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This table is a guide to the availability of Hammer films and TV series on DVD. Not only does it provide a useful checklist to a film's availability, it also compares features if there's more than one version available, and notes if there are significant differences between different versions. Where no disc is available, some indication as to who might hold the rights may be offered, which may give an indication whether or not a future release is likely. Where a film is not available on DVD, VHS or laserdisc availability is indicated. Comments, corrections and additions are most welcome. You can email information to me directly, using the button, left, or contribute it to this thread at Roobarb's DVD Forum. Further research is recommended before purchasing decisions are made. The latest updates are in yellow. |
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HAMMER FEATURE FILMS - 1970 to 1979 |
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1970 |
Taste The Blood of Dracula The film was available on VHS on both sides of the Atlantic, from Warner Home Video. The UK VHS version, on Warner Home Video's Terror Vision imprint, was a heavily-cut version, missing about five minutes of material, including a scene in a brothel and some semi-graphic violence. Warner Home Video may have used a print of the American theatrical version. The uncut version has been shown by the BBC. The Japanese laserdisc version is the shorter version, too. UK: Warner Home Video The film is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, with mono audio. It contains the uncut version, with the bordello scenes intact. The disc also contains a theatrical trailer. English HoH subtitles. This disc was deleted when Studio Canal's sales and distribution deal with Warner Home Video expired, in December 2005. US: Warner Home Video - 95'15" The film is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, with mono audio. It contains the uncut version, with the bordello scenes intact. The disc also contains a theatrical trailer. Also available as a Horror Double Feature disc coupled with The Curse of Frankenstein, and (also from Warner Home Video) as one of the "4 Film Favorites Draculas" (sic) four-disc set, comprising Horror of Dracula, Dracula Has Risen From The Grave, Dracula AD '72 and Taste The Blood of Dracula. These discs are the same as the individual Warner Home Video discs. Reviewed in Video Watchdog 114:40. France: Warner Home Video Available as Une Messe Pour Dracula. Probably identical to the UK disc. James Bernard's score is available on the Taste The Blood of Dracula CD (GDI Records, GDICD010). Highlights are also on the Music From The Hammer Films CD (Silva Screen, FILMCD 066) and on The Horror of Dracula CD (Silva Screen FILMCD 708). The theme to the film is on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). The Dracula's Blood cue and Opening Credits are on Empire Music's The Best of Hammer compilation CD. |
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Crescendo US: Warner Home Video The film is available as part of Warner Home Video's Warner Archive series, by mail-order only, via their website. The film is presented in anamorphic widescreen format, but on DVD-R format only. Malcolm WIlliamson's theme music from the film is available on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume Two CD (GDI Records, GDICD005). |
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The Horror of Frankenstein Joe Dante's Film Bulletin review of the film was reprinted in Video Watchdog 100:05. UK - Studio Canal / Optimum Available individually, or as part of Optimum's Ultimate Hammer Box Set. Features commentary with Jimmy Sangster and interview with Veronica Carlson (as per US disc) UK - Warner Home Video Was available individually, or as part of the Hammer Horror Selection box set. The only extra is a theatrical trailer. No subtitles / captions. This disc was deleted when Studio Canal's sales and distribution deal with Warner Home Video expired, in December 2005. US - Anchor Bay Entertainment - 95'17" 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. The US disc features a commentary track by writer / director Jimmy Sangster, an interview with star Veronica Carlson, various trailers, and a photo' gallery. No subtitles / captions. This disc was reviewed in Video Watchdog magazine, issue 79:46. Australia - Studio Canal Plus / Universal Anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer. Probably identical to the UK release. Malcolm Williamson's Opening Credits cue for the film is available on The Hammer Frankenstein Film Music Collection CD (GDI Records, GDICD011). |
