Crypts & Castles: Severin Films Delivers a Double Dose of Christopher Lee on Blu-ray Disc!

TWO FORMER BOXED SET EXCLUSIVES FEATURING THE INIMITABLE CHRISTOPHER LEE ARE NOW AVAILABLE SEPARATELY ON BLU-RAY!

I snapped up Severin's fantastic 9-disc EUROCRYPT OF CHRISTOPHER LEE COLLECTION back in 2021, and at the time it was the only way to watch CASTLE OF THE LIVING DEAD and CRYPT OF THE VAMPIRE on Blu-ray (along with four other feature films and 24 television episodes of THEATRE MACABRE)! But now, nearly two years later, Severin has finally released these two films on their own, which is great news for collectors that wanted them but didn't want to throw down coin for an expensive boxed set (even if it was well worth the price)! If the mere presence of Christopher Lee somehow isn't enough to get you to purchase these two movies immediately (did I mention CASTLE also features Donald Sutherland as a hunchback?!), then perhaps taking a closer look will help you make up your mind!

CASTLE OF THE LIVING DEAD (1964)

Synopsis: In the final film of his early ‘60s European period, Christopher Lee stars as a 19th century Count who invites a theatrical troupe for a weekend of horrors that boasts an enthusiastically creepy performance by Lee, startling locations in Lazio, Italy’s Orsini-Odescalchi Castle and ‘Park of the Monsters’, second-unit direction by Michael Reeves (WITCHFINDER GENERAL) and the screen debut of Donald Sutherland as both a doofus gendarme and a hunchbacked hag.

Philippe Leroy (THE NIGHT PORTER) and Jacques Stany (VIOLENCE IN A WOMEN’S PRISON) co-star in this 1964 French-Italian co-production from American producer Paul Maslansky – who would go on to produce DEATH LINE and the POLICE ACADEMY movies – and fellow expat writer/director Warren Kiefer – after whom Sutherland would name his son – now scanned in 4K from the Italian negative for the first time ever!


Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Black & White | 90 minutes | Region Free
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.66:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono


Extras:

• Audio Commentary with Mondo Digital's Nathaniel Thompson & Film Writer Troy Howarth!
• Audio Commentary with Film Writer Kat Ellinger!
• From the Castle to the Academy – Interview with Master Producer Paul Maslansky!
• The Castle of The Mystery Man – Roberto Curti, Author of Mavericks of Italian Cinema, on Writer / Director Warren Kiefer!

Severin's CASTLE OF THE LIVING DEAD Blu-ray is now available to purchase through most online retailers and should cost between $20 - $24! Get a copy now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SEVERIN FILMS!

 

CRYPT OF THE VAMPIRE (1964)

Synopsis: In a lavish gothic shocker inspired by Sheridan Le Fanu’s immortal novella Carmilla, Christopher Lee delivers a rare ‘hero’ turn as nobleman Count Karnstein whose foreboding castle teems with ancestral curses, unnatural desires, philosophical hunchbacks and grisly acts of vengeance!

Adriana Ambesi (FANGS OF THE LIVING DEAD) co-stars in this 1964 Spanish-Italian co-production – also known as TERROR IN THE CRYPT and CRYPT OF HORROR – directed by Camillo Mastrocinque (AN ANGEL FOR SATAN) as Thomas Miller & Robert Spafford from a screenplay by giallo master Ernesto Gastaldi (ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK) as Julian Berry and Sergio Leone protégé Tonino Valerii (MY NAME IS NOBODY) as Robert Bohr, now featuring a 2k scan from a fine-grain 35mm master print!


Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Black & White | 85 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English & Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono


Extras:

• Theatrical trailer

This bare bones Severin release of CRYPT OF THE VAMPIRE is now available to purchase wherever Blu-rays are sold, and should cost between $20 - $24! Order yourself a copy now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SEVERIN FILMS!

Scream Factory Brings Two More Hammer Titles to Blu-ray: RASPUTIN - THE MAD MONK and X... THE UNKNOWN!

CHRISTOPHER LEE'S MOST CELEBRATED (NON-DRACULA) FILM ROLE, AND THE (SORT OF) SEQUEL TO "THE QUATERMASS XPERIMENT" ARRIVE ON BLU-RAY DISC!

