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Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
I haven’t seen this posted around here, and it appears this is going to be the first of many upgrades undertaken and released by the studio itself to kick of its 90th year, so I’m assuming this will be worth its own thread over time.
The first release on January 27 appears to be region-free, and they picked a pretty good one to start with. Presumably they’ll move up the food chain throughout the year(s) ahead. I’m not sure every film needs such a grandiose treatment with all the clutter, but hopefully there will be standard editions at some point. Currently around $65 at Diabolik, Orbit, etc. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/dvdtalk...ec0b67829.jpeg Extras: The discs feature:
Hammer’s press release: LONDON, UK (31/10/24): This Halloween, Hammer Films invites horror fans to experience an unparalleled celebration of the studio’s legendary legacy. The highly anticipated 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray™ release of a brand-new 4K restoration of Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter becomes available for pre-order on Thursday 31st October, marking the cult classic’s 50th anniversary. The home entertainment announcement kicks off Hammer Films’ 90th anniversary celebrations including a partnership with Sky Arts for the premiere of Deep Fusion Films’ new documentary Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, a deep dive into the iconic studio’s legacy which will be shown exclusively on Sky Arts at 9pm on 31st October. Throughout November, Sky Arts is then screening a selection of classic Hammer horror to honour the 90th anniversary on 9th November. Hammer Films brings cult classic Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter back to life as the first stunning 4K restoration from the new Hammer team, under John Gore’s leadership. Written and directed by the legendary Brian Clemens (The Avengers, The Professionals) and originally released in 1974, this swashbuckling horror film has been meticulously restored from the original film negatives. It will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with a limited collector’s edition 5-disc set (2 UHD discs and 3 Blu-rays™) enclosed within a high-end, leather-feel slipcase with debossed red foil titling. Available for pre-order on 31st October, the limited collector’s edition features:
This release not only revives a Hammer classic but reaffirms the studio’s commitment to restoring its cinematic treasures for today’s horror enthusiasts and dedicated collectors worldwide. It is the first 4K restoration from John Gore’s Hammer team and an essential collector’s edition that offers a deep dive into the film’s creation and legacy. With extensive bonus materials, including new rare interviews and archival commentaries, it offers fans an unprecedented look behind the scenes of one of Hammer’s most innovative films. “Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter represents the adventurous spirit of Hammer in the 1970s - a bold blend of horror, action and fantasy that was ahead of its time. This 4K restoration allows us to finally present the film in its full glory, and I’m thrilled that it’s the first of many Hammer Films restorations.” says John Gore, Hammer Films’ CEO and Chairman. Leading lady Caroline Munro reflects “I have such fond memories of working on Captain Kronos. It was a true passion project and seeing it restored in 4K is like watching it with new eyes. Fans are in for a real treat with this release - it looks stunning and captures all the excitement we felt making it.” Sam Clemens, son of writer/director Brian Clemens, echoes this sentiment: “My father was always proud of Captain Kronos. He saw it as a fresh take on the vampire mythos and a character who could have spawned a series. This 4K restoration is the version he would have wanted fans to experience.” |
Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
I’ll wait for a standard edition, if there’s one at all. It’s exciting to see this happen, though!
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
I'll probably pick up the limited edition Captain Kronos. People may also want to support it hoping Hammer keeps this up down the line for a movie they'd like more.
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
The next one is up, and an interesting choice: THE FOUR SIDED TRIANGLE (1953), directed by Terence Fisher and starring tragic Hollywood starlet and eventual prostitute Barbara Payton. Specs say Region ABC.
https://hammerfilms.com/products/fou...ctor-s-edition https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/dvdtalk...496104e65.jpeg Hollywood starlet Barbara Payton stars in this gripping sci-fi thriller, two brilliant scientists unlock the secret to duplicating life, only to find their actions have deadly consequences. When they use their invention to clone the woman they both love, a dangerous love triangle ensues. With mind-bending twists and a chilling exploration of human nature, Four Sided Triangle blends classic British sci-fi with psychological suspense, proving that some inventions are best left unexplored. Never before seen on Blu-Ray in the UK, Four Sided Triangle makes its debut as a brand-new Hammer 4K restoration from the original negative film elements. Co-written and directed by Hammer legend Terence Fisher, Four Sided Triangle is available to Pre-Order on 14th February and will be released on 31st March. This limited collector's edition comprises:
The disks features:
The booklet features:
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
They announced the third release, and it is the Shaw Brothers co production Shatter. That one is a surprising choice and not the one I would have picked, but of the two SB co productions I like the Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires better.