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Some frame grabs from the first few minutes of the film, showing how the various discs compare, are available here. (Warning - features Ingrid Pitt's naked bottom!) Joe Dante's Film Bulletin review of the film was reprinted in Video Watchdog 100:08. UK - ILC Pictures - 87'22" A non-anamorphic 1.64:1 presentation. The disc contains a modest frame-grab gallery, hidden away as an Easter Egg (highlight the "o" in "Lovers" on the main menu screen. No subtitles / captions. Region 0 release. The version of the film on this disc features at least one difference from the version on the US disc. In the shot where Carmilla rises from her bath, there's a brief cutaway shot to Emma (Madeline Smith) holding out a towel for her. It then cuts back the previous angle, where Carmilla is now standing, facing away from the camera, as she climbs out. In the version on the US disc, the shot is continuous, and features some fleeting full-frontal nudity, before she turns away from the camera. The cutaway shot is missing from the US disc, so the difference is probably due to different versions of the film being prepared by Hammer when the film was released. This disc is now out of print. UK - Optimum Releasing - 87'26" - Released 22/9/08 Anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer. Rather anaemic transfer, comparable to the US - MGM version. Slight smeariness evident, perhaps as a result of digital noise reduction. This version features the continuous version of the bath shot, without the cutaway. Transfer has marginally more picture information on the left hand edge, and an equivalent amount less on the right, compared to the similarly-framed US - MGM version. Disc features a full-frame Vampire Lovers trailer. Region 2 coded. US - MGM - 91'17" Anamorphic 1.85:1 presentation. Available as a double-bill with Countess Dracula: both films are supported by commentary tracks (in the case of The Vampire Lovers, by star Ingrid Pitt, director Roy Ward Baker and writer Tudor Gates) and the theatrical trailer. The disc features the un-cut version of the bath scene (see the UK entry, above). The disc also includes extracts from Carmilla read by Ingrid Pitt. The film is presented in anamorphic 1.85:1 ratio. No subtitles / captions. English closed captions available. This disc is now out of print. The laserdisc version, from Image / Orion, featuring the cut (90'48") AIP version of the film (missing part of the first decapitation scene, and the UK DVD's version of the bath scene), was reviewed in Video Watchdog magazine, issue 40:64. The magazine added further comments in issue 72:05. UK - ILC vs US - MGM The UK - ILC transfer is virtually a full-frame transfer, which has additional picture information at the top and bottom of the screen. The US version is matted, and the compositions are stronger (the extra picture information on the UK transfer is effectively 'dead' space). Horizontal picture information is virtually identical. The colour fidelity is slightly better on the US disc (especially the flesh-tones). Shadow detail is better on the US transfer. White highlights are occasionally blown-out on the UK disc. Japan The film was released on laserdisc in Japan, using the edited AIP version. Germany - Koch Media Available as Gruft der Vampire. 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. German and English audio tracks. Harry Robinson's music for the film is available on The Vampire Lovers CD (GDI Records, GDICD009). The theme is also available on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). The Opening Credits and Laura is Dead, Marcilla Is Gone cues are on Empire Music's The Best of Hammer compilation CD. |
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When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth Available on VHS in the US, from distributors Warner Home Video. The 1995 UK VHS release and the US laserdisc version both from Warner Home Video, used the 'G' rated American release, which doesn't include the film's nude scenes. The theme to the film is on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). Twenty-five minutes of the score is available on the One Million Years BC / When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth / Creatures The World Forgot CD (Legend CD13), issued in 1994. |
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Scars of Dracula Joe Dante's Film Bulletin review of the film was reprinted in Video Watchdog 100:07. UK - Studio Canal / Optimum Commentary track by Roy Ward Baker and Christopher Lee (from the US edition). Also available as part of Optimum's Ultimate Hammer Box Set. UK - Warner Home Video Was available individually, or as part of the Hammer Horror Selection box set. The only extra is a theatrical trailer. No subtitles / captions. This disc was deleted when Studio Canal's sales and distribution deal with Warner Home Video expired, in December 2005. US - Anchor Bay Entertainment The US disc features a commentary track, by Christopher Lee and director Roy Ward Baker, trailers and photo gallery. Initial "Limited Edition" copies came with a second disc containing The Many Faces of Christopher Lee documentary and two Lee music videos. No subtitles / captions. This disc was reviewed in Video Watchdog magazine, issue 78:62. Australia - Studio Canal Plus / Universal Anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer. Probably identical to the UK release. France - Canal Plus Available as Les Cicatrices de Dracula. The disc has a choice of English and French audio tracks. Bonus features include the Anchor Bay commentary track. James Bernard's score is available on the Scars of Dracula CD (GDI Records, GDICD014). Selected cues are also available on the The Devil Rides Out - Horror, Adventure and Romance - Music For Hammer Films CD (Silva Screen, FILMCD 174). The theme to the film is on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). Two tracks, Innocent Victim / Opening Credits and Burning Castle Dracula are included on Empire Music's The Best of Hammer compilation CD. |
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1971 |