I really need to sit down and watch more classic Hammer flicks - to date, I've only seen maybe two dozen of them! And thanks to the continued efforts of Scream Factory, it seems that I'll be able to watch the bulk of Hammer's Horror and Sci-Fi offerings on Blu-ray disc before by the time 2021 rolls around!

Speaking of which, today Scream Factory unleashed two new Hammer Blus: RASPUTIN - THE MAD MONK, features Christopher Lee as the title character! I have not seen this one yet, but I have frequently heard that this was perhaps Lee's finest performance ever, second only to his famous reccuring role as Dracula! X... THE UNKNOWN is yet another Hammer title that has evaded me. While more of a sci-fi tale (which was supposed to be the first sequel to THE QUATERMASS XPERIMENT), this film features scientists battling a radioactive subterranean terror!

If either of these sound enticing to you (and they should) then continue onward to learn all the details of these two new Scream Factory releases!

RASPUTIN - THE MAD MONK (1966)

Synopsis: Hammer Films' dual reputation for screen shock and flamboyant costume adventure meld in this tale of the real-life "holy man" whose evil charm held the fate of an entire nation in its grip.

In Czarist Russia, Rasputin (Christopher Lee), a peasant monk, mysteriously demonstrates his healing powers by saving a woman's life and asking only for wine and a Bacchanalian celebration in return. But soon Rasputin uses his evil charm and powers to become increasingly manipulative and violent. Ferocious, devious and other-worldly, this uncouth peasant ingratiates himself bit by bit into the lives of the sophisticated royal class ... Christopher Lee's multi-layered performance as Rasputin rates as one of the best portrayals in any film.

Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 92 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1 & 2.55:1)
Audio - English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0

Extras:

• Presented In Two Aspect Ratios – 2.35:1 & 2.55:1!
• NEW! Audio Commentary With Author/Film Historian Steve Haberman, Filmmaker/Film Historian Constantine Nasr, And Filmmaker/Film Historian Ted Newsom!
• Tall Stories: The Making Of Rasputin The Mad Monk!
• Brought To Book: Hammer Novelisations!
• World of Hammer Episodes: COSTUMERS And CHRISTOPHER LEE!
• Audio Commentary With Stars Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley, Francis Matthews, And Suzan Farmer!
• Theatrical Trailers
• TV Spots
• Still Gallery

Scream Factory's Blu-ray of RASPUTIN - THE MAD MONK is now available wherever Blu-ray discs are sold and should cost between $23 - $25! Add this movie to your collection today by ordering a copy from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.

X... THE UNKNOWN (1956)

Synopsis: Can anything escape this terror? British commandos on maneuvers become ill with mysterious symptoms and horrific burns. Dr. Adam Royston (Dean Jagger), an atomic scientist from a nearby research station, suspects lethal radiation ... but is mystified by the cause.

At a nearby hospital, the phenomenon reappears and engulfs more innocent people, including a hospital orderly whose skin melts away from his body!

Dr. Royston speculates that the unknown is on a quest to absorb radiation and expand in size and range as it claims more and more victims. As time runs short, he becomes desperate to trap the entity before its power overcomes mankind!

Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Black & White | 80 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.75:1)
Audio -  English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0

Extras:

• NEW! 2K Scan Of A Fine Grain Film Element!
• NEW! Audio Commentary With Film Historian/Filmmaker Ted Newsom!
• NEW! The Men Who Made Hammer: Jimmy Sangster Featurette!
• World Of Hammer: Sci-Fi
• Theatrical Trailer

A new transfer and new extras? Sign me up! Scream Factory's Blu of X... THE UNKNOWN is currently available at most retailers, and should cost between $23 - $25! Add this quasi-Quatermass sequel to your growing collection today by ordering through AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.

Now Available on Blu-ray: THE BLOB (COLLECTOR'S EDITION) and THE DEVIL RIDES OUT!

SCREAM FACTORY'S TWO LATEST RELEASES FEATURE A HUNGRY AMORPHOUS MASS OF PROTOPLASM AND A WICKED CULT OF DEVIL WORSHIPERS!

Chuck Russell's THE BLOB is one of my all-time favorite Horror movies, and one of the greatest remakes of all time! It properly updates the lighthearted 1958 original, and offers up some of the most wonderfully slimy deaths ever filmed! (That sink scene is still crazy awesome!) THE DEVIL RIDES OUT is a film I've been meaning to see for some time. It's a Hammer Horror classic directed by Terence Fisher (DRACULA: PRINCE OF DARKNESS, FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED), and starring Christopher Lee (SCARS OF DRACULA, SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA, TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA) so needless to say, it's a guaranteed must-own! Let's take a closer leak at both of these discs Vault Dwellers!

