Hammer Horror Blu-ray Releases

[T4ffer]

Cool I made the first 250

[Funktion]

It seems I was one of the first 250 as well, with order 1249.

I was in a meeting when the email arrived, so I was only able to place an order about 15 minutes after I received the email.

---

Hopefully this release is a success, and is the start of something good. It would be great to start seeing more Hammer titles getting "definitive" editions, instead of the current situation where title "X" is slightly cut on a certain release, the correct aspect ratio is only on another release, and so on.

And I'm hoping we may get a couple of "fun stuff", either as separate releases, or bonus discs, like the whole The World of Hammer series, a trailer compilation (something like Umbrella did for their Hammer Horror Volume 1 boxset, a disc with 100+ Hammer trailers), and so on.

[Mr. Thomsen]

I can't remember if it was posted here, but over at the criterionforum, Michael Brooke, who works as a freelancer for several labels, wrote that people should probably lower their expectations to what new-new Hammer can release. Apperently, these days Hammer only own their pre-1957 output themselves, and also some of the 1970s films.

This means that it is not likely we will get a new 4K remaster of Dracula from them, though of course nobody knows what kind of deals they can make along the way. We are far more likely to see restorations of the first two Quatermass films, though. I would be down for that.

[Davys Flicks]

Originally Posted by Mr. Thomsen

I can't remember if it was posted here, but over at the criterionforum, Michael Brooke, who works as a freelancer for several labels, wrote that people should probably lower their expectations to what new-new Hammer can release. Apperently, these days Hammer only own their pre-1957 output themselves, and also some of the 1970s films.

This means that it is not likely we will get a new 4K remaster of Dracula from them, though of course nobody knows what kind of deals they can make along the way. We are far more likely to see restorations of the first two Quatermass films, though. I would be down for that.

He's being rather obvious. Yes they don't own the vast majority of the catalogue, that's always been true - but they do own enough to make it a viable mini-range and there are some of the 60s output that has reverted to them as well as quite a bit of the 70s.

[pnaschy]

Originally Posted by Mr. Thomsen

One man's unnecessary junk is another man's treasure.

While I personally do not care about fancy packaging, posters, art cards, beer mats, keychains etc., I do love me a good, solid booklet.

This release is clearly meant for the hardcore Hammer fans, and as such, I find what they offer as far as booklets to be of superb value. We get one with a complete reprint of the Captain Kronos comics from the old Hammer in-house magazine from the 1970s (100 pages), and then another one of a whopping 130 pages filled with new essays and reprints of original press material, contemporary articles and interviews etc.

For most people, this is probably not worth £50. For me, it is a steal at that price. I honestly expected it to be more like £75-90.

I was surprised the price was this low especially if you compare it to Fabulous Films Willo the Wisp Bluray, just 2 Bluray discs in a standard case and it's £49.97 at the moment.

[Funktion]

Originally Posted by Mr. Thomsen

I can't remember if it was posted here, but over at the criterionforum, Michael Brooke, who works as a freelancer for several labels, wrote that people should probably lower their expectations to what new-new Hammer can release. Apperently, these days Hammer only own their pre-1957 output themselves, and also some of the 1970s films.

This means that it is not likely we will get a new 4K remaster of Dracula from them, though of course nobody knows what kind of deals they can make along the way. We are far more likely to see restorations of the first two Quatermass films, though. I would be down for that.

Yeah, I read that.
But, to be clear, I obviously know that the Hammer catalogue is spread out through various companies, and a lot of stuff can't be done (well, maybe with some partnerships/temporary licensing?), so while I hope for the best, I have my expectations in check.

But still, there's certainly a whole bunch of stuff that can indeed happen.
Like a boxset or two of some of the more obscure, "lesser" titles from their early days, that would be awesome to have available in HD.

Or even, I would guess, titles like Countess Dracula? Network previously released it on Blu-Ray, so if the rights aren't back with them, I'm sure they at least can work something out to make it happen.
Or titles like The Lost Continent, who still haven't received a UK BD, and will likely be available for licensing.

For me, Hammer is a lot more than just Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, and other big names. I mean, my avatar is from Paranoiac, which should give you an idea I like their "smaller" titles as well.
So, I would be fine with a series of restored releases of titles outside of their top drawer names.

