WARNER BROTHERS CLASSIC HORROR HAMMER BLU RAY BOX SET COMPETITION

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED! SEE WINNERS AT BOTTOM OF THIS FEATURE!

Just a reminder that our competition where you can win yourself one of two complete blu ray box sets of HORROR CLASSICS from Warner Brothers is still open, but closes on WEDNESDAY 14th OCT at midnight! The competition is running here on petercushingappreciationsociety.com, the peter cushing appreciation society facebook fan page and our website theblackboxclub.com. Also you can purchase your set or the individual releases from here at AMAZON

Here also is my review of the box set, should you want to check out it's spec first :) It's a rarity among vintage releases these days... Truly, it's faultless!

"All the films in this package, technically are flawless. All four movies have been remastered in 1080p and are presented in their original aspect ratios.THE MUMMY in 1.66:1, Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed, Dracula Has Risen From The Grave and Taste The Blood Of Dracula in 1.85:1. With each film you'll be very happy to discover there no print drop outs or blemishes anywhere to be seen, the colour and contrast is solid and each film has an amazing detail, like you would never have seen in any of these films previous releases.

As with, Warner's dvd release of TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA, the blu-ray here restores over four minutes of footage that was originally removed from the U.S. theatrical print and the previous VHS release too. Where TASTE was originally rated GP, according it has now been given an R rating.

The reinstated scenes are as follows: The shots of Dracula's blood changing to powder in the prologue; there is also extended shots in the brothel scenes, including a snake charmer's dance shot and some topless nudity, the violent beating of Ralph Bate's, Lord Courtley is extended, and; Dracula's violent, snarling attack on a female victim. Also, all the major death scenes have some extended footage, including more glimpses of Christopher Lee's writhing Dracula!

The HORROR CLASSICS package also includes a complete and uncut version of FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED. The notorious rape scene that was originally snipped from all U.S. versions, is now back. In line with visuals of the films in this package, I am pleased to say, the English audio tracks (DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0) are also perfect!

Each film also comes complete with additional French, and Spanish (both Castilian and Latin) language tracks with optional English SDH, French, Spanish (both Castilian and Latin) subtitles. In addition, both DRACULA films include German audio tracks and German subtitles. Each film comes with its original theatrical trailer.

The outstanding quality of this box set from it's presentation packaging to the over all quality of the films themselves, puts this release way above any previous releases of the titles and would be a fantastic addition to any collectors or Hammer fans film library! Well Done WARNER!

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AMICUS VAULT OF HORRORS DVD: DONALD FEARNEY'S DEFINITIVE DOCUMENTARY ON THE WORKS OF SUBOTSKY AND ROSENBERG

Here's an exclusive for you! You remember Donald Fearney's EXCLUSIVE AMICUS BOOK we shared with you earlier this year, and the news that the book would be followed up with a documentary on Amicus from Donald also??? Well, the good news is, IT'S HERE! Or rather, it's at the LONDON FILM CONVENTION Westminster on Saturday November 14th 2015! This eagerly anticipated documentary goes on sale at the convention for the first time on this day and it's expected that business will be BRISK!

'Milton Subotsky's and Max Rosenberg's Amicus Vault of Horrors, promises to be the definitive works on Amicus. Over two hours in duration, covering every film that Amicus produced, packed with rare footage, photographs, interviews and limited to only 500 copies. One of the highlights is an interview with Milton Subotsky, never before seen, that PCAS shot in 1981. Among those interviewed are David Warner, Geoffrey Bayldon, Linda Hayden, Caroline Munro and many others. The narration is provided by Roy Hudd.

The price for the dvd purchased at the convention is £15.00. We will have FOUR copies up for grabs in a competition here on our page and website on November 14th too! You will also be able to purchase copies through PCAS in the near future during November. The dvd is region 0. This means it can be played on any dvd player...in any country! Here's a first draft of the cover, which cleverly reproduces the cover style of the comic stories that provided the background for many of the Amicus very popular portmanteau films, like Tales from the Crypt, Dr Terrors House of Horrors and Vault of Horror. It's a rare pic of the two lads too, not often seen and quite shy of the camera. And there's lots more where that came from. All on the DVD!  