THE BLOB (1988 - COLLECTOR'S EDITION)

Synopsis: THE BLOB is back in this horrific tale about a vile, malignant life-form that crashes to Earth in a cozy, rural American town called Arborville. Untroubled by conscience or intellect, the Blob does only one thing – and it does it well. It eats anything and everything that moves: men, women, and children. And tonight it wants to swallow the town of Arborville. The original version of THE BLOB thrilled and terrified audiences back in the 1950s. Now the oozing, gooey killer is back with a whole new high-tech look. What was once only suggested now comes to life with state-of-the-art special effects in the tradition of such thrilling remakes as THE THING and THE FLY.

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 95 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 & 2.0

Extras:

• NEW! Audio Commentary With Director Chuck Russell, Special Effects Artist Tony Gardner, And Cinematographer Mark Irwin, Moderated By Filmmaker Joe Lynch!
• NEW! Audio Commentary With Actress Shawnee Smith!
• NEW! It Fell From The Sky! – An Interview With Director Chuck Russell!
• NEW! We Have Work To Do – An Interview With Actor Jeffrey DeMunn!
• NEW! Minding The Diner – An Interview With Actress Candy Clark!
• NEW! They Call Me Mellow Purple – An Interview With Actor Donovan Leitch Jr.!
• NEW! Try To Scream! – An Interview With Actor Bill Moseley!
• NEW! Shot Him! – An Interview With Cinematographer Mark Irwin!
• NEW! The Incredible Melting Man – An Interview With Special Effects Artist Tony Gardner!
• NEW! Monster Math – An Interview With Special Effects Supervisor Christopher Gilman!
• NEW! Haddonfield To Arborville – An Interview With Production Designer Craig Stearns!
• NEW! The Secret Of The Ooze – An Interview With Mechanical Designer Mark Setrakian!
• NEW! I Want That Organism Alive! – An Interview With Blob Mechanic Peter Abrahamson!
• NEW! Gardner’s Grue Crew – Behind-The-Scenes Footage Of Tony Gardner And His Team!
• Audio Commentary With Director Chuck Russell, Moderated By Film Producer Ryan Turek!
• Isolated Score
• Theatrical Trailers
• TV Spot
• Still Gallery

Scream Factory's Collector's Edition of THE BLOB is now available wherever Blu-rays are sold and costs between $25 - $29! You can order yourself a copy of this extras-filled disc now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.

THE DEVIL RIDES OUT (1968)

Synopsis: All the demons of hell summoned to earth to claim "The Devil's Bride!"

The debonair Duc de Richleau has been entrusted with the care of his deceased friend's son, Simon Aron. The Duc discovers that the young man has been seduced into joining a satanic cult headed by the diabolic Mocata, who is intent on making Simon one of the Devil's disciples. Having rescued Simon from a bloodied ritual, de Richleau is pursued by Mocata, who will stop at nothing to destroy the Duc and his friends, even summoning the Angel of Death itself.

Starring Christopher Lee in one of his personal favorite roles and based on the celebrated novel by Dennis Wheatley, THE DEVIL RIDES OUT is one of Hammer's most accomplished and thrilling mystery horrors.

Disc Specs:
Rated G | Color | 95 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.66:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0

Extras:

• NEW! 2K RESTORATION FROM THE 20TH CENTURY FOX INTERPOSITIVE! (Note: Also included is the StudioCanal restored master!)
• NEW! Audio Commentary with author/film historian Steve Haberman, filmmaker/film historian Constantine Nasr and author/screenwriter Richard Christian Matheson!
• NEW! Satanic Shocks – author/film historian Kim Newman discusses THE DEVIL RIDES OUT!
• NEW! Folk Horror Goes Haywire – author/film historian Jonathan Rigby discusses THE DEVIL RIDES OUT!
• Audio Commentary with actors Christopher Lee and Sarah Lawson!
• Black Magic: The Making of THE DEVIL RIDES OUT
• Dennis Wheatley at Hammer.
• World of Hammer episode – HAMMER.
• Theatrical Trailers
• Still Gallery

Scream Factory's release of THE DEVIL RIDES OUT is (comparatively) the best release of this particular title you can get on planet Earth! This Hammer classic is now available and should cost approximately $23! Order a copy today from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.

