News

This November, Hammer Films marks an extraordinary milestone as it celebrates 90 years in the business of horror and beyond. Founded in 1934, the iconic British film studio remains one of the oldest in the industry, renowned for its indelible mark on horror cinema and for elevating gothic horror to an art form. To honour this remarkable anniversary, the studio has released Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, a new documentary from Deep Fusion Films that delves into the studio’s legacy, alongside the re-release of the cult classic Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter in its first-ever 4K restoration.

The documentary, now available on Sky Arts and streaming on Now, brings together an impressive line-up of filmmakers and Hammer aficionados to recount the studio’s rise to cult status. Narrated by Charles Dance, Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters revisits Hammer’s early days and traces its journey to becoming a defining force in horror cinema.

Exclusive: Hammer Films turns a spritely 90 years old later this year, and Sky is getting in on the celebrations.

The UK pay-tv network has teamed with the iconic horror studio and Cardiff’s Deep Fusion Films to make Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, which will launch in November, timed to coincide with the legendary production house’s 90th birthday.

The 90-minute feature doc will track Hammer’s progression from a back office in London’s Regent Street to its iconic status within the horror film genre. The company, started by comedian and businessman William Hinds in 1934, made films such as The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula and The Quartermass Xperiment during the period for which it is best known, making stars out of the likes of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.

Deep Fusion co-founder Benjamin Field is helming the doc, with the director revisiting the people in front of and behind...

With the third installment of their Danza Macabra series, the fine, twisted folks at Severin Films shift focus from the boot of Italy to the Iberian peninsula. This collection spotlights four fascinating Spanish examples of the sort of moody gothic filmmaking that Italian directors like Mario Bava and Antonio Margheriti, not to mention Hammer Films in Britain, helped to popularize for international markets.

Rife with reptilian monsters, vampires, zombified Knights Templar, and even a cameo from Frankenstein and his misbegotten creation, these films vary considerably in tone and approach, ranging from rambling shaggy-dog tales to almost esoteric fables. They also differ in how far they’re willing to go with their respective lashings of sex and violence, growing bolder as the restrictions of the Franco regime lifted after the dictator’s passing in 1975.

Writer-director Miguel Madrid’s schizoid Necrophagous, from 1971, divides its time between two principal storylines that barely cohere in the end.

The 18th edition of the Motelx – Lisbon International Horror Film Festival is set to return to Cinema São Jorge from 10th to 16th September 2024. With a programme brimming with exclusive premieres, revisits of classics, and innovative horror experiences, this year’s festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of the genre.

Among the highlights is the world premiere of Sasquatch Sunset, directed by David and Nathan Zellner and executive produced by Ari Aster. This unique film offers a bizarre and rigorous portrayal of the daily life of a Bigfoot family. Another major highlight is In a Violent Nature by Canadian director Chris Nash and Oddity, a paranormal nightmare by Irish director Damian Mc Carthy, both premiering in Portugal.

This year’s festival also marks the debut of Edgar Pêra’s Telepathic Letters, an AI-driven documentary-essay that explores the connections between Fernando Pessoa and H. P. Lovecraft. Additionally, the festival will feature Cuckoo,...

Welcome to the Hammer Factory. This month we dissect The Reptile (1966).

While Hammer Studios has been in business since 1934, it was between 1955 and 1979 that it towered as one of the premier sources of edgy, gothic horror. On top of ushering the famous monsters of Universal’s horror heyday back into the public eye, resurrecting the likes of Frankenstein, Dracula and the Mummy in vivid color, the studio invited performers like Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Ingrid Pitt and so many more to step into the genre limelight. Spanning a library housing over 300 films, Hammer Studios is a key part of horror history that until recently has been far too difficult to track down.

In late 2018, Shout Factory’s Scream Factory line began to focus on bringing Hammer’s titles to disc in the US, finally making many of the studio’s underseen gems available in packages that offered great visuals as well as insightful accompanying features.

Severin Films is celebrating the late Peter Cushing with an unprecedented box set highlighting the most unexpected gems from the filmography of the legendary horror actor.

Cushing Curiosities, releasing August 29, presents 6-discs of rarely seen feature films and television broadcasts restored and scanned from original vault sources, plus a curated plethora of Special Features that celebrate Cushing’s unique career like never before.

From Hammer Films to Star Wars, he remains one of genre films’ best-loved actors. Now celebrate six of the most unexpected, rarely seen and decidedly curious performances from the legendary career of Peter Cushing: Cushing delivers a rare villain turn in the 1960 aviation thriller Cone Of Silence. That same year, Cushing brought gentle dignity to The Boulting Brothers’ cold-war drama Suspect. In 1962’s The Man Who Finally Died, Cushing co-stars opposite Stanley Baker as a former Nazi hiding a grave post-war secret.

Cushing returns to his...

Vincente Minnelli took time out from expensive MGM shows like Gigi to knock off this tale about the London debutante season, a light-comedy Cinderella story without satire or social comment. Young Sandra Dee and John Saxon come off well, but the show belongs to stars Rex Harrison and especially Kay Kendall, whose comedy timing and finesse lift the tame, weightless material.

