I have always been a lover of many different genre’s of films, with Horror and Sci Fi being one of my favorites. While many people consider different films “classics”, there are three film companies whose names always come up during the discussion of classic horror. Universal, Hammer, and Amicus. Of course there are individual Horror and Sci Fi films which are classics and too numerous to name, so for now, I will be sticking to a few smaller films which have a large following and are dear to many Horror and Sci Fi lovers hearts.
Amicus Productions was a British film production company founded by American producers/screenwriters, Milton Subotsky and Max Rosenberg in the 1960’s that produced many well known and loved horror films. The company was based in Britain at Shepperton Studios and was active until approximately 1975 when the original partnership of Subotsky and Rosenberg parted ways.
In 1980 Mr. Subotsky released the anthology film, “The Monster Club”, starring Vincent Price and John Carradine which I am reviewing today. The film was released on Blu Ray yesterday, October 1st, by leading home video distribution label, Scorpion Releasing. Scorpion Releasing is a well known home video distribution label that specializes in various film genres including, various types of exploitation, slasher, horror, black comedies, film noir, and classic films.
Thankfully, Scorpion got the ok to release a new transfer of “The Monster Club” on Blu Ray for the first time. I just got done watching the film and I am literally amazed with the outstanding job they have done. So without any delay here is my review.
The technical stuff:
Video:
A Brand new 16×9 (1.78:1) Anamorphic transfer mastered in HD
Resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audio:
Playback:
Region A
Running Time:
98 minutes long
Extras include:
A 62 minute video interview with Vincent Price conducted in 1987 by film historian, David Del Valle, a 40 minute audio interview between Mr. Price and Del Valle, a video interview with Dell Valle, the original film trailer, an isolated ME track, and liner notes on both pages that is printed on the inside of the color box art insert.
The Review:
This film looks amazing and is 100% better than the previously released DVD. The detail and clarity is excellent on this disc. You can literally see the pores in the actors skin, as well as many details not evident in the DVD. The picture quality is actually better than many recently released Blu Ray’s from other film distributors. Both inside and outside shots are stunning, with a clarity and detail that matches many newer (this film is from 1980) films being released on BR today. Colors pop yet are not overdone as they are balanced with multiple shades of the spectrum and fit regardless of type of shot.
Black levels and contrast levels are very good too. With deep blacks that don’t hide details. See the screen shot of Stuart Whitman’s dark jacket from the last segment of the film and you can see the specs of dirt on the dark coat. There is a nice level of film grain with a minimal of noise that is never distracting. Audio consists of DTS HD and is crisp and clear.
Here are some untouched and unedited screen shots from the Blu Ray. Notice the amazing color accuracy, detail, and depth each shot contains. Whether outside or inside, (including inside shots featuring many colored gel filters inside the Monster Club itself), all of the screen grabs look spectacular as does the film.
I hope Scorpion can get other Amicus , Hammer, and other film company titles, to do what they did for this film.
This is one Blu Ray you should not be without. Order from Scorpion Releasing HERE.
All grabs as seen & taken on ViewSonic VX2703 27″ 1920 by 1080 resolution. Click each photo for larger resolution.