I did get the Captain Kronos set, and it is very nice. I was planning on getting Four Sided Triable anyway since I don't have a physical copy of it so I guess I am in on this line now? |
Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
The Captain Kronos set is extremely nice! Just FYI for those they may be interested in still getting it, Hammer sent out an email recently saying they were done to their last batch, and it will be going out of print.
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
My copy of Four Sided Triangle should be arriving in the next day or two. Will probably pre-order Shatter at some point.
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
Wouldn’t mind getting that SHATTER set. I do agree that LEGEND OF THE 7 GOLDEN VAMPIRES probably has the better rep, but considering the issues behind the production of SHATTER, it’s still a solid crime thriller and a fantastic time capsule of 70’s Hong Kong. And Stuart Whitman is always solid in these types of roles. For me personally, the Hong Kong cinema connection has always made them both no-brainers, and the fact that this one made the cut certainly increases the odds of VAMPIRES getting the treatment down the road.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/dvdtalk...54c62d5f6.jpeg Hollywood hard man Stuart Whitman and powerhouse martial artist Ti Lung star in this brutal crime thriller filmed entirely on location in Hong Kong by Hammer and the Shaw Brothers. Guest-starring Peter Cushing and sporting a funky soundtrack from Johnny Dankworth's key collaborator David Lindup, Shatter has been painstakingly restored by Hammer in 4K from the original film negatives. Professional contract killer Shatter is double-crossed on his latest job and finds himself pursued across Hong Kong, a pawn in the game of his client's violent criminal agenda. The discs feature:
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
Thanks for the info Brian T.
Shatter looks like a possibly fun one time watch but I can't imagine wanting to own it for myself no matter how nice the package. Reminds me a lot of these type of exploitation movies that have fun or interesting trailers but the actually watching of the final product is less fun. They should have spent an extra few hundred bucks on the fight choreography after seeing what was in the trailer. :lol: It is nice they are doing stuff like this for the major cult movie fans though. |
Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
Yeah, it’s definitely a case of having more value for fans of either Hammer or Shaw – and perhaps Hong Kong in general – in this case. There is some better choreography in the movie than what’s shown in the trailer, but perhaps because of the British/American directors and American star, and the fact that it played the U.S. years before England and Hong Kong, some of the fights and stunts are more analogous to similar U.S. films of the time, rather than the rigid choreography that was the Shaw specialty of that era, which may have been on purpose (even GOLDEN VAMPIRES doesn’t quite mirror what Shaws were doing). And if one just wants to check the film out, the U.S. DVD and Blu-ray have always been fairly cheap, and both contain the only supplement a viewer really needs, the excellent commentary with fired director Monte Hellman and Stuart Whitman, recorded separately.
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
I missed that
last week.
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
There’s will also be a standard Blu-ray edition. :)
For those looking for the bigger set, though, you can still get it from other retailers and Amazon marketplace sellers (US, Canada) at essentially the same price as if you’d ordered it from the UK. And some UK retailers still have it . . . for now (I don’t think it lasted long enough to ever go on sale so the price is pretty much the same everywhere). |
Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
Their next limited edition UHD release is The Quatermass Xperiment, which is very exciting to see!
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
The Quatermass Xperiment has the same amount of stuff as the Cronos set but is over $20 more thanks the the Orange Führer.
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
Originally Posted by stvn1974
(Post 14585137)
The Quatermass Xperiment has the same amount of stuff as the Cronos set but is over $20 more thanks the the Orange Führer.
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
Hmmm...
Spoiler:
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
I’ll probably save a bit ordering it to Canada, but since they’ve already upped the selling price, that kinda sucks.
And for those who like pics :) : https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/dvdtalk...1af5dfb72.jpeg |
Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
The natural follow up on July 14:
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/dvdtalk...1cd789ce9b.png https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/dvdtalk...526edbbce.jpeg |
Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
Nice. I just followed up my winter purchase of KRONOS with the deluxe editions of SHATTER and FOUR-SIDED TRIANGLE briefly reduced from Amazon UK (the latter’s availability seems to come and go, making me wonder if it’s nearing standard-only territory).