So, if you are planning to attend the London Film Convention on November 14th, do pop along and see Donald at his stand and grab yourself a copy, and say hello! He'll be pleased to see you!

Come and join over 20,000 others at our official PCAS Facebook Fan

Page. Just CLICK: HERE 

DRESSED BY ANGELS EXHIBITION : DRACULA AND SHERLOCK COSTUME ON DISPLAY : LADY GITTE LEE ATTENDS

Dressed By Angels: Here's an exhibition that may interest some of you. Angels have made a trawl through their stock to present a 'best of ' for their exhibition 'Dressed By Angels. Included are Cushing's Sherlock Holmes costume from Hammer's Hound of the Baskervilles' and a replica of Lee's costume from 'Dracula Has Risen From The Grave'. Both look great, plus there's some tv Doctor who costumes too!

The exhibition held it's grand opening on October 1st. The guests included Chairman of Angels Tim Angel, Director Sir Alan Parker, Director and Actor John Landis, Fashion Photographer Tim Walker as well as Lady Gitte Lee, Su Pollard, and June Hudson.

Just one thing puzzles me. Both Baskervilles and Risen were dressed by the company Bermans who actually MADE the costumes too. Angels bought out Bermans in 1992. So, what exactly is the connection between Angels and these and many of the films that were also dressed by Bermans being celebrated here? Also Angels claimed to have found Cushing fur collared overcoat from Dracula a few years ago, a long with David Peel's cloak...no sign of these at the exhibition, two items I would have loved to have seen.

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Updated daily, competitions, Features and rare stills: HERE

COMPETITION: WIN WARNER BROTHERS HORROR CLASSICS VOL ONE BLU RAY BOX SET NOW!

Warner Brothers HORROR CLASSICS VOL ONE is available to BUY NOW from AMAZON.COM CLICK HERE

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OUTSTANDING WARNER BROTHERS HAMMER RELEASE! WIN YOUR COPY OF THE HORROR CLASSICS BLU RAY BOX SET

JOIN US FOR OUR FIRST COMPETITION TOMORROW!

WARNER BROTHERS: HORROR CLASSICS CAN BE ORDERED NOW: HERE 

Tomorrow, September 6th, Warner Bros release their very impressive  HAMMER HORROR CLASSICS VOLUME ONE blu ray box set. FOUR Hammer classics, TWO starring Peter Cushing the fantastic 'Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed' starring Veronica Carlson and Freddie Jones and 'The Mummy' starring both Cushing and the late Sir Christopher Lee. PLUS there's 'Taste The Blood of Dracula' with you know who as Dracula....AND 'Dracula Has Risen From the Grave'....again with Christopher Lee as Dracula supported by Veronica Carlson, Michael Ripper and Rupert Davies.

We are launching the FIRST of our PCAS HALLOWEEN COMPETITIONS TOMORROW where we have TWO COPIES OF HORROR CLASSICS UP FOR GRABS! Enter the competition either here or at our Peter Cushing Appreciation Society Facebook Fan Page or at our theblackboxclub.com website.

This superb box set contains the following films:

THE MUMMY: Christopher Lee wraps on the moldy gauze bandages to become the tormented Kharis, an avenger stalking the hills of Victorian England to track down desecration of his beloved's Egyptian tomb. Starring Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee and Yvonne Furneaux. Directed by Terence Fisher. 

FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED: Peter Cushing is Baron Frankenstein, whose experiment has gone dead wrong in Hammer Studios' fifth Frankenstein saga. Featuring Freddie Jones as the scientist's pitiable new creation. FIRST TIME ON BLU RAY! Starring Peter Cushing, Simon Ward, Veronica Carlson and Freddie Jones. Directed by Terence Fisher. 

DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE: Playing Bram Stoker's infamous vampire for the third time, Christopher Lee goes fang-to-cross with the forces of good in this atmospheric, stylish film, in which each night brings the threat of death. FIRST TIME ON BLU RAY. Starring Christopher Lee, Veronica Carlson, Rupert Davies, Barbara Ewing, Barry Andrews and Ewan Hooper. Directed by Freddie Francis.

TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA: This entry in Hammer Studios' cycle of hemogobbling Victorian-era horror showcases why Hammer became the name in Gothic terror. Christopher Lee again dons his cape to become Evil Incarnate. FIRST TIME ON BLU RAY. Starring Christopher Lee, Linda Hayden, Ralph Bates, Isla Blair, John Carson, Martin Jarvis, Anthony Higgins and Micheal Ripper. Directed by Peter Sasdy.

WARNER BROTHERS: HORROR CLASSICS CAN BE ORDERED NOW: HERE 

 

All the films in this package, technically are flawless. All four movies have been remastered in 1080p and are presented in their original aspect ratios.THE MUMMY in 1.66:1, Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed, Dracula Has Risen From The Grave and Taste The Blood Of Dracula in 1.85:1. With each film you'll be very happy to discover there no print drop outs or blemishes anywhere to be seen, the colour and contrast is solid and each film has an amazing detail, like you would never have seen in any of these films previous releases. 

As with, Warner's dvd release of TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA, the blu-ray here restores over four minutes of footage that was originally removed from the U.S. theatrical print and the previous VHS release too. Where TASTE was originally rated GP, according it has now been given an R rating. 

The reinstated scenes are as follows: The shots of Dracula's blood changing to powder in the prologue; there is also extended shots in the brothel scenes, including a snake charmer's dance shot and some topless nudity, the violent beating of Ralph Bate's, Lord Courtley is extended, and; Dracula's violent, snarling attack on a female victim. Also, all the major death scenes have some extended footage, including more glimpses of Christopher Lee's writhing Dracula! 

The HORROR CLASSICS package also includes a complete and uncut version of FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED. The notorious rape scene that was originally snipped from all U.S. versions, is now back. In line with visuals of the films in this package, I am pleased to say, the English audio tracks (DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0) are also perfect!

Each film also comes complete with additional French, and Spanish (both Castilian and Latin) language tracks with optional English SDH, French, Spanish (both Castilian and Latin) subtitles. In addition, both DRACULA films include German audio tracks and German subtitles. Each film comes with its original theatrical trailer.

The outstanding quality of this box set from it's presentation packaging to the over all quality of the films themselves, puts this release way above any previous releases of the titles and would be a fantastic addition to any collectors or Hammer fans film library! Well Done, Warner! 

Join us  at our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE : HERE

HALLOWEEN PRIZES BOX SETS BLU RAYS DVDS AND GOODIES UP FOR GRABS THROUGHOUT OCTOBER!

BLU RAY BOX SETS, BLU RAYS, DVD's BOOKS and GOODIES..

ALL UP FOR GRABS!!

For those of you who still remember our HALLOWEEN 2014 COMPETITIONS PRIZES, you'll know we like to treat our friends and followers to only the best...and THIS YEAR will be no exception. Not only are we going to be launching our traditional HALLOWEEN COMPETITIONS, but we are also kicking off a whole raft of GIVEAWAY PRIZES and ONE HOUR COMPETITIONS on the weekends and weekdays, right across all our websites and pages, the Peter Cushing Appreciation Society Facebook Fan Page, this website petercushingapprecaitionsociety.com  AND  theblackboxclub.com

It's going to be a GREAT OCTOBER and another FEARSOME HALLOWEEN with loads of fabulous PRIZES TO DIE FOR!! It's going to be a SCREAM! Look Out all this week for details!

Please VISIT and JOIN our Official PCAS Facebook Fan Page: HERE 

Please VISIT and JOIN our companion website The Black Box Club: HERE  

ONE MAN AND HIS BIKE : HOW PETER CUSHING LEARNED TO RIDE HIS BICYCLE

'Come along "brighteyes" (as he had christened me), I'll teach you how to ride a bike', said David and he did. I wanted to learn so that I could play those Tom Mix games in the garden."

