Here's the release Hammer horror fans have been wanting since the advent of DVDs! With this release, Universal emptied their vault of Hammer horror holdings and crammed eight films on two discs. The films included in this collection are; Brides of Dracula, The Curse of the Werewolf, Phantom of the Opera, Paranoiac, Kiss of the Vampire, Nightmare, Night Creatures and The Evil of Frankenstein.

Unfortunately, there was problems with these discs, some folks had problems with pixelation, the disc locking up completely or certain films simply not loading at all. I was one of those unfortunate people....my first set had a few problems with locking/freezing up, so I returned my set and I'm pleased to say the second set was problem-free. Now, aside from some issues with the discs, the films all look fantastic! The colors all look wonderful and the video quality seems quite solid in all the films....both black and white and color.

Now, for a little about each individual film.

Disc 1-Side A

Brides of Dracula:

This was a follow-up to the immensely popular 1958 film, Dracula, also from Hammer Studios. This time, Christopher Lee or Dracula proper is nowhere to be seen. In this film, we have a young school teacher from Paris, Marianne (Yvonne Monlaur), traveling through eastern Europe to take a teaching position. When the stagecoach she's riding in strands her at an inn, she meet Baroness Meinster and the Baroness invites Marianne to spend the night at her chateau. Once at the chateau, Marianne sees the son (David Peel) of the Baroness chained to a balcony and feeling sorry for the young man, she sets him free, not knowing what she has released to the village. Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) has been sent for by the Priest of the village and brings with him the knowledge and the means to destroy the vampires. Brides of Dracula boasts some gorgeous sets and some wonderful acting from a superb cast.

The Curse of the Werewolf:

Probably one of the most-wanted films in the set by most Hammer horror fans, this film gives Oliver Reed a chance to really shine in the title role. Leon (Oliver Reed), the product of rape is born on Christmas Day and is raised by Don Alfredo (Clifford Evans) and his housekeeper (Hira Talfrey), when his Mother dies giving birth to him. Leon is a happy and healthy child, but as a young child, Leon begins having horrible nightmares and at the same time, the village sees livestock mauled and half-eaten. When Don Alfredo and Teresa discover what the young boy really is, they approach a Priest and he tells them that love is one thing that can keep the curse at bay. Don Alfredo and Teresa surround young Leon with love and all appears well. Leon becomes a young man and leaves home to find work. He's soon employed and finds love at the same time. Unfortunately,Leon soon falls victim to the lycanthropy effects, again and the bodies begin piling up. Leon is accused of the murders without the true horror of his existence being known.

Disc 1-Side B

Phantom of the Opera:

Hammer's version of the Gaston Leroux novel. A bit of trivia, Cary Grant was interested in doing a horror film, so Hammer Studios wrote their take on the tale with Grant in the role of the Phantom, but eventually, Grant backed out of the film and the role went to Herbert Lom. It's also been said that Grant's role was to be that of the romantic lead, later played by Edward de Souza. When murder strikes the London Opera House on opening night the star of the opera refuses to continue with the role, so she is replaced by Christine (Heather Sears). Christine soon falls out of favor with the owner of the Opera House (Michael Gough) and things really become interesting as the Phantom works with Christine and continues with his plan of revenge against Lord Ambrose d'Arcy (Michael Gough).

Paranoiac:

This 1963 black and white film written by Jimmy Sangster and directed by Freddie Francis is a great little thriller. Oliver Reed once again shines in his role as rich and spoiled Simon Ashby. He's slowly driving his sister insane in an attempt to gain control of his deceased parent's fortune and that may all come to an end when his brother, the brother who was to have committed suicide several years earlier, shows up at the family home.....having rescued 'their' sister in a suicide attempt of her own. Reed is absolutely amazing in his role, he certainly had this viewer believing the man had completely lost his mind! Probably not much of a surprise with the ending, but this film is definitely worth checking out for the fantastic performances.

Disc 2-Side A

Kiss of the Vampire:

This Hammer effort has long been underrated or ignored by man fans and it's a shame, as this really is a strong film and boasts some good performances and great scenery. A young couple (Edward de Souza and Jennifer Daniel) on their honeymoon have car trouble (this is in the early 20th century) and are forced to spend a few days in an inn. The couple find themselves invited to the castle of Count Ravna (Noel William) and his children, who are all part of a cult of vampires. Professor Zimmer is the one villager who attempts to warn the Harcourts of what they are getting themselves into, but as Zimmer is more often than not in a drunken stupor, his warning is not heeded. I think the ending is quite good and probably that is the part most fans find fault with, but the new disc really sharpens everything and makes this film more enjoyable with each viewing.

Nightmare:

Writer Jimmy Sangster and director Freddie Francis pair up once again for this 1964 black and white thriller. This is another solid effort from Hammer Studios and just goes to show the studio wasn't limited to rolling out all Gothic horror. As a child Janet (Jennie Linden) saw her Mother stab her Father to death and since that time, her Mother has been housed in an insane asylum. Janet is now a teen at a boarding school and suffering from horrible nightmares about her Mother and fears she may take the same path of insanity as her Mother has. The school sends Janet home, but things don't improve there and questions only continue to mount....is Janet going insane?

Disc 2-Side B

Night Creatures:

I don't believe this Hammer film ever saw a home video release in the U.S., so the release of this DVD has given Hammer fans something to stand and cheer about. Peter Cushing (Reverend-Dr Blyss/Captain Clegg) stars in this fun film with a supporting cast that includes Patrick Allen (Captain Collier), Oliver Reed (Harry Cobtree), Yvonne Romain (Imogene Clegg) and Michael Ripper (Jeremiah Mipps). Captain Collier and his men are sent to investigate reports of 'Marsh Phantoms' and the smuggling of whiskey. Collier has long been on the trail of the notorious pirate Captain Clegg and he and his men feel the village and Reverand-Dr Blyss have something to hide.

The Evil of Frankenstein:

By 1964 Hammer Studios had been given permission by Universal Studios to use the style of make-up Universal used for their Frankenstein films. Thus, the 'Creature' in The Evil of Frankenstein very much resembles the 1930s and 1940s look of Universal Frankenstein 'Creatures'. Peter Cushing is once again cast in the role of Baron Frankenstein and is as always, in fine form. The supporting cast for this film includes; Peter Woodthorpe (Professor Zoltan the Hypnotist), Duncan Lamont (Karlstaad Chief of Police), Sandor Eles (Hans), Katy Wild (Beggar Girl) and Kiwi Kingston (Creature). The Baron and Hans are on the run once again when the Baron decides he's been away from Karlstaad long enough and decides to cash in some of the valuables at his castle in order to supplement his work. Once he and Hans arrive, they see that the village has ransacked the castle and all is left in a shambles. A young deaf/mute woman (Katy Wild) shelters the Baron and Hans one night in a cave and the next day, shows the Baron that his original creation, thought lost, has been preserved in ice. The Baron and Hans find that they can only revive the Creature's brain with the help of Zoltan the Hypnotist (Peter Woodthorpe). Unfortunately, Zoltan wants to use the Creature for his own needs and soon the village is once again terrorized by a creation of Baron Frankenstein.

There you have it! A quick rundown of the films. I think this collection is obviously a must-have for any Hammer fan and even if you're a casual or newcomer to the Hammer films, there is plenty here to keep you entertained and possibly wanting to see more. I think this is a nice variety of films, too....a little Gothic horror mixed in with some action/adventure and a couple of solid thrillers.  This collection is available for rent or to own and the price is quite reasonable if you are looking to purchase the collection!

You can purchase this amazing set at Amazon.com