[Monkeybeard]

Now available to pre order at hmv

https://hmv.com/store/film-tv/4k-ult...vampire-hunter

[ghostof82]

While the reprint of the Kronos comic strips are a great idea, I would imagine these will inevitably be the same size as a Blu-ray case so hardly even legible for oldsters like me.

[Monkeybeard]

Is this the first time that Captain Kronos has been available on BD in the UK please?

I've been looking through my Hammer collection and don't seem to own it, but I'm not entirely sure. Thank you.

[pnaschy]

Originally Posted by Monkeybeard

Now available to pre order at hmv

https://hmv.com/store/film-tv/4k-ult...vampire-hunter

I think I may cancel my Hammer Films order and get it from HMV, 20% off and dropped off in store.

[Nitroes]

Nice artwork. I see the only non-hammy Dr. Lecktor Brian Cox is there too. I don't think I've seen that episode.

Assume it's similar to the Australia release: https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Hamme...271152/#Review


https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DLLFXQSQ/

[Davys Flicks]

Originally Posted by Nitroes

Nice artwork. I see the only non-hammy Dr. Lecktor Brian Cox is there too. I don't think I've seen that episode.

Assume it's similar to the Australia release: https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Hamme...271152/#Review


https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DLLFXQSQ/

It's a straight re-release of Network's bluray. Spirit are just reissuing their catalogue that they have rights to.

[Davys Flicks]

Originally Posted by Monkeybeard

Is this the first time that Captain Kronos has been available on BD in the UK please?

I've been looking through my Hammer collection and don't seem to own it, but I'm not entirely sure. Thank you.

No it has not. Australia, US and Germany but this is the first UK version since DVD.

[Deadend45]

Hammer Films Code
20% off our website with code: HAMMERQUEST
Exclusions apply, offer expires 31/01/25

https://hammerfilms.com/
Discount code isn’t valid for Kronos pre-order. Surprised? haha

Survey to win £100 Amazon Gift Card:
https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01JE6TVKTQ85ZV5V77CSNE8MHY_2

[Django100]

They sent Captain Kronos by EVRI. Hope I get it.

Last week they left a parcel in the street outside the flats.

[Mark Meakin]

Originally Posted by Django100

They sent Captain Kronos by EVRI. Hope I get it.

Last week they left a parcel in the street outside the flats.

My two copies just arrived. The packaging has Hammer & the film's title stamped on it. Makes the packaging collectable too I suppose. No sign of my early order postcards, which is a worry, but a lovely looking set in a sturdy box.

[John Earls Umbrella]

Looks like some more titles are on the way - as quoted by the Studio- “a heady mix of Brit Noirs, science horrors, action thrillers, swashbucklers and Gothics heading everyone's way in 2025. And these include some absolute classics alongside the rarities – including one that it's fair to say redefined a genre”.

[filmlover22]

Originally Posted by John Earls Umbrella

Looks like some more titles are on the way - as quoted by the Studio- “a heady mix of Brit Noirs, science horrors, action thrillers, swashbucklers and Gothics heading everyone's way in 2025. And these include some absolute classics alongside the rarities – including one that it's fair to say redefined a genre”.

why do I get the feeling that my Indicator box sets will go on sale at ebay later this year?

[John Earls Umbrella]

Originally Posted by filmlover22

why do I get the feeling that my Indicator box sets will go on sale at ebay later this year?

Yep, exactly my thinking. Some of the new Hammers will be larger sets like Kronos, and others smaller depending on extras, movie versions, as well as expected popularity. I’d be amazed if they don’t throw the works at Dracula.

[Mark Meakin]

Originally Posted by John Earls Umbrella

Yep, exactly my thinking. Some of the new Hammers will be larger sets like Kronos, and others smaller depending on extras, movie versions, as well as expected popularity. I’d be amazed if they don’t throw the works at Dracula.

Columbia owns the rights to the indicator ones, not Hammer, so I'm keeping mine. Hammer will more than likely release the Quatermass Donlevy films , X-The Unknown & Men Of Sherwood Forest among others. My Anolis dvd of the Robin Hood film has some heavy print damage, so an upgrade would be welcome.