Dracula, Prince of Darkness, Lord of all evil, Master of the undead…Yep you get it. Well thanks to the premium collection and Halloween 20 days away, you get to consider two great Hammer films to watch on the big day. Both are delightful, functional horror films that make for a screamingly good double or two singles! The even better thing is they are 2 for 25 at HMV!
20 – DRACULA AD (PREMIUM COLLECTION)
WHATS IT ABOUT?
Another Hammer horror sequel (the seventh) of the series of blood sucking master Dracula, see Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing returning. Count Dracula (Lee) has been resurrected in swinging 1970s Chelsea, after a local church is set to be demolished. His aide co opts a group of hipsters to hold a Black Mass in the shell of the church and Dracula sets about converting the youngsters to vampirism. Dracula has an ulterior motive however, He wants revenge on the descendants of his old enemy, Professor Van Helsing (Cushing). The best way he sees, is to stop the future of the family, dead in its tracks.
WHY SHOULD WE WATCH IT FOR HALLOWEEN?
Filled to the brim with classic conventions but rammed into a modernity that is fighting against it, DRACULA AD 72, is both a time capsule of the former Hammer glories and a great film in its own right. I called it functional before and that is a fair description. Playing to the crowd in one scene, then convention on another, it never quite tops it former incarnations or its audiences expectations but it never quite takes itself to seriously to be out of synch with them either.
WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR?
Well I watch it to see London in all here former glory. I love my home and it always sparkles in these films. The disc is as empty as one of Draculas victims, so the film is the only enjoyment. This is ok however, you can run on to the second film!
BUY IT NOW
https://store.hmv.com/store/film-tv/blu-ray/dracula-a-d-1972-(hmv-exclusive)-the-premium-colle
19 – THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA (PREMIUM COLLECTION)
WHATS IT ABOUT?
The final Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing starrer of the series (Cushing comes back, Lee not). Count Dracula (Lee) is at it again but his arch enemy Professor Van Helsing (Cushing) is on his tail. The secret service call him in to help them investigating a Black Magic circle with high profile actors and strange ideas. These involve a plan to unleash a deadly viral plague on mankind and wipe the face of the earth of all living beings.
WHY SHOULD WE WATCH IT FOR HALLOWEEN?
Its really a mix of three genres in one, in this final instalment. We get a horror, spy and action film that lacks a lot but gives as much in sheer enjoyment. The simple story serves a series of very gory blood soaked scenes and the finale is visually brilliant and tops off a great series.
WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR?
Again its the film. The disc is as empty and Dracula’s promises of the after life.
BUY IT NOW
https://store.hmv.com/store/film-tv/blu-ray/the-satanic-rites-of-dracula-(hmv-exclusive)-the-p