The Reluctant Debutante

Blu-ray

Warner Archive Collection

1958 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 96 min. / Street Date May 26, 2020 / available through the WBshop / 21.99

Starring: Rex Harrison, Kay Kendall, John Saxon, Sandra Dee, Angela Lansbury, Peter Myers, Diane Clare, Charles Herbert.

Cinematography: Joseph Ruttenberg

Film Editor: Adrienne Fazan

Written by William Douglas-Home from his play

Produced by Pandro S. Berman

Directed by Vincente Minnelli

Not often mentioned as a highlight of Vincente Minnelli’s career, The Reluctant Debutante is enjoyable now for the comedy playing of Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall. Harrison hadn’t been...

You can tell that the Halloween season is getting closer, between various retailers already donning their shelves with tons of decorations, the days are getting shorter, and Turner Classic Movies has debuted their October schedule online, which features an abundance of genre awesomeness that will be hitting airwaves this fall. Without a doubt, TCM is one of the best resources for classic film, so for those of you looking to broaden your horizons this Halloween, definitely check out their calendar and set those DVRs.

Also, TCM has designated Godzilla as their “Monster of the Month” for October, so look for a bunch of classic films featuring the “King of the Monsters” and other beloved Kaiju throughout October as well.

**All Listings are in Est.**

Friday, September 27th

3:15pm – The Mummy’s Shroud

6:30pm – The Mummy (1959)

Saturday, September 28th

2:00am – Belladonna of Sadness

3:30am – House (1977)

Sunday, September...

Hammer’s attempt at a budget monster romp for 1966 isn’t quite as good as its sister film Plague of the Zombies, but it has fine atmosphere and a couple of worthy grace notes, namely its fine actresses Jennifer Daniel and Jacqueline Pearce. Although the title monster bites some fans the wrong way, it works for this reviewer — it’s every appearance is a surprise, and for me it’s convincingly… reptilian.

The Reptile

Blu-ray

Scream Factory

1966 / Color / 1:85 + 1:66 widescreen / 91 min. / Street Date July 30, 2019 / 27.99

Starring: Noel Willman, Jennifer Daniel, Ray Barrett, Jacqueline Pearce, Michael Ripper, John Laurie, Marne Maitland.

Cinematography: Arthur Grant

Film Editors: James Needs, Roy Hyde

Production Design: Bernard Robinson

Makeup: Roy Ashton

Original Music: Don Banks

Written by John Elder (Anthony Hinds)

Produced by Anthony Nelson Keys

Directed by John Gilling

Here’s something fresh for this reviewer, a noted Hammer picture to enjoy that I...

Just as there have been many spooky villains in Hammer movies over the years, there have also been many protagonists who protect our world from unholy horrors. Having appeared in several British serials and three movies, Professor Bernard Quatermass is one such hero, and Scream Factory is celebrating the iconic character by releasing Quatermass 2 and Quatermass and the Pit on respective Blu-rays. Originally slated to come out in May, the Blu-rays are now scheduled for a July 30th release, and we've been provided with the full list of special features.

Press Release: Hobbs End, Knightsbridge, London. While working on a new subway tunnel for the London Underground, a group of construction workers uncover a strangely shaped skull. Nearby, another discovery: a large, mysterious and impenetrable metal object. Initially mistaken for an unexploded bomb, the object and its strange power turn out to be far more horrific than anybody could have possibly imagined.

One can suppose it was inevitable for Hammer to take on a lesser celebrated (at the time) yet influential sub-genre such as zombies; the ’30s and ’40s were certainly a heyday, with such films as White Zombie (1932) and I Walked with a Zombie (1943) setting a template of voodoo curses and unwilling (and undead) subjects. By the ’50s, they were already used for comic effect, until Hammer took their chance with The Plague of the Zombies (1966), an atmospheric yet rousing period piece that would help set up another template for zombiedom’s biggest sea change two years later.

Part of a four picture co-op with Seven Arts Productions, Plague was released stateside by Twentieth Century Fox in late January to better than average reviews; mind you, Hammer usually found an appreciative press, if even for set design and production values alone. But critics at the time liked the fact that they...

The Plague of the Zombies

Blu ray

Shout Factory

1966 / 1.66:1 / 91 Min. / Street Date – January 15, 2019

Starring André Morell, John Carson, Jacqueline Pearce

Cinematography by Arthur Grant

Directed by John Gilling

Propping up one of Hammer Studios’ more visceral double-bills, John Gilling’s The Plague of the Zombies was released alongside Terence Fisher’s Dracula, Prince of Darkness in January of 1966. Fisher’s film was a briskly bloody chapter in the vampire’s long career but Gilling’s melancholy thriller packed a considerably gloomier punch.

