Samuel LoveBy 1970, Hammer Studios was deep into its reign as the defining force in British gothic horror, having fully established their trademark style and revitalised some of the genre’s most feared monsters. As this new decade began, the studio moved with the times and released Scars of Dracula – a darker, more violent and more frightening return for Christopher Lee in his fifth performance as the bloodthirsty Count. Also released this same year came a somewhat lighter and sardonic take on the Frankenstein legend in The Horror of Frankenstein – starring Darth Vader’s David Prowse as the grisly Creature. These two films reflect a new era beginning for Hammer as they refreshed their famous franchises for the 1970s audience while staying true to their iconic style and history.
Both films are released in gorgeous Limited Edition 4K UHD & Blu-ray sets from StudioCanal, packed with special features and beautifully printed posters and booklets housed within rigid slipcases with stunning new artwork. These releases are breathtaking and should be considered must-owns for any horror buffs. With a release of Fear in the Night joining in the new year, it looks like StudioCanal might be in the process of upgrading their Hammer catalogue to 4K UHD – what a wonderful time to be alive. Keep ‘em coming.
Scars of Dracula (1970)
Christopher Lee returned to his most famous role for the fifth time in Roy Ward Baker’s (Quatermass and the Pit) SCARS OF DRACULA, the bloodiest entry in the entire series. Resurrected after a bat dribbles fresh blood over his mouldering remains, Count Dracula (Christopher Lee) unleashes a new reign of terror. When Paul (Christopher Matthews) goes missing, his brother Simon (Dennis Waterman) and Simon’s girlfriend (Jenny Hanley) set off in search of him, inevitably leading them to the Prince of Darkness’ castle…
Special Features
- NEW “Fangs Out: Dracula, Desire & Disruption”: Clarisse Loughrey and Isaura Barbé-Brown in conversation
- NEW Legacy of the Vampire – An interview with Dacre Stoker
- Hammer’s Bite: Chris Matthews on Scars of Dracula
- Audio Commentary with Christopher Lee and director Roy Ward Baker
- Blood Rites: Inside Scars of Dracula
- Stills Gallery
- Original trailer
The Horror of Frankenstein (1970)
Hammer legend Jimmy Sangster (The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula) made his directorial debut with The Horror of Frankenstein, a bold experiment in horror comedy. When the cold, arrogant genius Victor Frankenstein (Ralph Bates) murders his father, he inherits the title of Baron von Frankenstein and the family fortune. He uses his newfound riches to enter medical school, but is forced to return home when he impregnates the Dean’s daughter. Returning to his estate, he sets up his own laboratory and begins a series of experiments involving the revival of the dead. After building a composite body from human parts, his creation (David Prowse) is unleashed upon the world…
Special Features
- NEW “It’s Alive!” Revisiting The Horror of Frankenstein with Clarisse Loughrey and Isaura Barbé-Brown
- Gallows Humour: Inside The Horror of Frankenstein
- Commentary with author Marcus Hearn and director Jimmy Sangster
- Frankenstein, Dracula and Me: A conversation with Veronica Carlson
- Hammer’s Monster – An Interview with David Prowse
- Stills Gallery
- Original trailer
SCARS OF DRACULA and THE HORROR OF FRANKENSTEIN are available on Limited Edition 4K UHD & Blu-ray from StudioCanal
