KINO FLESH AND THE FIENDS BLU RAY WITH EXTRAS PLUS VINTAGE HAMMER POSTERS FOR SALE! BUT HOW MUCH ARE THEY WORTH?

#WATCHWITHCUSHING! We all know that vintage and original press and promotion materials for much of #PeterCushing's 1950's and 60's films are now worth a pretty penny. If they also hold an autograph the value is even higher! Here in this clip at the FACEBOOK PCASUK FAN PAGE! are TWO superb examples. Just for FUN . . BEFORE you watch this clip of these posters being sold, I would like you to comment on the post and tell me how much YOU think both the 1958 '#Dracula' UK #cinema quad poster, in pretty good condition and the almost mint 1965 Amicus 'Dr Terror's House of Horrors' UK cinema poster, could individually be worth? Write your figure in the comment section on the page BEFORE you watch this clip 😉No cheating 😏😊 I guess you can always state that the price of what something is #worth, is really . . how much someone is willing will pay? 💰💰😲But at FACEBOOK PCASUK FAN PAGE, in this clip . .  they are prepared to pay A LOT! This clip is around four years old, so chances these #posters are worth even more today! Have fun, stay safe and look after each other- Marcus 😉

AN UPDATE ON THE KINO BLU RAY release of 'FLESH AND THE FIENDS' is that the things are still set for JULY 7th 2020 AND that this John Gilling directed, based on a true story 2K restoration will also be carrying some extras too!

'THE FLESH AND THE FIENDS'

Starring Peter Cushing, Donald Pleasence, June Laverick, Billie Whitelaw, George Rose, Renee Houston and Dermot Walsh – Shot by Monty Berman (Jack the Ripper, The Crawling Eye) – Music by Stanley Black (War-Gods of the Deep, Valentino) – Co-written by Leon Griffiths (The Grissom Gang, The Squeeze) – Co-written and Directed by John Gilling (The Reptile, The Plague of the Zombies).

THIS RELEASE IS COMING AS A TWO DISC package, because not only do you get the 2k RESTORATION BLU RAY but there's also a FULL ALTERNATIVE CUT which also carries the USA title of 'The Fiendish Ghouls' and 'Mania'. You would be forgiven for thinking, that maybe Amicus films producer, MAX ROSENBERG, may have had a dabble and offered for free with one of his OTT titles at their press office too? Not so. . . .

OVER THE YEARS, there have been quite a few different cuts made available on the home cinema market. Right now, there is a DVD available from Image Entertainment who list their running duration for the "uncut" original theatrical version at 94 minutes, but they also carry a slightly extended, wait for it . .  "Continental" version—produced only for European markets with more permissive, boob and bottom nodding censors— running at 95 minutes which includes extra shots, short sequences or alternative takes with more nudity. 'THE FLESH AND THE FIENDS' was released by Valiant in the USA using the titles 'MANIA' and 'PSYCHO KILLERS' . . .  (Guess which box office smashing Hitchcock film was released also in 1960)  . . . using the censored British theatrical cut, but it didn't stop there... FIVE years later in 1965 a re-release by Pacemaker Pictures under the title 'THE FIENDISH GHOULS' cut a whole 23 minutes from the film's runtime! Both the UK and the continental cut of the film are included in the KINO BLU RAY RELEASE!

ALSO INCLUDED in thus release is an 'Audio Commentary by Film Historian Tim Lucas'. Disc Two also includes the 1960  theatrical TRAILER for 'THE FLESH AND THE FIENDS' I am not sure how many 'units' of this film have been  produced for sale, but those smiling after awaiting a long while for this remastering and would like to guarantee a copy of this gem to your library shelf, now might be a good time to nail that order 😊- Marcus 

SEE OUR POST FIRST at the FACEBOOK PCASUK FAN PAGE! NOW  and LATER EXPANDED here at the PCASUK website / Blog! Join and be part of  the FAN PAGE with OVER 33 THOUSAND FOLLOWERS and FRIENDS you won't be on your own and you will be MOST WELCOME!  Come COMMENT, come CHAT and come KEEP THE MEMORY of Peter Cushing alive and celebrated! 

NEWS : KINO RELEASES ARTWORK FOR BLU RAY CASE OF 1960 'FLESH AND THE FIENDS' AKA 'MANIAC' BLU RAY!

