Nothing pleases me more than when a cult classic receives some love and attention with a full restoration. The film I’m reviewing here Horror Express has just undergone such work courtesy of Arrow Video. It’s a Spanish horror film starring a fabulous cast that features Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing and Telly Savalas. Have Arrow put out a must have version? Let’s find out, here’s my Horror Express blu-ray review.
- Horror Express (1972)
- Genre: Sci-fi Horror
- Directed by Eugenio Martín
- UK Rating 15
- Discs: 1
- Released By Arrow Video
- Blu-ray Released: 11 February 2019
Plot
Professor Sir Alexander Saxton (Christopher Lee) discovers the frozen remains of a primitive humanoid creature. He packs it up and transports it on board the Trans-Siberian Express. However it soon becomes apparent that the creature is still very much alive and seems to be killing off the passengers whilst absorbing their memories.
The films directed by Eugenio Martín whilst the cinematography is handled by Alejando Ulloa. Set almost entirely on board a train the film never lets up with the tension building until something simply has to give. The film begins with Christopher Lee’s character discovering the body of an unknown creature. The only other scenes outside the train are train stations and the external scenery that is a wintry Siberian landscape.
It all works terrifically well considering the budget would have been rather small.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is composed by John Cacavas and plays a key part in creating a strange but rather excellent sci-fi horror.
Acting / Characters
Lee and Cushing are on top form as they have to work together for a change to combat an evil force that is killing off the passengers on board the horror express.
Telly Savalas’s appearance as Captain Kazan adds some much needed energy and relief to all of the killings and is welcome cameo.
Cast
- Christopher Lee as Professor Sir Alexander Saxton
- Peter Cushing as Dr. Wells
- Telly Savalas as Captain Kazan
- Silvia Tortosa as Countess Irina Petrovski (dubbed by Olive Gregg)
- Alberto de Mendoza as Father Pujardov (dubbed by Robert Rietti)
- Helga Liné as Natasha (dubbed by Olive Gregg)
- Alice Reinheart as Miss Jones (dubbed by Olive Gregg)
- Julio Peña as Inspector Mirov (dubbed by Roger Delgado)
- Ángel del Pozo as Yevtushenko
- José Jaspe as Conductor Konev
- George Rigaud as Count Marion Petrovski
Conclusion: Horror Express (1972) Film Review
If you love films with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee then you probably already have some version of this sci-fi horror cult classic. It’s really great seeing them work together to combat the evil, but Horror Express is more than just an average film largely due to these two great actors. It’s really well paced creating plenty of tension along with some very interesting characters.
Horror Express is in many ways similar in feel to films from the likes of Hammer or Amicus films and that makes it a well worth a look, I highly recommend it.
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Conclusion: Horror Express Blu-ray Review
The film has undergone a 2K restoration and looks the absolutely stunning and certainly the best version I’ve ever seen. Seeing films that have been restored to this high standard really is like watching the film for the first time. The image is sharp and free from any annoying marks whilst the colours appear to be perfect. Arrow releases tend to be excellent and Horror Express is no exception, I strongly recommend you pick this one up before it disappears.
On the extras side there’s plenty of interesting features about the making of the film and all are well worth a look.
Extras
- Ticket To Die (9 mins)
- Night Train To Nowhere (15 mins)
- Murder on The Trans-Siberian Express (14 mins)
- Notes From The Blacklist (30 mins)
- Telly and Me (8 mins)
- Theatrical Trailer
- Audio Commentary
- Reversible Sleeve
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Horror Express (1972)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Horror Express (1972) is available now on blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.
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Horror Express (1972) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip representative of the blu-ray version
Original Theatrical Trailer
Clip NOT representative of the Blu-ray version
That concludes my Horror Express blu-ray review, will you be adding this classic to your film collection?
Summary: Horror Express (1972) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Horror Express (1972)
Duration: 88 mins
Director(s): Eugenio Martín
Actor(s): Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Telly Savalas, Silvia Tortosa, Alberto de Mendoza, Helga Liné
Genre: Horror
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
The horror comes hurtling through the passenger carriages. As for Arrow’s 2K restoration its looks absolutely fantastic.
Pros
- 2K Restoration
- Christopher Lee & Peter Cushing
- Music
- Extras
Cons
- None