Scream Factory Brings a Trio of British Horror Classics to Blu-ray on September 10th!

SCREAM FACTORY'S UPCOMING BLU-RAYS OFFER UP EGYPTIAN CURSES, MAD SURGEONS, AND A FANGED CHRISTOPHER LEE!

2019 has been a damned good year for Scream Factory, who has continued to build one of the largest physical media catalogs I've ever seen. (It reminds me of MGM back in their Midnite Movies days!) And now they've added three more classic films to their vaults, with the release of Hammer's BLOOD FROM THE MUMMY'S TOMB and SCARS OF DRACULA, and the final entry in the "Sadian Trilogy," namely CIRCUS OF HORRORS! Both Hammer titles fare the best and come complete with new audio commentaries and two different aspect ratios! Let's take a closer look before pre-ordering these Vault Dwellers, shall we?

BLOOD FROM THE MUMMY'S TOMB (1971)

Synopsis: A British expedition in Egypt discovers the ancient sealed tomb of the evil Queen Tera. But when one of the archaeologists steals a mysterious ring from the corpse's severed hand, he unleashes a relentless curse upon his beautiful daughter. Is the voluptuous young woman now a reincarnation of the diabolical sorceress... or has the curse of the mummy returned to reveal its horrific revenge?

Andrew Keir (QUATERMASS AND THE PIT) and the beautiful Valerie Leon (THE SPY WHO LOVED ME) star in this supernatural shocker based on Bram Stoker's classic novel The Jewel Of The Seven Stars.

Disc Specs:
Rated PG | Color | 94 minuets | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.66:1 & 1.85:1)
Audio - ?

Extras:

• Presented In Two Aspect Ratios – 1.66:1 And 1.85:1
• NEW! Audio Commentary With Author/Film Historian Steve Haberman!
• NEW! Interview With Sound Recordist Tony Dawe!
• NEW! Interview With Camera Operator Neil Binney!
• The Pharaoh's Curse: Inside Blood From The Mummy's Tomb
• Curse Of Blood From The Mummy's Tomb – Interviews With Star Valerie Leon And Screenwriter Christopher Wicking!
• Theatrical Trailers – U.S. And U.K.
• TV Spot
• Radio Spots
• Still Gallery

The fourth and final film of Hammer's Mummy series certainly received a lot of love from Scream Factory! BLOOD FROM THE MUMMY'S TOMB will be released on Tuesday, September 10th, and should cost in the neighborhood of $22! Add this movie to your Hammer Blu-ray collection and order it today from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.

CIRCUS OF HORRORS (1960)

Synopsis: A deranged plastic surgeon (Anton Diffring) takes over a traveling circus, then transforms horribly disfigured young women into ravishing beauties and coerces them to perform in his three-ring extravaganza. But when the re-sculpted lovelies try to escape the clutches of the obsessed doctor, they begin to meet with sudden and horrific "accidents." Now the trapeze is swinging, the knives are flying, the wild animals are loose – and "The Grisliest Show on Earth" is about to begin!

Donald Pleasence (the HALLOWEEN series) and Yvonne Monlaur (THE BRIDES OF DRACULA) co-star in this notorious 1960 British cult classic from writer George Baxt (THE CITY OF THE DEAD) and director Sidney Hayers (BURN, WITCH, BURN!).

Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 92 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.77:1)
Audio - ?

Extras:

• Trailers From Hell With Commentary By Filmmaker John Landis!
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spots
• Still Gallery

While it didn't get nearly as much love as the two upcoming Hammer films, CIRCUS OF HORRORS is still a welcome addition to any collection! This release should cost you roughly $22 and will be available on September 10th from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, and SHOUT! FACTORY.

SCARS OF DRACULA (1970)

Synopsis: The legendary Christopher Lee is back as Dracula, bringing unspeakable horrors upon a local village that defies his evil reign. But when a young man and his luscious girlfriend unwittingly visit the Count's castle, they find themselves trapped in a face-to-face frenzy of bloodthirsty vixens, religious blasphemy and sadistic henchmen. The Prince of Darkness has returned like never before, but will his horrific mark remain forever?