Countess Dracula UK - Network - 89'08" Special Edition disc in anamorphic 1.78:1 ratio. Transfer is inferior to the MGM R1 disc. Bonus features include a new commentary by Ingrid Pitt and genre experts Kim Newman and Stephen Jones; trailer; an episode of the ITC series Thriller (Where The Action Is, 64m), starring Ingrid Pitt; 1999 archive interview from Tonight with Ingrid Pitt (7m); 50 Years of Hammer - 1999 Meridian TV news report; 1970 TV play Conceptions of Murder: Peter and Maria, starring Nigel Green (25m) and a theatrical trailer. Disc comes with a sixteen-page booklet. Review: Video Watchdog 128:62. UK - Carlton Entertainment - 89'17" Part of Carlton's big-value Hammer House of Horror - Vampire Collection box set (with Vampire Circus and Twins of Evil). Transfer is in 1.78:1 ratio, with anamorphic enhancement. The disc contains the theatrical trailer. English HoH subtitles available. This edition is now deleted. Review: Video Watchdog 103:10. US - MGM - 93'12" A double-bill with The Vampire Lovers, both films are supported by commentary tracks (in the case of Countess Dracula, by star Ingrid Pitt, director Peter Sasdy and writer Jeremy Paul) and the theatrical trailer. The disc also includes extracts from Carmilla read by Ingrid Pitt. The film is presented in non-anamorphic 1.66:1 ratio. English closed captions available. Previously available as a laserdisc, from Hallmark (92'36") - this was reviewed in Video Watchdog issue 45:46. Germany - Anolis Available as Comtesse des Grauens with a 1.66:1 anamorphic transfer. Bonus feature: Ingrid Pitt interview (conducted by Stephen Laws), booklet, trailer. English and German mono audio, optional German subtitles. Note: Video Watchdog was unable to account for the minor running time discrepancies, which suggest that the two R2 discs are 7" and 16" shorter than the version on the R1 MGM disc (but 20" and 29" longer than the Hallmark laserdisc). The theme to the film is on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). |
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Creatures The World Forgot UK - Not available Was due to be released in 2007, as part of a package of Columbia films licensed to DD Home Entertainment, but the financial problems of DD's parent company meant that the rights reverted back to the studio, and the disc was never released. The film is currently available on VHS in the US, from distributors Warner Home Video. It was previously released by Sovereign Marketing. The film has been available on VHS in the UK, from RCA-Columbia. The theme to the film is on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). Twenty minutes of score is available on the One Million Years BC / When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth / Creatures The World Forgot CD (Legend CD13), issued in 1994. |
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Twins of Evil Joe Dante's Film Bulletin review of the film was reprinted in Video Watchdog 100:08. UK - Network 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer. Features short deleted 'True Love' scene; image gallery; script PDF; trailer; booklet. UK - Carlton Entertainment - 83'16" Part of Carlton's big-value Hammer House of Horror - Vampire Collection box set (with Countess Dracula and Vampire Circus). Transfer is in 1.78:1 ratio, with anamorphic enhancement. English HoH subtitles available. This edition is now deleted. Review: Video Watchdog 103:10. US - Not available The film was released on laserdisc in the mid-90s by Hallmark / Image Entertainment (88'17") - this was reviewed in Video Watchdog issue 45:46. Released theatrically by Universal, US rights to the film have since expired, and the film is now owned by UK media giant Granada (Carlton). Germany - Koch Media Deutschland Available as Draculas Hexenjagd. 1.85:1 transfer "digitally re-mastered". Choice of English or German audio. Bonus materials: photo' gallery and theatrical trailer. France Available as Les Sévices de Dracula. Harry Robinson's score for the film is available on the Twins of Evil CD (GDI Records, GDICD012). The theme to the film is also on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). Three cues are included on Empire Music's The Best of Hammer compilation CD. |
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Blood From The Mummy's Tomb UK - Studio Canal / Optimum Features interviews with star Valerie Leon and Christopher Wicking (as per Anchor Bay's US edition). Also available as part of Optimum's Ultimate Hammer Box Set. UK - Warner Home Video Available individually, or as part of the Hammer Horror Selection box set. Anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer. The only extra is a theatrical trailer. No subtitles / captions. This disc was deleted when Studio Canal's sales and distribution deal with Warner Home Video expired, in December 2005. US - Anchor Bay Entertainment - 93'22" The American disc contains a theatrical trailer, a contemporary TV advert, radio ad's, a stills gallery and ten minutes of interviews with star Valerie Leon and writer Christopher Wicking. 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. Anchor Bay's disc presents the uncut British version of the film. The disc also contains an Easter Egg: stills of Peter Cushing in the role played in the film by Andrew Kier, (the death of Cushing's wife forced him to leave the project after a day's filming). No subtitles / captions. The first 10,000 copies of the DVD were packaged with a bonus disc of twenty Hammer trailers. (See The Hammer Trailer Collection). This disc was reviewed in Video Watchdog magazine, issue 79:36. Australia - Studio Canal Plus / Universal Anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer. Probably identical to the UK release. Music from the film is available on the Blood From The Mummy's Tomb CD (GDI Records, GDICD019). The theme to the film is on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). |