The London-born Gilling was a writer/director with a taste for provincial settings, class conflict and horror – social commentary with a gothic twist. That formula was put to the test in his distinctly odd bit of sci-fi agitprop, 1957’s The Gamma People, a cold-war fable about a sinister doctor and an army of mind-controlled juvenile delinquents.

In 1960 Gilling turned that story on its head with The Flesh and the Fiends,...

January 15th is a big day for horror fans looking to beef up their home media collections, because there’s a killer assortment of titles making their debuts on Tuesday. Of course, this week’s big release is David Gordon Green’s Halloween (2018), and Arrow Video is showing some much-deserved love for Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak with their limited edition Blu-ray set.

For you cult film fans, Scream Factory is keeping themselves very busy with three different titles: Saturday the 14th, Howling III, and The Plague of the Zombies, and Severin has put together an HD release for Jack the Ripper as well. Also, if you dig on retro VHS artwork, you’ll want to pick up Mill Creek’s special throwback Blu-rays for both Krull and Happy Birthday to Me.

Other releases for January 15th include Goosebumps 2, Cannibals and Carpet Fitters, The Forbidden Photos of a Lady Above Suspicion,...

One of Hammer Films more overlooked horror films within its canon, The Plague of the Zombies is a 1966 tale of class struggle and colonialism run amok in Great Britain. The great British character actor Andre Morell (who should have starred in as many films for Hammer as Peter Cushing did) stars as Professor Sir James Forbes, a teacher, doctor, and all-around sensible man in a land of superstitious villagers. He's summoned by one of his star pupils, who's perplexed by the deaths of several young people in Cornwall. Forbes and his daughter Sylvia (Diane Clare) got to visit, and Sylvia's old friend, the lovely Alice also succumbs to whatever local madness is happening. As it turns out, Squire Clive Hamilton (John Carson), who...

[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...

The horrors of a 19th-century disease don't stop at death in The Plague of the Zombies, coming to Blu-ray from Scream Factory. Ahead of the January 15th release of the new home media release, the full special features for The Plague of the Zombies Blu-ray have been revealed, including two new audio commentaries:

From the Press Release: "In a remote 19th-century Cornish village, an evil presence lurks within the darkness of the witching hour. A mysterious plague relentlessly consumes lives at an unstoppable rate. Unable to find the cause, Dr. Peter Tompson enlists the help of his mentor, Sir James Forbes. Desperate to find an antidote, they instead find inexplicable horror: empty coffins with the diseased corpses missing! Following a series of strange and frightening clues, they discover a deserted mine where they discover a world of black magic and a doomed legion of flesh-eating slaves ... the walking dead! On...

Last night, at the tail end of a long and weird day, after all the rest of the folks who live with me were snug in bed, I shut off all the lights in the house, settled into my living room movie-watching chair and fired up a vintage Hammer classic I’d never seen before, The Reptile (1966). Even though it was directed by John Gilling, who helmed one of my favorite Hammer pictures, The Plague of the Zombies (from the same year), my expectations were low—I’d heard from trustworthy sources that it wasn’t a top-drawer offering from my favorite genre-oriented studio. But The Reptile, despite being a bit of a slow burn (as, admittedly, many Hammer pictures are, especially to a generation weaned on visually hyperactive remakes and reboots of established classics), turned out to be a creepy, well-earned scare, and the lead-up to the reveal of...

(Aotn) Turner Classic Movies is bringing the horror next month. Starting on October 1st the channel will be bringing back movies such as the original Cat People and Dracula. Fan’s of classic movies will surely not want to miss this.

If you have ever wanted to know where the band White Zombie got there name be sure to tune in on Halloween morning at 8:30 Am. The Universal Monster’s are sprinkled throughout this marathon and will hopefully delight old school horror fans.

Complete Schedule Below:

Sunday October 1, 2017

8:00 Pm Dracula (1931) 9:30 Pm Dracula’s Daughter (1936) 11:00 Pm Son Of Dracula (1943)

Monday October 2, 2017

12:30 Am Nosferatu (1922)

Tuesday October 3, 2017

8:00 Pm Frankenstein (1931) 9:30 Pm Bride Of Frankenstein (1935) 11:00 Pm The Mummy (1932)

Wednesday October 4, 2017

12:30 Am The Wolf Man (1941) 2:00 Am Island Of Lost Souls (1933) 3:30 Am The Black Cat (1934) 4:45 Am The Invisible Man (1933)

Sunday October 8, 2017

2:00 Am Night...

I’m guessing that you, just like most of us, have always had seasonal favorites when it comes to movies that attempt to address and evoke the spirit of Christmas. Like most from my generation, when I was a kid I learned the pleasures of perennial anticipation of Christmastime as interpreted by TV through a series of holiday specials, like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and even musical variety hours where the likes of Bing Crosby and Andy Williams and Dean Martin et al would sit around sets elaborately designed to represent the ideal Christmas-decorated living room, drinking “wassail” (I’m sure that’s what was in those cups) and crooning classics of the season alongside a dazzling array of guests. (We knew we were moving into a new world of holiday cheer when David Bowie joined Bing Crosby for...