Patrick Troughton (Dr. Who, THE OMEN) co-stars in this 1970 shocker, directed with bloody bravado by Hammer veteran Roy Ward Baker (QUATERMASS AND THE PIT, DR. JEKYLL & SISTER HYDE).

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 95 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.66:1 & 1.85:1)
Audio - English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0

Extras:

• Presented In Two Aspect Ratios – 1.66:1 And 1.85:1
• NEW! Audio Commentary With Filmmaker/Film Historian Constantine Nasr And Film Historian Randall Larson!
• Blood Rites: Inside Scars Of Dracula
• Audio Commentary With Star Christopher Lee And Director Roy Ward Baker, Moderated By Hammer Film Historian Marcus Hearn!
• Theatrical Trailers
• Still Gallery

SCARS OF DRACULA comes out the same day (September 10th) and will be the same price ($22) as the previously mentioned titles! Keep adding to your Hammer Horror collection and order yourself a copy of this disc today from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.

On April 23rd, Kino Lorber Will Let You SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN!

A SERIAL KILLER IS LOOSE ON THE STREETS OF LONDON IN THIS 1970 CLASSIC!

Somehow I have failed to see Gordon Hessler's SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN, which boasts the amazing talent of Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing! (Which reminds me.... I still haven't seen HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS either! Doh!) Out of print since Twilight Time's Limited Edition in 2015, SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN returns to Blu-ray (after being pushed back twice) courtesy of Kino Lorber Studio Classics!

Synopsis: A serial killer who drains his victims' blood is on the loose in London! They hunger for power, thirst for blood–and make each helpless, pleading victim SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN! Horror legends Vincent Price (TALES OF TERROR), Christopher Lee (HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS) and Peter Cushing (MADHOUSE) star in this masterwork of style and suspense about a group of sadistic madmen plotting to take over the world–one severed body part at a time.

Directed by cult filmmaker Gordon Hessler (THE OBLONG BOX) with a screenplay by Christopher Wicking (CRY OF THE BANSHEE) and based on a novel by Peter Saxon (Murder at Site 3). Co-starring Judy Huxtable (THE PSYCHOPATH).

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 95 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono

Extras:

• NEW! Audio Commentary by Film Historian Tim Lucas!
• Trailers From Hell with Mick Garris!
• Reversible Blu-ray Art
• Trailer Reel

SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN is now going to be released on Tuesday, April 23rd wherever Blu-ray discs are sold and should cost approximately $20. Order a copy now from AMAZON or DIABOLIK DVD and start counting down the days!

Now Available on Blu-ray: Hitch a Ride on Arrow Video's HORROR EXPRESS!

EUGENIO MARTIN'S FILM ADAPTATION OF "WHO GOES THERE?" GETS A NEW 2K TRANSFER AND EXTRAS!

I first saw HORROR EXPRESS in its native format (35mm!) at Hudson Horror Show 8, and my mind was blown! I immediately ordered the Severin Blu-ray after seeing the film and have been actively sharing Eugenio Martin's Horror classic with everyone I can! And now Arrow Video has given the film a noticeable upgrade, which means I may have to double-dip! If you're on the fence about "upgrading" to this new release, continue to reading to see if Arrow's HORROR EXPRESS Blu-ray is right for you!

Synopsis: Horror royalty and Hammer alumni Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee reunite for this tale of mad monks, primitive humanoids and bloodthirsty zombies set aboard a train bound for Moscow – all aboard the HORROR EXPRESS!

Renowned anthropologist Saxton (Lee) boards the Trans-Siberian Express with a crate containing the frozen remains of a primitive humanoid which, he believes, may prove to be the missing link in human evolution. But all hell breaks loose when the creature thaws out, turning out to be not quite as dead as once thought!

Directed by Spanish filmmaker Eugenio Martín, HORROR EXPRESS remains one for the most thrilling (and, quite literally!) chilling horror efforts of the early 1970s.

Disc Specs:

Rated PG | Color | 91 minutes | Region A

Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.66:1)

Audio - Uncompressed LPCM Mono

Extras:

• NEW! 2K restoration from original film elements!
• NEW! Audio commentary with Stephen Jones and Kim Newman!
• Introduction to the film by film journalist and Horror Express super-fan Chris Alexander.
• Murder on the Trans-Siberian Express – An interview with director Eugenio Martín.
• Notes from the Blacklist – Horror Express producer Bernard Gordon on working in Hollywood during the McCarthy Era.
• Telly and Me – An interview with composer John Cacavas.
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys!
• First pressing only: Fully-illustrated collector's booklet with new writing by Adam Scovell!