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Doctor Jekyll and Sister Hyde UK - VCI [Licensed from Canal Plus] Was released on VHS on the Thorn EMI and Weintraub labels (the latter distributed by Warner Home Video). The VCI DVD is believed to have an anamorphic (1.78:1) transfer, and comes with the theatrical trailer. This 2004 version is out of print. UK - Optimum Released in April 2010, Optimum's disc offers a 1.85:1 transfer, and comes with a theatrical trailer. Region 2. US - Anchor Bay Entertainment 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. Audio commentary track by star Martine Beswick, director Roy Ward Baker and writer / co-producer Brian Clemens. The disc also contains a theatrical trailer, radio spots and stills gallery. No subtitles / captions. The theme to the film is on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). |
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Lust for a Vampire Joe Dante's Film Bulletin review of the film was reprinted in Video Watchdog 100:06. UK - Optimum Releasing - 91'25" - Released 22/9/08 Anamorphic 1.78:1 transfer. Nice vibrant transfer with good fleshtones. Disc features an anamorphic 1.78 Lust for a Vampire trailer. Region 2 coded. UK - Warner Home Video Available individually, or as part of the Hammer Horror Selection box set. The only extra is a theatrical trailer. No subtitles / captions. "1.85:1" anamorphic transfer. This disc was deleted when Studio Canal's sales and distribution deal with Warner Home Video expired, in December 2005. US - Anchor Bay Entertainment - 95'10" An anamorphic 1.78:1 transfer. Disc contains trailers, radio spots, a photo gallery and a commentary track by director Jimmy Sangster and star Suzanna Leigh, moderated by Marcus Hearn. No subtitles / captions. This disc was reviewed in Video Watchdog magazine, issue 84:61. Australia - Studio Canal Plus / Universal Anamorphic 1.78:1 transfer. Probably identical to the UK release. Music from the film is available on the Hammer Vampire Film Music Collection CD (GDI Records, GDICD017). The theme to the film is on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). The Opening Credits and Castle Karnstein Burns / Finale cues are included on Empire Music's The Best of Hammer compilation CD. |
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On The Buses UK - Studio Canal + / Warner Home Video Available as a triple bill DVD with the other two Hammer On The Buses films. Full-frame 1.33:1 transfer. No subtitles / captions. This disc was deleted when Studio Canal's sales and distribution deal with Warner Home Video expired, in December 2005. US - Televista A full-frame 4:3 transfer. Music from the film is available on the Hammer Comedy Film Music Collection CD (GDI Records, GDICD004). |
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Hands of the Ripper A heavily-cut version of Hands of the Ripper was shown on American TV in the mid 70s, padded with new footage starring Severn Darden. This version has not been released on home video (indeed - it has rarely been seen since). Joe Dante's Film Bulletin review of the film was reprinted in Video Watchdog 100:05. UK - Network - 81'39" Special Edition version featuring commentary with Angharad Rees and genre experts Stephen Jones and Kim Newman; episode of the ITC series Thriller (Once The Killing Starts, 64m), starring Angharad Rees; trailer. The disc comes with a twelve-page booklet. Review: Video Watchdog 128:64. UK - Carlton Entertainment Part of Carlton's big-value Classic Horror Collection box set (with The Monster (a.k.a. The Devil Within Her, a.k.a. I Don't Want To Be Born) and The Uncanny). Transfer is in 1.78:1 ratio, with anamorphic enhancement. The only extra is a theatrical trailer. English HoH subtitles available. This disc is now deleted. US - Not available Released theatrically by Universal, US rights to the film have since expired, and the film is now owned by UK media giant Granada (Carlton). The film was released on VHS by VidAmerica - this 81'18" tape was reviewed in Video Watchdog issue 50:22. France - ? Available as La fille de Jack l’éventreur. Germany - Anolis - 81'37" Available as Hände Voller Blut. Extras: German title sequence, picture gallery (inc. press books). Music from the film is available on the Music From The Hammer Films CD (Silva Screen, FILMCD 066). The theme to the film is on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). |
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1972 |
Demons of the Mind [a.k.a. Blood Will Have Blood] UK - Studio Canal / Optimum The disc features a commentary track by director Peter Sykes, writer Christopher Wicking and star Virginia Wetherell (from the US Anchor Bay edition). Also available as part of Optimum's Ultimate Hammer Box Set. UK - VHS editions The film was available on VHS on the Thorn EMI and Warner Home Video (Weintraub) labels, but both of these versions were missing part of the hypnotism scene (usually intact in prints shown on TV, which are often missing another part of the same sequence). The film was available on VHS in the late 80s as Nightmare of Terror. US - Anchor Bay Entertainment - 89'07" Anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer. The film is supported by a commentary track by director Peter Sykes, writer Christopher Wicking and star Virginia Wetherell, and a 2'55" theatrical trailer largely composed of alternate takes. No subtitles / captions. This disc is reviewed in Video Watchdog 89:53. The theme music from the film is available on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume Two CD (GDI Records, GDICD005). |