Curious about all those Region B Hammer Blu-rays from overseas, the ones requiring a region-free player? As a public service, Savant has solicited an expert opinion (you'll have to take my word for that) of a film restoration/transfer specialist who is also an informed fan of the filmic output of the little horror studio at Bray. I know, real Hammer fans buy first and worry about quality later, but this little guide might be of help to the rest of us budget-conscious collectors.

A 'Guest' article Written by a trusted Savant correspondent.

(Note: I receive plenty of emails asking for advice about the quality of Region B Blu-rays, most of which I don't see. I have access to industry people qualified to compare and judge the discs, but they stay off the record, because their employers forbid them to go online with their opinions. They must sometimes simmer in...

Scream favorites Vincent Price and Christopher Lee become tangled in an African curse, grave robbing, a premature burial and a clutch of throat-slashings -- yet the two stars have no real scenes together. Steve Haberman's well-researched and insightful commentary tells the story of Gordon Hessler's first production for the English arm of American-International Pictures, a movie planned to be directed by the mysterious Michael Reeves. The Oblong Box Blu-ray Kl Studio Classics 1969 / Color /1:85 widescreen / 96 min. / Street Date October 20, 2015 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95 Starring Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Rupert Davies, Uta Levka, Sally Geeson, Alister Williamson, Peter Arne. Cinematography John Coquillon Original Music Harry Robertson Written by Lawrence Huntington, Christopher Wicking Produced by Gordon Hessler, Louis M. Heyward Directed by Gordon Hessler  

Reviewed by Glenn Erickson

I've been doing my best to warm up to the filmic output of producer-director Gordon Hessler. I agree that Hessler's three major A.

Hammer and Horror Film Day!

Saturday November the 9th ( 10am – 5pm )

Central Hall Westminster.

Storey’s Gate, Westminster, London SW1H 9Nh

UK’s longest running film fair and convention.

Now in it’s 40th year!

The Convention presents dealers from all over the UK, Europe, Us ,

Canada and South America.

Specialising in rare original film memorabilia and collectables.

Taking place six times a year these are truly unique events for anyone with an interest in films!

With actors and director’s signings, illustrated talks, retrospectives and film screenings taking place through out the day.

Items covering the history of cinema can be found. From the silents to the present.

From rare items of the 1920’s to new releases and the latest heart throb.

Among the many different field of cinema covered at the show is – Classic Hollywood, horror films, sci-fi, the best of British and European cinema as we as cult tv!

Looking forward to Dracula: Prince of Darkness hitting Blu-ray here in the States for the first time? Then get out your calendars because we have a date change to inform you of!

The flick will be releasing on September 17th instead of September 3rd as previously announced. To make up for the bump, you can now check out the official Millennium Films Hammer Blu-ray Facebook Page!

From the Press Release

Millennium Entertainment is pleased to reveal the final artwork and announce details for its upcoming high-definition release of the classic 1966 Hammer film Dracula: Prince of Darkness on September 17th. Directed by Terence Fisher and starring the iconic Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley, and Andrew Keir, Millennium's Collector's Edition of Dracula: Prince of Darkness marks the first time that horror fans in the Us will be able to enjoy the film on Blu-ray. Millennium is also planning to release several other Hammer...

Millennium Entertainment was set to release a Dracula: Prince of Darkness Blu-ray on September 3rd and we’ve been told that there’s a slight release delay. Instead of September 3rd, the movie will now be released on September 17th. We’ll have more content and a contest before then, so check back soon for the latest details on this upcoming Hammer release.

“Millennium Entertainment is pleased to reveal the final artwork and announce details for their upcoming high-definition release of the classic 1966 Hammer Film, Dracula: Prince of Darkness on [September 17th]. Directed by Terence Fisher and starring the iconic Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley and Andrew Keir, Millennium’s Collector’s Edition of Dracula: Prince of Darkness marks the first time that horror fans in the Us will be able to enjoy the film on Blu-ray. Millennium is also planning to release several other Hammer Films on Blu-ray later this year including Quartermass and the Pit,...

Looking forward to Dracula: Prince of Darkness hitting Blu-ray here in the States for the first time? Then get ready to read on as we have everything you need to know about the upcoming release right here!

From the Press Release

Millennium Entertainment is pleased to reveal the final artwork and announce details for its upcoming high-definition release of the classic 1966 Hammer film Dracula: Prince of Darkness on September 3rd. Directed by Terence Fisher and starring the iconic Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley, and Andrew Keir, Millennium's Collector's Edition of Dracula: Prince of Darkness marks the first time that horror fans in the Us will be able to enjoy the film on Blu-ray. Millennium is also planning to release several other Hammer Films on Blu-ray later this year including Quartermass and the Pit, The Plague of the Zombies, and The Devil Rides Out.

Special features for the Collector's Edition Blu-Ray of...