Arrow's HORROR EXPRESS Blu-ray is now available and should cost between $24 - $28! Experience it for the first time, or upgrade from your previous release and order this title from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD!

Warner Archive Unleashes DRACULA A.D. 1972 and THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA onto Blu-ray!

TWO HAMMER HORROR CLASSICS COME TO BLU-RAY JUST IN TIME FOR THE HALLOWEEN SEASON!

UPDATE (10/16/2018): THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA has been pushed back until November 13th!

It's been a long time since I've laid eyes upon THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA so I can't really comment on that film. However, DRACULA A.D. 1972 is fresher in my mind, and while it's not one of my fave Hammer titles, it's still a pretty solid movie. Though it sort of peaks with the duel between Dracula and Van Helsing at the beginning of the film, there's plenty of eye candy (e.g. Caroline Munro!) to keep your interest in this one!

DRACULA A.D. 1972 (1972)

Synopsis: London’s become a small town for a handful of jaded psychedelic-era hipsters. But Johnny Alucard has a groovy new way for his pals to get their kicks. A certain ritual will be the living end, he insists. And if you still wonder where Johnny’s coming from, try spelling his last name backwards. Dracula is raised into the modern era in this Hammer Studios shocker that’s “quite well done” (John Stanley, Creature Features).

Christopher Lee dons the cape for the sixth time and seeks out fresh victims. As archnemesis Van Helsing, fellow horror legend Peter Cushing clutches a vial of holy water and edges within throwing distance. Their harrowing battle royale is not to be missed. In fact, it’s the living end!

Disc Specs:
Rated PG | Color | 96 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.78:1)
Audio - DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0

Extras:

• NEW! HD Remaster!

While I'm happy to see this film get an all new transfer, I'm disappointed in the lack of extras (Yeesh, not even a trailer?), even more so because this disc is going for $19 - $22! While I'd suggest waiting for a price drop, if you simply must add this Hammer title to your collection, you can order it now from AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD!

THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA (1973)

Synopsis: A dying man’s report of a ritual black mass stirs Britain’s security chief into action, and a mansion filled with young vampire girls is soon discovered. And this is but the first twist in a labyrinth of horror. Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee pair up for the final Hammer Dracula in this follow-up to Dracula A.D. 1972.

In this go-round, the Count (Christopher Lee, naturally) follows a more pulpish, super-villainous playbook, posing as a millionaire industrialist alive and well and living in London while secretly brewing up a batch of super-plague in a quest to destroy the world.

Mixing Satanists, spies and sci-fi, the film makes viewers glad that Peter Cushing is on hand to solidly anchor the more outré elements as the effortlessly expositioning Dr. Van Helsing. Lee, in turn, has more dialogue as Dracula than was the norm, and ratchets up the evil to the nth degree. Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous) costars. Also known as COUNT DRACULA AND HIS VAMPIRE BRIDE.

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 87 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.78:1)
Audio - DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0

Extras:

• NEW! HD Remaster!

Just like DRACULA A.D. 1972, this Hammer title boasts a new HD remaster, but lacks any special features, and also goes for $19 - $22. You can order THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA now from AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD, and receive it on November 13th!

Good Things Come In Threes: CAGED FURY, DOCTOR BLOOD'S COFFIN, and THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD Now Available on Blu-ray!

IF YOU LIKE WOMEN IN PRISON, MAD SCIENTISTS, AND HORROR ANTHOLOGIES, SCREAM FACTORY'S GOT YOU COVERED!

Scream Factory has been having a stellar year thus far, and their latest batch of Blu-ray titles continues that streak of excellence! CAGED FURY is a women in prison flick that features a heroic Eric Estrada (who also acted as an Associate Producer on the film), DOCTOR BLOOD'S COFFIN is an obscure tale of a mad scientist trying to bring the dead back to life, and THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD is a classic Amicus Horror anthology! And now all three are available to own in glorious high-definition!