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Straight on Till Morning UK - Studio Canal / Optimum Also available as part of Optimum's Ultimate Hammer Box Set. US - Anchor Bay Entertainment - 95'46" Anamorphic 1.66:1 transfer. The disc contains by a commentary track by star Rita Tushingham, moderated by Jonathan Southcott; and an interesting text biography of director Peter Collinson. No subtitles / captions. This disc is reviewed in Video Watchdog 89:65. The film was available on VHS in the late 80s as Till Dawn Us Do Part. |
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Fear in the Night UK - Studio Canal / Optimum Also available as part of Optimum's Ultimate Hammer Box Set. US - Anchor Bay Entertainment - 93'40" 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. Disc contains commentary track with co-writer / producer / director Jimmy Sangster (moderated by Marcus Hearn) and a theatrical trailer. No subtitles / captions. This disc is reviewed in Video Watchdog 96:54. The film was available on VHS in the late 80s as Honeymoon of Fear. The theme music from the film is available on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume Two CD (GDI Records, GDICD005). |
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Mutiny on the Buses UK - Studio Canal + / Warner Home Video Available as a triple bill DVD with the other two Hammer On The Buses films. Anamorphic 1.78:1 transfer. No subtitles / captions. This disc was deleted when Studio Canal's sales and distribution deal with Warner Home Video expired, in December 2005. US - Televista A full-frame 4:3 transfer. Music from the film is available on the Hammer Comedy Film Music Collection CD (GDI Records, GDICD004). |
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Vampire Circus UK - Carlton Entertainment Part of Carlton's big-value Hammer House of Horror - Vampire Collection box set (with Countess Dracula and Twins of Evil). Transfer is in 1.78:1 ratio, with anamorphic enhancement. The disc includes the theatrical trailer. UK HoH subtitles available. US - Synapse Films Cult film specialists Synapse Films released the film as a Blu-ray / DVD combo pack in December 2010 (the first Hammer film to be released on Blu-ray in the US). The Blu-ray is coded for Region A playback only. The film is presented in 1.66:1 format, with DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray. Bonus features include an isolated music and effects track; a making of... documentary (The Bloodiest Show On Earth, 33m, in HD) ; a featurette about circus-themed horror films, titled A Gallery of Grotesques (15m, in HD); a featurette about the House of Hammer magazine, Visiting the House of Hammer (10m, in HD); an 'Interactive Comic Book' featuring House of Hammer magazine's Vampire Circus comic strip adaptation (with artwork by the great Brian Bolland); poster and stills gallery; theatrical trailer. The Synapse version is missing a line of dialogue from the scene where Emil returns a missing boy (at 29'55" on the Synapse Blu-ray, 28'18" on the UK Carlton disc)., where the boy's mother says "I don't know how to thank you", just before kissing Emil. Previously, the rights were held by Fox, then by Metromedia (who also owned The Vampire Lovers, now with MGM). It was released on laserdisc by Hallmark / Image Entertainment (86'20") - this was reviewed in Video Watchdog issue 45:46. Germany - Koch Media Available as Circus der Vampire. David Whitaker's music from the film is available on the Hammer Vampire Film Music Collection CD (GDI Records, GDICD017) and the Music From The Hammer Films CD (Silva Screen, FILMCD 066). The theme music is available on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume Two CD (GDI Records, GDICD005). Joe Dante's contemporaneous Film Bulletin review of the film can be found in Video Watchdog 114:18. |
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Dracula AD '72 UK - Warner Home Video Released on October the 31st 2005. 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer. Mono audio. Disc features theatrical trailer. US - Warner Home Video Released on October the 4th 2005. Identical to the UK disc. Also available as one of the "4 Film Favorites Draculas" (sic) four-disc set, comprising Horror of Dracula, Dracula Has Risen From The Grave, Dracula AD '72 and Taste The Blood of Dracula. These discs are the same as the individual Warner Home Video discs. Germany - Warner Home Video Available as Dracula jagt Mini-Mädchen. 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer. Probably identical to the UK and US releases. Was available on VHS on both sides of the Atlantic, from Warner Home Video. UK VHS version is missing a very short shot from a staking scene. (US version might be intact). A promotional featurette from the film is available on the Horror of Hammer DVD. Japan - Warner Home Video Previously available on laserdisc. Reviewed in Video Watchdog 20:68. Michael Vickers' theme music from the film is available on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume Two CD (GDI Records, GDICD005). |