"The go-cart was my pride and joy, but to my aesthetic eye it could not pass muster as a horse, whereas a bicycle could at least be mounted. David had worked on the principal: 'What the eye doesn't see….' To start with, he held the back of the saddle to keep me on an even keel, as I wobbled about grinding away at the peddles."

"Persevering with this unsteady balancing act some weeks later, prattling away to him, I received no response to something I'd asked and, turning my head, saw him a quarter of a mile or so up the road, waving encouragingly. I promptly fell off!"

Peter Cushing with the bicycle he owned as an adult. He happily rode it around his home town of Whitstable, until swerving to avoid a wandering dog in the street one day, he fell off it and damaged his hip. Sadly, he released his bike riding days were over. He eventually gave the bicycle to a charity who auctioned it!

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PRIZES GIVEAWAYS BOXSETS BLU RAYS DVDS!! LET US HELP YOU MAKE YOUR HALLOWEEN 2015 YOUR BEST ONE EVER!

For those of you who still remember our HALLOWEEN 2014 COMPETITIONS PRIZES, you'll know we like to treat our friends and followers to only the best...and THIS YEAR will be no exception. Not only are we going to be launching our traditional HALLOWEEN COMPETITIONS, but we are also kicking off a whole raft of GIVEAWAY PRIZES and ONE HOUR COMPETITIONS on the weekends, right across all our websites. Here at petercushingappreciationsociety.com  and our Official Peter Cushing Appreciation Society Facebook Fan Page AND supplement website THEBLACKBOXCLUB.COM.

It's going to be a GREAT OCTOBER and another FEARSOME HALLOWEEN with PRIZES TO DIE FOR!! Look Out For Details!

News, Competitions, Features, Rare Images. LIVE and UPDATED DAILY. Come JOIN US HERE 

THE MUMMY MADE IT'S UK PREMIER 56 YEARS AGO TODAY

 

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UPDATED daily. Competitions, Features, Rare Photographs and more: HERE

FORTY FOUR YEARS AGO THIS WEEK DRACULA AD 1972 STARTED PRODUCTION

It’s FORTY FOUR YEARS since Peter Cushing’s Van Helsing told us about the world’s deadliest vampire, Count Dracula in 1970’s London in Hammer films Dracula AD 1972, which went into production this week in September 1971…

Peter Cushing, with Christopher lee and his family, his wife Gitta and daughter Christina on the set of DRACULA AD 1972

 

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THE STORY BEHIND ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC SCENES IN HORROR FILM HISTORY

Ask any Hammer film fan, what would be their favourite top three scenes above all others in the Hammer catalog, and chances are the closing moments of Hammer's 1958, Dracula / Horror of Dracula. The build up to the scene, with Christopher Lee's Dracula being pursued by Cushing Van Helsing, is topped off with a dramatic 'face to face' battle, with Van Helsing finally cornering the Count and pushing him into the deadly sunlight, with an improvised crucifix, made from two crossed candle sticks. A move that wasn't in the script, but suggested by Peter Cushing. Here in Cushing's own words, is the story behind one the most iconic scenes in horror film history and for the first time, we present the scene that inflenced Cushing and how it looked in the Hammer films classic!

"In the original script Van Helsing was sort of like a salesman for crucifixes. He was pulling them out of every pocket. He was giving them to children to protect themselves, and putting them in coffins and so on. At the end of the film, he pulled out another one, so I asked if we couldn't do something exciting instead."

"I remembered seeing a film years ago called Berkeley Square in which Leslie Howard was thought of as being the Devil by this frightened little man who suddenly grabbed two big candlesticks and made a sign of the cross with them. I remembered that this had impressed me enormously. I suggested the run along the refectory table to jump onto the curtains and hit Dracula square in the face with the sunlight."

The scene From Berkeley Square That
Peter Cushing Remembered!

"He would, of course, be trapped. Then I could come along like a hero, grab the two candlesticks and make the cross with them in his face. They agreed. Originally the candelabra they had were the type with four candles on each base. You could tell what I was doing, but it didn't look like a cross, but they changed to the ones you see in the film. At least it wasn't another crucifix coming out of my pockets!"

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