a new scan for their blu, as MK2 has the OCN elements and wouldn't work with Universal who had an IP).

[oddbox83]

The issue could well be due to Paramount owning US rights, with the restored extended cut (and existing extras) belonging to Hammer themselves in the UK. Might be rights squabbles as per above, or just Shout not wanting to pay 2 sets of licencing fees for what they can release (albeit compromised) with just 1.

Still doesn't change the disappointing result for region A locked buyers.

[cannon1]

It's hard to see Shout releasing only the Paramount cut of 1974, with the most famous bit among others removed (Cushing holding stitches with his teeth), even given the running time indicated. Seems like they'd have to procure or provide a complete cut since the cat's already 'out of the bag' with as to what this is among the core buyers, even if their logo is ported over. Much like WB's using the UK cut of 'Taste the Blood of Dracula' when they finally released the DVD/Blu ray. I'm going to contact Shout and if it is the Paramount 1974 cut, cancel.

[CountYorgaRules]

From the conversations I'm seeing on the Hammer Horror on Blu-ray Facebook group it sounds like the Scream Factory Blu-ray might just be the cut Paramount version. It's not certain yet, but I'm sure glad I have that Icon Blu-ray.

[cannon1]

Originally Posted by CountYorgaRules

From the conversations I'm seeing on the Hammer Horror on Blu-ray Facebook group it sounds like the Scream Factory Blu-ray might just be the cut Paramount version. It's not certain yet, but I'm sure glad I have that Icon Blu-ray.

Yeah, glad I have mine(Australian Shock), though I wish it was 1080P, rather than 1080i. This is one I'll almost have to see to believe them using the cut version from Paramount. With Shouts experience with these titles they must have somebody(s) who takes a hard look at running times, the various editions and their idiosyncrasies..what's wanted and not wanted among the fan base. Too I'm only assuming Paramount wouldn't still have the old bits removed to restore. I sent a question on this to Shouts' general contact address...so we'll see on that. One would think Paramount's only requirement for a US release is that it has the Paramount logo, otherwise Shout would probably tell Paramount specically what they are looking for (i.e. something considered uncut)...or else why bother with it?