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1973 |
Captain Kronos, Vampire Hunter UK - DD Video Features the World of Hammer episode Vamp (also on the US The Reptile DVD, and elsewhere). The disc comes with a 24-page "viewing notes" booklet. The first pressing of DD Video's disc presented the film in anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen format, but lacked the data flag that automatically switches 16:9 screens to anamorphic mode. DD Video will exchange copies of the old version. The corrected version should be available in stores now. No subtitles / captions. Coded for Regions 1-6. US - Paramount - 90'56" 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. The US disc features a commentary track (by Brian Clemens and Caroline Munro, moderated by Jonathan Sothcott), and is relatively cheap. English closed captions and subtitles available. Reviewed in Video Watchdog 105:47. Germany - Anolis Available as Captain Kronos - Vampirjäger. Retailers list an anamorphic 1.66:1 transfer, with a choice of English or German audio. Disc also features the Vamp episode of World of Hammer, a photo' gallery, and a theatrical trailer. Holland - Green Cow / Paradiso Anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer, with English mono audio, and Dutch subtitles. Extras: World of Hammer - Vamp - Wicked Women; trailers for Dracula - Prince of Darkness, Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell and The Quatermass Experiment. Available separately, or as part of the Hammer Box #1 set (which contains Quatermass 2, The Quatermass Experiment, Frankenstein Created Woman, Dracula - Prince of Darkness and Captain Kronos - Vampire Hunter). France - Seven 7 / Metropolitan Available as Capitaine Kronos, chasseur de vampires. The theme to the film is on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). Re-recordings of the Main Title and Death Dual were featured on Laurie Johnson's CD The Avengers (Varese Sarabande, VCD 47270). A dedicated soundtrack CD, running just under an hour, was released by Buysoundtrax in 2007 (catalogue no. BSXCD 8831). |
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Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell WARNING - SPOILERS! Most of the current DVD versions of Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell are of the American R-rated version, which was probably the same as the version that was originally screened in the UK. The Japanese laserdisc version, however, features several extra scenes of added gore, including a notorious shot of Cushing using his teeth to clamp an artery during an operation on the creature. (This shot would have been at about 49'45" on the DD Video's UK disc, between Cushing's lines "You will do it correctly!" and "You see, it can be done", explaining why Cushing wipes his mouth at this point). The Japanese laserdisc is time-compressed (a nasty speeding-up technique used to fit movies into standard length broadcast slots, or onto standard length tapes), so timing comparisons between the Japanese disc and the DVD versions aren't meaningful. The differences between the two versions (which also include more lingering shots of the death of the Asylum Director (John Stratton), and shots of the monster's entrails being trodden underfoot by the asylum inmates) probably total less than a minute. UK - DD Video - 89'29" The first pressing of DD Video's disc presented the film in anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen format, but lacked the data flag that automatically switches 16:9 screens to anamorphic mode. DD Video will exchange copies of the old version. The corrected version should be available in stores now. Neither version includes the additional gore shots used in the Japanese laserdisc, despite DD Video promising that the excised material would be reinstated for their second (corrected) version. Both versions run for 89'29". DD Video's disc comes with a 24-page booklet, and the World of Hammer episode The Curse of Frankenstein. Coded for Regions 1-6. NOTE - I am assured that copies of the DD Video disc which include the missing "artery clamping" shot (but are still missing the other incidental gore shots) are in circulation, but, despite several attempts, DD Video has been unable to provide me with a fixed copy. US - Paramount - 92'56" The film content of the UK and US discs is apparently identical (i.e.: it's the R-rated American theatrical version). Anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer. The US disc features a commentary track (by actors Madeleine Smith and Dave Prowse), and is relatively cheap. English subtitles and closed captions available. Reviewed in Video Watchdog 105:59. Previously available on a heavily-edited VHS version, from Paramount / Gateway Video, reviewed in Video Watchdog 14:10. Germany - Anolis Available as Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell. The film runs for 90'33 (90'48" including additional dubbing credits), and includes the artery clamping scene, but is missing about forty frames elsewhere (from a throat-slashing shot). Anamorphic transfer, with choice of German or English audio. Bonus features: World of Hammer episode Peter Cushing (with English audio, German subtitles), interviews with Friedrich Schoenfelder (Peter Cushing's German voice since the early Sixties) and David Nathan (who dubbed Briant in this film and Captain Kronos), photo' gallery; eight-page