I must say, the contents of the KRONOS box are a beyond-comprehensive mix of new-ish and older extras, with some solid longform interviews. And unlike a lot of perfect-bound insert booklets from UK boutiques, this one (132 pages) is tightly designed in borderline magazine-style with minimal white space and/or line padding) and loaded with archival interviews, pics of memorabilia, the pressbook, etc. This is the way these books should all be done, but I’ve got many where, say, one or two 10-page-worthy (modern) essays are spread across 60 or so. I wouldn’t buy all the Hammer films in this fashion because it would be a bit much – and many of the U.S. and UK editions will suffice (like the Powerhouse/Indicator boxes) – but so far this line keeps debuting titles I’m particularly fond of. Ouch. Edit: Forgot to note that I mistakenly assumed the ‘Captain Kronos as a Graphic Novel’ was some kind of new creation specifically for the box, but it turns out the contents are reprinted from a 70’s Hammer magazine. Clearly I didn’t read the product details carefully, but it certainly makes the bonus features even more comprehensive. :thumbsup: |
Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
Specs are out for the QUATERMASS 2 box:
This limited collector's edition comprises:
The discs feature:
The booklet features:
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
quite a lot of those archive commentaries were on the Shout disc. Kino's Quatermass Experiment is also jam packed with extras. I really can't justify double dipping for those. I can certainly see this being a god send for UK fans who have not imported the Shout/Kino version, though.
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
If I’m not mistaken, some of those commentaries were also ported over by Shout from earlier DVD editions (Anchor Bay? Or UK releases?), so it’s good to see them retained by Hammer as well. The only one I think Hammer didn’t bother with is Gary Gerani’s (who dat?) on the Kino disc. Shout’s QUATERMASS AND THE PIT is probably the most loaded, and has the most material featuring people who actually worked on that picture (funny Shout couldn’t produce anything for TIMECOP, but loads of stuff for an old QUATERMASS picture). The nice thing for US buyers is that all three still seem to be in print. The nice thing for US and UK buyers is that the Hammer editions are all-region (except for the TV episodes included with QUATERMASS 2), which is why I think the CAPTAIN KRONOS LE did so well and the standards are already available. The prices are definitely offputting, so I'm being very choosy with these. FOUR SIDED TRIANGLE and SHATTER beat all prior versions of those on physical media (and yes, provided one likes the films!), but the U.S. versions of the QUATERMASS films are very worthwhile even if the UK ones are more comprehensive.
Incidentally, back around April Hammer posted this image on social media somewhere, which I believe teases the remaining ‘mystery’ releases for 2025 (prior to QUATERMASS 2 being announced): https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/dvdtalk...1627d67e3.jpeg |
Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
We know that the third box on the top is Quatermass 2, I wonder if the last big box is going to be Quatermass and the Pitt with its serial version being included. If that is the case then I am more interested in what the other 4 smaller boxes on the bottom row are going to be, and if any other them are going to be any of the Hammer produced adventure, war, or prehistoric films.
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
^ Curious about this myself. I’m assuming any of the real Crown Jewels like the monster classics would be earmarked for the bigger boxes, while titles from the genres you mentioned might be better suited to the smaller sets (and even then they’d face some comparisons to Powerhouse Indicator’s gorgeous Hammer boxes which are now all OOP). Based on the company rather surprisingly releasing SHATTER in that line, I’d love to see 7 GOLDEN VAMPIRES given the treatment. Shout’s Blu-ray was decent, and included both cuts of the film and and interview with star David Chiang, but based on what they were able to put together on the SHATTER LE, there’s probably still some good archival stuff tucked away in the Hammer archives, not to mention at the Shaw archives in Hong Kong perhaps.
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Re: Hammer Films 90th Anniversary Blu-Ray / 4K editions
There's films like Secret of Blood Island and Devil Ship Pirates that haven't been released in the US since the VHS days that could possibly be released through these sets, but part of me hopes one of the smaller boxes will be for The Nanny, since Fox had the rights for it in the US so it will never get a domestic release aside from the previous OOP DVD, but I am not sure what the situation is with the international rights, and how the various distribution rights may affect the Hammer releases.
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