For the first time, Hammer's classic Dracula: Prince of Darkness is coming to blu-ray in the United States, thanks to Millenium Entertainment. A direct sequel to the famed horror studio's Dracula, Dracula: Prince of Darkness stars Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley, Suzan Farmer, and Francis Matthews. 

In addition to a completely remastered film, Millenium is including a slew of special features:

 

Audio commentary with Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley, Suzan Farmer and Francis Matthews

Exclusive still gallery (Never Before Released!)

Restored original trailer

Dracula: Prince of Darkness restoration comparison

Super 8Mm behind-the-scenes footage

Brand new documentary- "Back to Black"

World of Hammer Episode: "Hammer Stars: Christopher Lee"

Printed Memorabilia perfect for every classic Hammer fan

In this direct sequel to Hammer's Dracula (1958), Christopher Lee returns for more blood as he encounters a group of stranded English tourists who are holidaying in the Carpathian Mountains. Despite receiving several warnings by the unconventional Father...

Last month, we gave you early word that Millennium Entertainment was planning to release Dracula: Prince of Darkness on Blu-ray this September. We now have official release details, a list of bonus features, and new cover art.

“Beverly Hills, CA– (July 3, 2013) Millennium Entertainment is pleased to reveal the final artwork and announce details for their upcoming high-definition release of the classic 1966 Hammer Film, Dracula: Prince of Darkness on September 3rd. Directed by Terence Fisher and starring the iconic Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley and Andrew Keir, Millennium’s Collector’s Edition of Dracula: Prince of Darkness marks the first time that horror fans in the Us will be able to enjoy the film on Blu-ray. Millennium is also planning to release several other Hammer Films on Blu-ray later this year including Quartermass and the Pit, The Plague of the Zombies and The Devil Rides Out.

Special features for the Collector’s...

Top 10 Aliya Whiteley 23 Apr 2013 - 07:43

The Exorcist celebrates its 40th birthday this year, which had Aliya wondering, what other horror films came out in 1973? Here are 10...

Some movies become so famous, so iconic, that they rise above the time and place from which they sprang. The Exorcist is one of those movies. It doesn’t need any explanation and it doesn’t seem to age. Whether you love it or hate it, it stands above other horror movies.

It’s too easy to view influential films as if they were made in a vacuum, but when we talk about The Exorcist as possibly the best horror movie ever made, it got me thinking – was it part of a great year for the horror genre? What else was out there in 1973? Were all the horror movies of that year along similar themes, or were they all still dealing in physical rather than psychological horror?...

Following on from their recent releases of the fully restored and re-mastered Hammer classics, The Reptile and The Plague of the Zombies last June, StudioCanal have released the next three iconic Hammer titles in their new restored and re-mastered collection: The Devil Rides Out, The Mummy’s Shroud and Rasputin The Mad Monk. Not only are the films restored, but they are also accompanied by a host of specially created new extras, produced in collaboration with Hammer expert and author Marcus Hearn (author of The Hammer Vault), including brand new making of featurettes and interviews with original cast members.

The Devil Rides Out

Stars: Christopher Lee, Charles Gray, Nike Arrighi | Written by Richard Matheson, Dennis Wheatley | Directed by Terence Fisher

Starring Christopher Lee in one of his personal favourite roles and based on the celebrated novel by Dennis Weatley, The Devil Rides Out sees the debonair Duc de Richleau trusted...

Following on from the recent releases of the fully restored and re-mastered Hammer classics, The Reptile and The Plague Of Zombies last June, Studio Canal are delighted to announce the releases of the next three iconic Hammer titles in our new restoration series: The Devil Rides Out, The Mummy’S Shroud and Rasputin The Mad Monk – out to own individually on Double Play (DVD & Blu Ray) from 22nd October.

In celebration, the restored releases are accompanied by a host of specially created new extras, produced in collaboration with Hammer expert and author Marcus Hearn (author of “The Hammer Vault”), including brand new making of featurettes and interviews with original cast members.

To celebrate these releases, What Culture has three copies of each Blu-ray to give away to our readers.

The Devil Rides Out (Released 22nd October)

The debonair Duc de Richleau has been trusted with the care of his deceased friend’s son,...

For the first instalment in a new reader-led series, Neil Mitchell braves Brighton's premier horror film festival

Our new series on small film festivals is kicked off by Neil Mitchell, a freelance writer and editor of World Film Locations: London, among other publications. He also blogs here, and you can follow him on Twitter @nrm1972.

Do you know of any festivals that deserve more attention? If so, email adam.boult@guardian.co.uk.

Festival name: Frighten Brighton 2012

Location: Komedia, 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton and Hove

Date: 11 August 2012

About: What better way to spend a gloriously sunny day on the south coast than to head into the bowels of Brighton's Komedia and sit it a darkened room watching five classic horror movies back to back? That's what was on offer for the scandalously low price of £5 a film or £15 for the day at the wonderfully named Frighten Brighton, the brainchild of...