booklet. Easter Egg: Peter Cushing Holsten Pils commercial (accessible via the Languages menu: go to English and then press left, then enter). This is currently the most complete version available on DVD. Japan - Cinefil Imagica Although the Japanese laserdisc was uncut, the 2003 Japanese DVD version is not: it's the same version as the US DVD. The disc also contains the Curse of Frankenstein episode of the World of Hammer series and a printed booklet. Optional Japanese subtitles. Holland - Green Cow / Paradiso Available separately, or as part of the Hammer Box #2 set (which contains The Reptile, The Plague of the Zombies, Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell, Quatermass and the Pit and The Devil Rides Out). France - Seven 7 / Metropolitan Available as Frankenstein et le monstre de l'enfer. Anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer with English mono audio and French subtitles. James Bernard's score is available on The Hammer Frankenstein Film Music Collection CD (GDI Records, GDICD011). The theme music is available on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume Two CD (GDI Records, GDICD005). Two cues, The Monster From Hell and Death of the Monster are included on Empire Music's The Best of Hammer compilation CD. Joe Dante's contemporaneous Film Bulletin review of the film can be found in Video Watchdog 113:14. |
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The Satanic Rites of Dracula UK - Not available The VHS version, released on Warner Home Video's Terror Vision label is cut - a brief shot of a vampire girl (Valerie Van Ost) being staked is missing. This shot is in a print screened on TV in the UK. Australia - Big Sky Video NTSC release, practically identical to the (non-anamorphic) US Anchor Bay release. Includes a theatrical trailer. US - BFS Entertainment The Satanic Rites of Dracula is one of three films on the Great Bloodsucking Vampire Movies disc, which also contains Bela Lugosi's The Devil Bat and Vincent Price's The Last Man on Earth. These three films are apparently public domain titles in the US (which means that anyone that can get hold of a print can release it), and the quality is about as grim as you can imagine. (Unlikely to include English subtitles or captions). A much better option is.... US - Anchor Bay Entertainment Anchor Bay's licensed version is an early effort, in 1.85:1 non-anamorphic widescreen. The disc contains a couple of trailers (including one under its American title, Count Dracula and His Vampire Brides) and an episode of the mindless World of Hammer series, Dracula and the Undead. Does not have English closed captions or subtitles. The film was re-released by Anchor Bay at the end of 2003 as a double-bill with Dracula - Prince of Darkness. The two-disc set contains all the bonus features of the original discs. Anchor Bay's rights have expired, and both the standalone disc and the double-bill version have been deleted. The Roan Group laserdisc version (87'10") was reviewed in Video Watchdog issue 48:58. The theme music from the film is available on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume Two CD (GDI Records, GDICD005). |
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Holiday on the Buses UK - Studio Canal + / Warner Home Video Available as a triple bill DVD with the other two Hammer On The Buses films. Anamorphic 1.78:1 transfer. Does not have English closed captions or subtitles. This disc was deleted when Studio Canal's sales and distribution deal with Warner Home Video expired, in December 2005. US - Televista A full-frame 4:3 transfer. Music from the film is available on the Hammer Comedy Film Music Collection CD (GDI Records, GDICD004). |
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Man at the Top Drama about the head of a pharmaceutical company. 87m. Scope. The rights are probably held by Studio Canal Plus. Previously available on VHS in the UK, from Thorn EMI and Warner Home Video (who distribute Studio Canal Plus in the UK). Man About The House (1974) has a similar pedigree, though, and that's currently with Momentum Pictures. Not currently available. |
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Nearest and Dearest UK - DD Video Presented in full-frame format, with a mediocre transfer. Its release was delayed by concerns about the poor quality of the source materials, so this DVD is likely to be as good as it's going to get. Music from the film is available on the Hammer Comedy Film Music Collection CD (GDI Records, GDICD004). |
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Love Thy Neighbour UK - Studio Canal via Warner Home Video Available on DVD, with mono audio. Other technical details currently unknown (the film was shot in anamorphic widescreen format). This disc was deleted when Studio Canal's sales and distribution deal with Warner Home Video expired, in December 2005. Music from the film is available on the Hammer Comedy Film Music Collection CD (GDI Records, GDICD004). |
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That's Your Funeral Comedy about diamond smugglers using a funeral service as cover, based on a short-lived TV sitcom. 82m. Doesn't ever seem to have been released on VHS in the UK or USA, but was available in Denmark as Her Er Dit... Lie (in English, with Danish subtitles). Germany - AmCo Movie Available as Ein Begrabnis 1.Klass, as part of the Classic Movie Collection. 4:3 format, with English and German audio tracks. Music from the film is available on the Hammer Comedy Film Music Collection CD (GDI Records, GDICD004). |