CAGED FURY (1990)

Synopsis: Pray you don't get locked up in Honeywell State Prison! Kathie (Roxanna Michaels) is innocent when they lock her up ... but that won't last long. Women in chains, a deviant warden and murderous guards ... no wonder the cops claim Honeywell State Prison doesn't exist. Her only hope of being freed lies with Harley-riding hero Victor (Erik Estrada) and combat karate champ Dirk (Richie Barathy), who'll take on the whole prison mano a mano if need be. This women-in-prison film also stars Paul L. Smith (MIDNIGHT EXPRESS), Jack Carter (ALLIGATOR), Michael Parks (FROM DUSK TILL DAWN) and adult film stars Janine Lindemulder and Kascha.

Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 95 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - ?

Extras:

• None.

CAGED FURY is now available on Blu-ray, and costs in the neighborhood of $20 - $24! Get your copy now from AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.

DOCTOR BLOOD'S COFFIN (1962)

CORRECTION: THIS TITLE AVAILABLE ON MAY 15TH!

Synopsis: After being dismissed from medical school because of his devious experiments, Doctor Peter Blood returns home to join his father's practice. He still believes he can create the perfect human, so he continues his experiments in an abandoned mine where he attempts to revive a rotting corpse.

But Dr. Blood needs a living "donor" to create his "perfect human" and soon people start to disappear from the nearby village. This shocker stars Kieron Moore (THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS) and Hazel Court (THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH) and was directed by Sidney J. Furie (THE ENTITY, THE IPCRESS FILE).

Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 92 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - ?

Extras:

• NEW! High-Definition Transfer Of The Film Sourced From The Best Available Elements!
• Theatrical Trailer
• Still Gallery

DOCTOR BLOOD'S COFFIN is due out on Tuesday, May 15th and falls into the $18 - $23 range. It can easily be procured at AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.

THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD (1971)

Synopsis: A Scotland Yard inspector's search for a missing film star leads him to a haunted house.  The house sets the framework for four separate tales of terror written by the author of Psycho, Robert Bloch, and starring horror icons Peter Cushing (ASYLUM, TALES FROM THE CRYPT, AND NOW THE SCREAMING STARTS), Christopher Lee (I, MONSTER, SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN), and Ingrid Pitt (THE VAMPIRE LOVERS, COUNTESS DRACULA)!

All four stories center on the mysterious fates of tenants who have leased the mansion over the years.

Disc Specs:
Rated PG | Color | 101 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - ?

Extras:

• NEW! Audio Commentary By Film Historian/Author Troy Howarth!
• NEW! Interview With Second Assistant Director Mike Higgins!
• Audio Commentary With Director Peter Duffell And Author Jonathan Rigby!
• Vintage Featurette - A-Rated Horror Film – Featuring Interviews With Director Peter Duffell, Actors Geoffrey Bayldon, Ingrid Pitt, And Chloe Franks!
• Theatrical Trailers (English And Spanish)
• Radio Spots
• The Amicus Radio Spots Collection
• Still Gallery

Scream Factory's THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD Blu-ray is currently available wherever discs are sold, and should cost between $20 - $24! Order a copy of this oft-overlooked anthology now from AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.

New DVDs & Blu-ray's for 09/01/2015!

September is kicking off gently with a decent number of genre releases! George Miller's MAD MAX: FURY ROAD is finally available on DVD & Blu-ray! It is shiny and chrome and must be witnessed! Also, Scream Factory dominates this week with several new titles, including BACKCOUNTRY, THE HARVEST, and ARMY OF FRANKENSTEINS.

Their parent label, Shout! Factory has also just rebooted their continued line of Mystery Science Theater 3000 boxed sets, with a reissue of VOLUME I. Originally released by Rhino Home Video, this set includes four great episodes, and boasts new extras!

There's plenty of other cool titles out this week, so scroll on down to see them all!




NEW TO DVD & BLU-RAY
Army of Frankensteins
Backcountry
The Blood Lands
The Curse of Downer's Grove
The Harvest
Lost After Dark
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Originals: Season 2
Redeemer
Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season 1
The Vampire Diaries: Season 6
Wolf Warrior


NEW TO DVD
Avalanche Sharks
The Beast of Xmoor
Blood Moon
Blood Punch
Dark Was the Night
Exeter
Extinction
Felt
Fire Monsters Against the Son of Hercules
Hangar 10
Lawless Kingdom
Paranormal Island
Ricki-Oh: The Story of Ricky
Robot Carnival
Run Hide Die
Shark Killer
Wasteland


NEW MULTI-FILM COLLECTIONS ON DVD
Abbott & Costello Meet the Monsters Collection
Contains: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Abbott and Costello Meet The Invisible Man, and Abbott and Costello Meet The Mummy.