NEWS: KINO has released artwork design for their much awaited first time blu ray release of a great Peter Cushing1960 film, 'Flesh and the Fiends'! What do you think? This film comes with some extras, but for me, just the chance to see this often forgotten little gem, on blu ray is a plus enough! Produced in what promises to be quite an experience in black and white, it carries a fabulous cast of actors, Cushing, Donald Pleasence, Billy Whitelaw and George Rose all at the top of their game and all giving their best supported by brilliant John Gilling's screenplay and direction. It's OUT on July 7th 2020 and like most KINO CLASSICS releases will be a 'Region A' blu ray. Taking pre-orders now, this one will sell like hot-cakes!

THIS UNDER-VALUED corker, has been struggling around in a very depressing state of ratty, scratched and dusty prints for far too long, so the news of this well timed blu ray release is quite wonderful. . . and here gem of a clip to show you why! Cushing was a master at such scenes as this one. If you like his turn in the 'Tongue slapping of the crusty and opinionated aged residents' in Hammer films, 1969 'Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed'... you'll LIKE this clip which can be found at the =FACEBOOK PCASUK FAN PAGE TODAY! . . ! 😊Stay Well AND Dandy Everyone 😉 - Marcus

ABOVE : THE PCASUK FULL FEATURE AND STILLS GALLERY RIGHT HERE!

FULL REVIEW : 'THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD' SECOND SIGHT FILMS BLU RAY : GALLERY AND GIFS

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS of their SELL OUT releases of Limited Edition Blu-rays, of the classic Amicus horrors films, 'ASYLUM' and 'THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD' SECOND SIGHT FILMS are delighted to announce that BOTH films are set to arrive as Standard Edition Blu-rays, complete with a slew of special features and new reversible sleeve artwork created by Graham Humphreys on 6 January 2020. Below is our PCASUK REVIEW and Gallery FEATURE on the STANDARD RELEASES. BOTH can be PRE ORDERED NOW HERE AND HERE. You can also read our review of the STANDARD RELEASE of 'ASYLUM' in this PCASUK REVIEW FEATURE HERE!

A FAIR FEW YEARS AGO, and more than I care to remember, my four children all then in their early teens  . . it's a long story... requested to have a peep at the kind of films, that their Dad prattled endlessly on the phone about, and why they were off limits to the likes of their sensitive nervous systems, and 'for a time when you are older'. Well, they announced, 'That time has surely come??' They had a point. More than once, during chill-time after family dinner, I sat and watched their tv choices, made up of various teen dramas, music shows and videos and was stunned to see what was considered to be 'children's television'! Is it OK to now say KNICKERS before the nine o'clock water-shed now?? They informed me it was . .  and that there was worse! It had all been checked by Mum, so I was sadly . . behind 'with the times'. 

EITHER WAY, I did take time to think on what should I let them view from the 'Collection of Peter Cushing Hammer and Amicus Horrors' VHS tapes. 'At The Earth's Core'? No, a little too soft. 'Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed'? No, Baron FAR too angry. The 1958 'Dracula'? Nope, the ending would give them nightmares, for weeks 'The Vampire Lovers? . . . you are kidding me? Cruising the VHS spines, eventually brought me to Amicus films 1971, 'The House That Dripped Blood' starring both Peter Cushing AND Christopher Lee. It has tension, some black comedy, a bit of a fakie Cushing head on a plate, but no boobs, wobbly bits, romping and funny enough, not a drop of blood and consisted in true Amicus fashion  a framework of FOUR stories. So, they shouldn't get bored! Perfect! Problem was this film was one of the very first I proudly captured on VHS during a TV broadcast, one my fav Amicus films.. and so, was well worn and grainy from obsessive playing and pausing, funny enough on the Ingrid Pitt scenes! 😊😉 

IT WOULD HAVE TO DO, they were happy to watch pop videos that looked like they were shot during the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, with a cameraman tied to a Full Power Gymo Hip Vibrating  Machine, while being deliberately dazzled by light-house strength flood lights, compared to THAT viewing this would be dream like. The result? They LOVED it, but would have liked to have watched it, without the GRAIN, 'A bit like those old newspaper photographs we see in history classes' and . .  during the quiet, tense, and suspenseful scenes, it was slightly spoiled by, 'what sounded like Mum frying eggs in the background' ... sound hiss! Again, they had a point. But even though there was, hiss, grain, buzzing and. . Denholm Elloitt being a dead ringer for their maths teacher, Cushing being quite dishy and the unsettling fact that the character Dominck looked like our 'creep-guy' neighbour . . . it was a great shared experience and their first glimpse into the world of fantasy cinema and Peter Cushing. ...  