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1974 |
The Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires UK - Warner Home Video Previous VHS versions were pan-and-scanned, and cut by about ten seconds. Warner Home Video's DVD version is presented uncut, in anamorphic 2.35:1 format, with mono audio. The disc features a new transfer which is a big improvement on Anchor Bay's US version. No bonus features. English HoH subtitles. Zeta Minor review US - Anchor Bay Entertainment Another early Anchor Bay release, this one suffers from a non-anamorphic transfer, but at least it's in its original 2.35:1 ratio. It also has a terrible sleeve! On the plus side, you get a whole bonus movie, albeit the bastardised American version of Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires, titled The 7 Brothers Meet Dracula, and an audio presentation of the film's soundtrack album, which features a truncated version of the film with linking narration. The disc does not have English closed captions or subtitles. Zeta Minor review The film was re-released by Anchor Bay at the end of 2003 as a double-bill with Frankenstein Created Woman. The two-disc set contains all the bonus features of the original discs. Anchor Bay's rights have expired, and both the standalone disc and the double-bill version have been deleted. The Roan Group laserdisc version (74'39") was reviewed in Video Watchdog issue 48:58. Music from the film is available on the Hammer Vampire Film Music Collection CD (GDI Records, GDICD017). The theme to the film is on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume One (GDI Records, GDICD002). The Dracula's Metamorphosis / Opening Credits and The Hunt of Death cues are included on Empire Music's The Best of Hammer compilation CD. A definitive CD presentation was released by Buysountrax in June 2010 (catalogue BSXCD 08869), in a limited edition of 1000 copies. The disc features 35m of score, followed by the entire Peter Cushing-narrated story album (as originally released on LP), which runs for 45m. |
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Shatter [US: Call Him Mr Shatter] UK - Not available The film has been released on VHS in the UK (on the Krypton and Embassy labels), but is not currently available. US - Anchor Bay Entertainment Disc contains a 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer of Hammer's Hong Kong action movie. Bonus features include a commentary by un-credited co-director Monte Hellman and star Stuart Whitman (which originally appeared on the Roan laserdisc), a theatrical trailer, TV spots and an episode of the World of Hammer documentary series titled Chiller (mis-identified as Thriller on the DVD menus). The DVD was sourced from a UK print, which is missing a couple of shots of violence from the dockyard fight. The disc does not have English closed captions or subtitles. The film was re-released by Anchor Bay at the end of 2003 as a double-bill with The Abominable Snowman. The two-disc set contains all the bonus features of the original discs. Anchor Bay's rights have expired, and both the standalone disc and the double-bill version have been deleted. Germany - Available as Der tödliche Schatten des Mr.Shatter. This release is uncut (i.e.: with the extra violence missing from the Anchor Bay disc), and the disc does have English audio. Extras: Anchor Bay's commentary track. |
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Man About The House UK - Momentum Pictures Sitcom about a bloke sharing a flat with two birds. Full-frame transfer. No extras. The disc does not have English closed captions or subtitles. US - Not available Music from the film is available on the Hammer Comedy Film Music Collection CD (GDI Records, GDICD004). |
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1976 |
To The Devil... A Daughter UK - Studio Canal / Optimum Available as a standalone disc, or as part of Optimum's Ultimate Hammer Box Set. The disc features the 23m Blue Underground documentary, To The Devil... The Death of Hammer (from the US edition). UK - Studio Canal Plus / Warner Home Video Was available individually, or as part of Warner Home Video's Hammer Horror Resurrected box set. No extras. 1.62:1 anamorphic transfer. The disc does not have English closed captions or subtitles. This disc was deleted when Studio Canal's sales and distribution deal with Warner Home Video expired, in December 2005. US - Anchor Bay Entertainment - 92'34" 1.66:1 anamorphic transfer. The US disc features a 23m Blue Underground documentary, To The Devil...The Death of Hammer, featuring interviews with key cast and crew members, and a trailer. The disc does not have English closed captions or subtitles. This disc is reviewed in Video Watchdog 95:60. Previously released on VHS by Olympus Video, as Child of Satan. A music cue from the film, The Seed of Astaroth, is available on The Hammer Film Music Collection - Volume Two CD (GDI Records, GDICD005). |
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1979 |
The Lady Vanishes UK - Carlton Home Entertainment (Classic Collection) The disc is presented in anamorphic widescreen format, in a ratio of 2.37:1. Mono audio. The disc also offers a theatrical trailer, also in anamorphic widescreen. English HoH subtitles. US - Not available The film was released on laserdisc by Image, and on VHS by United American Video. |