The Christopher Lee Collection
Contains: I, Monster (3D!), Sherlock Holmes and the Deadly Necklace, and The Red Orchid.

The Monster Collection - 16 Films!
Contains: Creature from the Haunted Sea, Beast from Haunted Cave, Snowbeast, The Beast of Yucca Flats, Mad Monster, The Giant Gila Monster, King of the Zombies, The Monster Maker, Lady Frankenstein, Sisters of Death, Monstrosity, Bride of the Gorilla, She Demons, Attack of the Giant Leeches, The Sound of Horror, and Moon of the Wolf.

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. 1
Contains: Bloodlust, Catalina Caper, The Creeping Terror, and The Skydivers.

Scream Factory's HOWLING II: Final Blu-ray specs & extras!

Your Sister is a Werewolf.

SCREAM FACTORY BRINGS THE CULT HIT "HOWLING II" TO BLU-RAY ON JULY 14TH!

Update: This Scream Factory Blu-ray disc is now out of print! However, HOWLING II: YOUR SISTER IS A WEREWOLF is available on 4K UHD from Vinegar Syndrome as of October 29th, 2024! Along with incredible picture quality, this release contains tons of bonus features, including all of those included on the Scream Factory release!

 

1985's HOWLING II is one of the strangest sequels I've ever seen in my life. Where else can you see Reb Brown and Christopher Lee battle werewolves that can only be killed by Titanium? But that isn't even what most of us guys remember this film for. 

The majority of us that saw this movie back in the 80s recall HOWLING II fondly because of the bizarre end credits/music video that features a constant loop of lead actress Sybil Danning tearing off her top to the tune of Babel's theme song for the film. (Something that took the actress by surprise when she attended its theatrical premiere apparently. Haha!)

No, this isn't a fever dream or hallucination, this is a real thing. Watch it HERE if you don't believe me! Thankfully the fine folks at Scream Factory have wisely added this movie to their impressive catalog, and it's looking to be yet another must-own title!

 

Synopsis: After countless millennia of watching, waiting and stalking, the unholy creatures known as werewolves are poised to inherit the earth. Legendary horror icon Christopher Lee (THE LORD OF THE RINGS, Hammer's Dracula series) faces off against sexy cult favorite Sybil Danning (BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS, CHAINED HEAT, GRINDHOUSE) in this terrifying descent into a world of nightmares that turns out to be all too real!

After newscaster Karen White's shocking on-screen transformation and violent death (in the original THE Howling), her brother Ben (Reb Brown, YOR, THE HUNTER FROM THE FUTURE) is approached by Stefan Crosscoe (Lee), a mysterious man who claims that Karen has, in fact, become a werewolf. But this is the least of their worries. To save mankind, Stefan and Ben must travel to Transylvania to battle and destroy Stirba (Danning), the immortal queen of all werewolves, before she is restored to her full powers!

Also starring Annie McEnroe (THE HAND) and Marsha A. Hunt (DRACULA A.D. 1972), directed by Philippe Mora (HOWLING III: THE MARSUPIALS, COMMUNION, THE BEAST WITHIN), and driven by a pulsing punk-y soundtrack, this film is a no-holds-barred horror-fest that’ll rip your heart out… and you’ll like it.


Disc Specs:
Color | 91 minutes | Rated R | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - DTS-HD Master Audio Mono



Extras:

• Audio Commentary with Director Philippe Mora!
• Audio Commentary with Composer Steve Parsons and Editor Charles Bornstein!  
  
• Leading Man – An Interview with Actor Reb Brow!
• Queen of the Werewolves – An Interview with Actress Sybil Danning!
  
• A Monkey Phase – Interviews with Special Make-Up Effects Artists Steve Johnson and Scott Wheeler!
• Behind the Scenes Footage (in HD - from Philippe Mora’s archive) 
• Alternate Opening and Alternate Ending (in HD – from Philippe Mora’s archive)
• Theatrical Trailer
• Still Gallery

Once again, HOWLING II will be released on July 14th, and is currently available for pre-order at AMAZON.COM and DIABOLIK DVD! You can also order it directly from SCREAM FACTORY and receive your disc two weeks early!