Hammer Studios holds a special place in my heart based on my horror upbringing. My father’s love of the gothic horror films from the classic British studio certainly made an impact on me. At the time, I was more interested in reading the most recent Goosebumps book or catching the new episode of Are You Afraid of the Dark? or Tales From the Crypt than watching the more “boring” horror films. My attention level for the classics was always waning as the characters seemed stiff in their period piece garb and the stories moved slower than to my liking. However, I was always captivated whenever the monster was onscreen. Whether it was the voodoo controlled zombies of The Plague of the Zombies or Oliver Reed’s brooding creature in The Curse of the Werewolf, I instantly was held captive by the films when the monsters terrorized my television screen.

To celebrate the release of Cockneys Vs. Zombies on August 31st, we’re giving you the chance to win the ultimate DVD bundle! Let the films battle it out as you pit the cockneys from Attack The Block and Baseline against the zombies of George A. Romero’s Survival Of The Dead and The Plague Of The Zombies.

A gang of bank robbers emerge from their first heist to find that the east-end has been infested by zombies. With the equipment to tackle the un-dead in hand, the unlikely heroes fight their way across London to rescue a group of foul-mouthed plucky pensioners who are finding inventive ways of their own to stave off the attack. Starring Michelle Ryan, Harry Treadaway, Honor Blackman, Richard Briers and Alan Ford.

The undead are brown bread!

Iframe Embed for Youtube

Cockneys Vs. Zombies in Cinemas August 31st – Choose your side – www.facebook.com/CockneysVsZombies : https://twitter.

The Plague Of The Zombies/The Reptile

Even in these enlightened times, Hammer Films is still often seen as the British film industry's dirty little secret. While Hammer made more than just horror films, it was the horrors that kept the industry rolling through very lean times, proving extremely popular overseas in places like America, Japan and Italy, countries where more lauded British films would never get a foothold.

These two Hammer films from 1966 were made back to back, sharing locations and cast members in order to save money. They are from a time when Hammer was trying new things, having exhausted dozens of permutations of vampire, Frankenstein and mummy movies. The Reptile is basically the werewolf's curse-style of tale given a few reptilian twists. More successful is Hammer's take on zombies, here not flesh-eaters, but instead cheap voodoo-activated undead labour in a Cornish tin mine.

A mere two years later,...

It’s Friday, so you know what that means – lots more films released in cinemas across the country and this is week it’s a mixed selection, from the musical stylings of Rock of Ages to the horror of Red Lights and the re-release of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws.

Nationwide Releases Rock of Ages

Under the direction of Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”), New Line Cinema’s feature film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” comes to the big screen. The movie musical stars Julianne Hough (“Burlesque”), with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Russell Brand (“Arthur,” “Get Him to the Greek”), Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”), Academy Award winner Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), Malin Akerman (“The Proposal”), R&B queen Mary J. Blige and multiple Emmy-winner Bryan Cranston (TV’s “Breaking Bad,” “The Lincoln Lawyer”), with Oscar nominees Alec Baldwin (“The Cooler”) and Tom Cruise...

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

While everything from George Romero’s …of the Dead series through to 28 Days Later and Resident Evil has worked the zombie film right down to the stump, returning to the genre forebears still proves a dementedly rewarding, refreshing experience. John Gilling’s Hammer riff The Plague of the Zombies observes this type of story through a more aged, yet less cynical – and less serious – lens, while its cutting-edge social commentary remains criminally undervalued.

Sticking true to the schematic of the Hammer horrors we know and love, The Plague of the Zombies is pure camp. The opening scene features a hooded cult figure brandishing a clay voodoo doll, before dabbing it with blood – laughable prop blood, likely ketchup or at a stretch, paint. From the outset it is a reminder that while Hammer’s recent revival comes with a classed-up new image (releasing stylish horrors such as...

The Plague Of The Zombies

Stars: André Morell, Diane Clare, Brook Williams, Jacqueline Pearce, John Carson | Written by Peter Bryan | Directed by John Gilling

When it comes to Hammer’s The Plague of the Zombies it’s never been one of my favourite. When I read that it would be part of the Bradford After Dark event at this years Bradford International Film Festival I thought I’d give it a go. With the digital restoration that has been done I was looking forward to seeing how good the print would actually look.

People are dying in strange circumstances in a small Cornish village and the doctor Peter Thompson is out of his depth in both understanding and dealing with the villagers who want answers. Calling on his professor Sir James Forbes he pleads for help. When Forbes arrives with his daughter it’s evident that something is not right...

ill Manors (18)

(Ben Drew, 2012, UK) Riz Ahmed, Ed Skrein, Natalie Press, Anouska Mond. 121 mins

The coalition government has repeatedly denied his existence, but Plan B proves he's for real with this intense, provocative survey of British urban decay in all its forms. A few too many forms, perhaps, as this crams in so many tales of hardship, exploitation, drugs and violence, and seeks to render them in so many ways (hip-hop numbers, tricksy visuals, flashbacks), it gets a bit carried away. Still, top marks for at least trying to tell it like it is.