SO FAST FORWARD, to this week, 14th December 2019 and the arrival of another copy of 'The House That Dripped Blood' is ready for viewing  . .  supplied by Second Sight Films on BLU RAY and one of a few copies generously donated for inclusion as prizes in our annual PCAS CHRISTMAS COMPETITION . . . and collectively, the children, now sat together as adults, snacks on hand, drinks at the ready . .  watching the opening credits and what should be an interesting viewing ...  to be continued below . . .

THE VISUAL:
Here's a little detail, we should get into focus and something I haven't mentioned before. ALL the reviews I write and post here are based on my experience of watching them. I have little expert technical knowledge on the process f how these little gems get onto that disc, but as a paying viewer, I base my review on was the copy of good quality, worth the pennies and how it compares to other versions or releases I have of that particular. Discs are often donated as prizes for our PCAS Competitions, they come free, with no contract or deal, other than PCAS will post a feature about it's quality, content and where it can be purchased. That's it. PCAS covers the postage to competition winners, via loose change that is found in my suit at the end of the day! I am not bound to express any opinions on the release, except what I think, and my family who will at some point, watch the film with me! It's as simple, as that. I see it like recommending a PLUMBER to family or friends! 😃 If it's a good job done, I will have no problem recommending, if not .. and minus parting with hard earned cash, I feel like the DRIP... I will also tell you so 😉 

SO, IS SECOND SIGHT FILMS blu ray of 'THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD' worthy of recommendation? I am very happy to say, YES! Since from the beginnings of Home Cinema, 'The House That Dripped Blood' has had many releases on VHS, DVD and now Blu Ray around the world! Why did I never replace my tatty VHS copy of the film over the year, if it had all those releases?? Because, THIS one is the first that I have watched that makes the grade I was looking for! The fits thing that impressed me on just watching the opening titles was the DETAIL. It's very sharp. That TITLE TEXT presented in that, often causes issues on DVD's and Blu Rays RED, looks amazing. Sharp against a contrast that in the past has always looked fuzzy. At last, not here. Throughout the film, the 1.85:1 1080p image has a texture that is common in nearly ALL Amicus films. 

I AM GUESSING producers Milton and Max, shot the Amicus releases on a grade of film that was common for somewhat lower budget productions. The same can be said of certain Hammer film productions too, 'The Vampire Lovers' and 'Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter' come to mind. Maybe it was a trend at the time as it's evident in a vast quantity of British films made in the late 1960's and up until the mid 1970's. Ray Parslow cinematography looks great through-out with Tony Curtis's set design and colours, never looking better. 'The House' manages to look subtly different in each story, changes of lighting can be spotted as the contrast, as expected looks balanced . . . dark corners LOOK DARK not a washy faded grey.

LOOK OUT for those weird looking colours and areas of mist and fog during Peter Cushing's very hallucinogenic and off-kilter nightmare scene in 'Waxworks'!😊😉 Now, we can see the effort and trouble Parslow applied, at every short notice in that 'Nightmare' scene. A scene that was improvised and suggested by director Peter Duffell, on the day of the shoot! Second Sight Films Blu Ray, at last presents the film, at last.. as it was intended to be SEEN and enjoyed . .

THE AUDIO: 

JUST LIKE in SECOND SIGHT FILMS Blu Ray 'twinning' release of Amicus films 'ASYLUM'Second Sight have chosen to transfer the film's audio using its original mono via an uncompressed 24-bit 1.0 channel linear PCM . A crisp mono score by Michael Dress, also brings us Schubert's 'Death and the Maiden'. .. String Quartet Number 14 in D minor! It provides a moody and unsettling soundtrack to Peter Cushing's 'Waxworks' story . . and sounds quite brilliant! Clear and balanced, played through my Sony headphones and Sony home cinema speakers..without distortion, with volume turned up quite loud! I have very good and understanding neighbours 😊😉 Kritzerland's excellent CD release of the Michael Dress score to 'The House That Dripped Blood' last year is superb, but THIS recording, is how I remember it. . . with the scenes noises and atmos! So, a BIG thumbs up on the film's audio. 