Red Tails (12A)

(Anthony Hemingway, 2012, Us) Cuba Gooding Jr, Terrence Howard. 125 mins

George Lucas co-produces this story of the African-American Tuskegee Airmen and their role in the second world war, fighting both Nazis and racism. There's more of an eye for aerial action than grown-up drama, though.

A Fantastic Fear Of Everything (15)

(Crispian Mills, Chris Hopewell,...

We’re always on the lookout for seasons of film screenings which offer something a little different from your average mulitplex fare and Studio Canal have come up trumps again with a collection of fine British films.

The season in question is entitled Made In Britain, and takes place every Tuesday from 5th June to 3rd July with screenings across the country and Studio Canal have chosen some excellent film, some of which are rarely seen on the big screen.

To celebrate this excellent season of screenings we’re giving one lucky winner the chance to win A3 copies of 4 posters from the series. These posters can be seen below and more deatils of the season, and how you can book tickets are here:

In this year of celebration of all things British, Studiocanal and the Ico are delighted to announce a summer season of theatrical screenings in celebration of some of the finest,...

 Hammer's exciting catalogue restoration continues with a duo of swanky new home entertainment releases - The Plague of the Zombies and The Reptile, shot back to back by John Gilling in 1966. Both due for release as double play Blu-ray/ DVD combo sets through Studio Canal on 18th June, they feature new extras created under the guidance of Hammer expert Marcus Hearn. What's not to love? Full details below: 8 June: The Plague Of Zombies ** Digitally restored Double Play  Within a remote eighteenth century Cornish village, an evil presence lurks within the darkness of the witching hour, a mysterious plague relentlessly taking lives at an unstoppable rate. Unable to find the cause, Dr Peter Thompson enlists the help of Professor James Forbes. Desperate to find an antidote what they...

Nothing beats the classics, and the people at Hammer Films are giving you the chance to relive some of your favorite moments from their iconic films with a new iPhone app, The Hammer ScreamBoard.

Fresh off the success of their newest film, The Woman in Black, Hammer Studios proudly brings us the ScreamBoard app that allows fans to tinker with sound effects from their films as well as granting access to all kinds of cool special features and information. Follow this link for the Hammer ScreamBoard app.

From the Press Release

Legendary British film brand Hammer has today launched the ScreamBoard in the UK – a free app for the iPhone which enables horror fans to mix their own selections of classic Hammer film sound clips. The app will appeal to both old and new fans of the celebrated film brand, many of whom will have recently enjoyed The Woman In Black,...

The Hammer Vault was published late last year and was one of my favorite horror releases of 2011. Not only was it a great way to get new horror fans up to speed on the history of Hammer, but it contained rare and never before seen materials you could only find in the book.

I recently had a chance to talk with author and Hammer historian Marcus Hearn, who told me about the inspiration for the book, researching classic films, and the possibility of a new Dracula movie from Hammer:

Thank you for taking the time to talk with Daily Dead. For any readers who may be unfamiliar with your previous work, can you tell them a bit about your earlier Hammer book releases and relationship with the company?

Marcus Hearn: I’ve been working with Hammer since 1995, initially as the editor of the company’s official magazine and more...

As The Woman in Black continues to spook audiences across the UK, raking in plenty of cash at the box office, Nic Ransome of Hammer Films discusses what tricks film makers use in order to scare audiences:

1) Music - from the stomach-knotting insistence of John Williams’ Jaws theme to the violin stabs of Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho, from the repetitive droning of Terminator 2 to Hammer’s often-discordant scores, music can instil unease, suspense and distress in an audience, softening them for the Shock to come.

2) Camera movement - the slow track, whip pan and dolly zoom are all used in horror. The slow track builds suspense; the audience knows something will be revealed but must wait for the camera to find it. The whip pan mirrors a film’s hero suddenly turning to face his foe, as yet un-glimpsed. The dolly zoom, though rarely used (Vertigo and Jaws are the...

It's great to live in an era when one of the greatest studios to ever unleash mass amounts of horror to the masses is enjoying a resurgence by kicking some ass once again. That being said, Hammer is also looking to preserve its past for the future.

According to Deadline the British horror studio Hammer has chosen the Cinema And Television History (Cath) Research Centre at the UK’s Leicester De Montfort University to house its script archive.

The Cath center will catalogue and curate a collection that includes screenplays from most of the studio’s film and TV productions from 1947-1990 along with extensive corporate paperwork, correspondence and other ephemera. This is the first time the archive will be opened to public research and study. Last month, Hammer announced a global restoration project for its library of films in partnership with Studiocanal, Pinewood and other international players and with...

On the eve of Woman In Black’s appearance in U.S. theaters, Hammer has provided a thorough update on the restoration process happening with a number of their catalog titles, an exciting project we first reported several weeks ago. I spoke with Hammer CEO Simon Oakes this morning and got the scoop on all thing past, present, and future with the historic brand, and you will love reading all about it in the next issue of Famous Monsters. Sneak peek: there are more titles in the restoration queue than what they have listed below, and yes, there will be “re-boots” of some of their biggest titles.

For now, here is the latest on the restoration, courtesy Hammer:

“This post will deal with UK vs. Us main/end titles, update you all on the “lost” Dracula footage restoration and talk about the seemingly contentious topic of Digital Vision Noise Reducer...

The Woman in Black marks a comeback for the Hammer Films banner, as the new Daniel Radcliffe ghost story is a welcome return to Gothic form for the legendary British production company famous for its many horror films of the late '50s, '60s and '70s.

With their own take on the Dracula, Frankenstein, Werewolf and Mummy legends, the prolific brand implied that there would be plenty of blood, lust and gore, often in lacey Victorian style. Classic titles included Taste the Blood of Dracula, Frankenstein Must be Destroyed, The Curse of the Werewolf, The Plague of the Zombies, Dracula Has Risen From the Grave, Lust for a Vampire, Quatermass and the Pit, Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde, Dracula A.D. 1972 and so much more.

The Woman in Black: What Scares Daniel Radcliffe

Christopher Lee (later of Saruman/The Lord of the Rings fame) and Peter Cushing (later of Grand Moff Tarkin/Star Wars fame) were...

Last week, Hammer announced that they will be restoring a number of their classic horror films for release on Blu-ray. The first film on their slate is Dracula: Prince of Darkness, which will be available in the UK on March 5th. Not only do we have a list of bonus features and cover art, but images from the newly restored film.

Studio Canal will be handling the title releases in the UK and Dracula: Prince of Darkness is already available for pre-order. While Us release plans have not been revealed, we can’t imagine these films not hitting the states in the near future. Hammer has already announced that they are discussing restorations with their Us studio partners. Here is some more information on the restoration from the previous press release:

“In a landmark collaboration, Hammer today announced that Studiocanal, Anolis Entertainment (Germany), Pinewood, illuminate Hollywood fka Htv and others...

Hammer Films, who re-defined horror films in the 1950's and early 1960's, confirm they have teamed up with international distribution and production partners to restore its classic library, for release on Blu-ray and other 'future media formats'.

The first title to be restored is the 1966 feature, "Dracula Prince of Darkness", starring Christopher Lee, to be released in conjunction with Studiocanal, March 2012.

Other titles to be restored and released this year include, "The Reptile", "The Plague of The Zombies", "The Devil Rides Out', "Rasputin the Mad Monk" and "The Mummy’s Shroud".

Hammer said it will also be releasing 'definitive versions' of "The Curse of Frankenstein" and "Horror of Dracula".

"Our decision to restore some of Hammer’s most famous titles not only allows existing fans to experience the films again in high definition, but also encourages a new global audience to discover Hammer for the first time", said Hammer CEO Simon Oakes.

Legendary British horror film studio Hammer will collaborate with such distributors as StudioCanal, Germany’s Anolis Entertainment, Pinewood and illuminate Hollywood fka Htv to perform a major restoration of the studio’s iconic movie studio. The partnership will reformat 30 films into HD for Blu-ray and new media exploitation. ‘Dracula Prince of Darkness’ is the first movie that is scheduled to be released as part of the global restoration project. It will be released in the UK in March 2012, in conjunction with StudioCanal. Other films scheduled to be restored by Hammer include ‘The Reptile,’ ‘The Plague of The Zombies,’ ‘The Devil Rides Out,’ ‘Rasputin the Mad Monk’ and ‘The Mummy’s Shroud.’...

Hammer’s restoration project is great news!

The other day, the newly resurrected Hammer Films announced news to make our heart sing: in association with some key partners, they would be launching a significant restoration of many of the studios classic titles. Or, as the boring press release stuff says:

In a landmark collaboration, Hammer today announced that Studiocanal, Anolis Entertainment (Germany), Pinewood, illuminate Hollywood fka Htv and others are coming together to undertake a major restoration of the iconic Hammer film library. The project will bring over 30 movies into HD format for Blu-ray and new media exploitation in the 21st Century. This represents substantial investment by Hammer and its key partner Studiocanal, and is testimony to the extraordinary regard with which the Hammer legacy is held internationally, with some materials for the project being provided by Hammer’s original Us production partners Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures.

A number of studios are taking the effort to restore their classic films this year. We recently reported that Universal would be restoring Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Bride of Frankenstein. Today, Hammer Films announced that they will restore more than 30 of their classic films and release them on Blu-ray. The first newly restored film to be released is Dracula Prince of Darkness:

“19 January 2012: In a landmark collaboration, Hammer today announced that Studiocanal, Anolis Entertainment (Germany), Pinewood, illuminate Hollywood fka Htv and others are coming together to undertake a major restoration of the iconic Hammer film library. The project will bring over 30 movies into HD format for Blu-ray and new media exploitation in the 21st Century. This represents substantial investment by Hammer and its key partner Studiocanal, and is testimony to the extraordinary regard with which the Hammer legacy is held internationally, with some materials for the project being...