NOW THE EXTRAS and their AUDIO. We are treated to TWIN optional commentaries one by Director Peter Duffell and author Jonathan Rigby. Very good, informative with several little nuggets of little known info. Rigby keeps it bouncy and asks plenty of questions, we would all like to ask, if we had the opportunity. The second is by author Troy Howarth, who many will known from the reviews and features he contributed to the PCASUK website over the years. An enjoyable informative commentary! Michael Higgins second director, speaks in a ten minute interview, then a 17 minute vintage featurette called ' A Rated Horror Film', which features again Duffell, but supported by Geoffrey Bayldon, Ingrid Pitt and Chloe Franks. This isn't a new feature for some, as it was produced by Anchor Bay for their 2003 dvd release. There's a nice selection of trailers, then a SKIP LOAD of vintage stills, radio spots and ads, making a five minute gallery on a loop with other promo material that plays for 17 minutes! The difference between this STANDARD RELEASE compared to the LIMITED EDITION is you are minus the 40 page booklet and the sleeve artwork, but with such crammed discs, and reduced price tag, no one should be complaining.....

AND SO, IN RAPPING UP it's a very good release . . . not just my opinion, but my 'kids' too. Now in their 20's and 30's, my sons certainly appreciated the huge difference in visual quality, some elements of the stories now made sense with clear visuals and dialogue they could HEAR! My daughters . . one gave in on the extras, as the babysitter was soon leaving BUT really enjoyed the Cushing 'Waxworks' tale and Christopher Lee 'Sweets to the Sweets' story, the other and youngest, loved Ingrid Pitt's hair and certainly creeped out during 'Method For Murder' . . so the Blu Ray made all the difference. What I found most rewarding was they, all four expressed an interest and appreciation in the production values and the huge difference Second Sight's remastering and attention to detail has made to the film and it's presentation. So, well done, Second Sight Films you have produced a winner all round and have also made me, not so behind the times, after all! 😉😃
 

WARNER BROTHERS ARCHIVE PCAS COMPETITION : ARE YOU A WINNERS? FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE BLU REMASTERED BLU RAYS

#CONGRATULATIONS to BOTH our #WINNERS of our #PCAS #Halloween #Competition this year, TED JOHNSON and KELLY SHAW! 🙂 You have each bagged yourselves copies of the EXCELLENT #WarnerBrothers REMASTERED BLU RAY of the #Amicusfilms classic ' From Beyond the Grave'!

YOU'LL FIND OUR PCAS full review of the #WARNERBROTHERS remastered 'FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE' #BLURAY with GALLERY HERE: CLICK HERE! 

THE ANSWER TO THE COMPETITION WAS 'HIGHGATE CEMETERY'!

'FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE' has an all star cast supported by #PeterCushing, who plays the keeper of the shop called 'Temptations Limited ..it's not your average Asda or Walmart, for sure!  IF you too are TEMPTED, this Warner Archive remastered blu ray is OUT NOW, set at 'region 0' .. and is certainly a addition worthy of any space on the shelf of any Cushing, Amicus films collector! 

ORDER DIRECT FROM WARNER BROTHERS ARCHIVE STORE: CLICK HERE!

THANK YOU to everyone .. the MANY, who entered our competition HERE and at the FACEBOOK PCAS FAN PAGE and MANY thanks to the team  at #WarnerBrothers, who once again supported another fabulous PCAS Competition! Keep a sharp eye OUT, for our NEXT PCAS #competition.. coming VERY soon. RIGHT HERE! 😃

 

ONE GOLF CART TO MOVE THEM ALL AND FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE BLU RAY REVIEW THIS WEEKEND!

#CHRISTOPHERLEE SATURDAY! ONE GOLF CARD to move them ALL ! I believe both Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee got around a few times on a camel, during the making of Hammer films 'She'... but this? I think Peter would have approved, MUCH more civilised 😊😉

HAVE YOU ORDERED? Waiting to find out more OR are you going to enter the PCASUK competition? Either way, you can get the low down on the Warner Brothers Archive Collection release of yet another, Peter Cushing classic blu ray 'From Beyond The Grave' ! HERE THIS weekend!

MEANWHILE, we ANNOUNCED the actual RELEASE of this great BLU RAY from Warner Brothers Archive, this week on OCTOBER 8th. Just a REMINDER, that we are launching our PCAS 'Beyond The Grave' COMPETITION, very soon   

If you are ordering your copy right now, I would recommend placing your order from the Warner Archive website..HERE! The BLU RAY release is region 0, making it playable on just about anyone's player.. unless you have a player like a 1920's biscuit tin driven by steam or clock-work... !