Second Sight Films released a couple of Amicus classic horror anthologies back in July. With Halloween fast approaching I thought what better time to review them. Both titles have been fully restored. I’ll take a look at The House That Dripped Blood (1971) here and Asylum (1972) in my next review. So let’s get started here’s The House That Dripped Blood blu-ray review.
- The House That Dripped Blood (1971)
- Genre: Horror
- Directed by Peter Duffell
- UK Rating 12
- Discs: 1
- Released By Second Sight Films
- Blu-ray Released: 29 July 2019
Plot
There is a house, a strange house that nobody seems to live in for long. However the last resident has mysteriously disappeared resulting in a police investigation.
Method For Murder
Horror writer Charles Hillyer (Denholm Elliott) moves into the house in order to complete his latest book. His wife seems less than keen to stay but agrees to stay until the book is finished. As Charles begins to write he starts to see his latest horror creation in the flesh. Is it real or all in his mind?
Waxworks
A retired businessman. Philip Grayson (Peter Cushing) decides to move into the house and sees it as the perfect place to unwind. However following a visit to the nearby town’s waxwork museum he becomes somewhat disturbed.
Sweets to the Sweet
John Reid (Christopher Lee) is a strict father of a young girl. He has taken the unusual decision to keep her away from other children and hires a teacher to teach her at home. What is it he is afraid of?
The Cloak
Horror actor Paul Henderson (Jon Pertwee) is a stickler for perfection. He can’t abide having poor quality sets or props. This leads him to purchase an authentic cloak for his latest horror film. However having done so he finds it seems to have the effect of turning the person wearing it into a vampire.
Style / Direction
The film was directed by Peter Duffell whilst the cinematography was handled by Ray Parslow. It’s a very well made horror that gets the job done very effectively.
Music / Audio Effects
The music score comes from Michael Dress and fits perfectly with the horror genre.
Acting / Characters
As the film’s story is broken into several smaller tales it allowed Amicus to hire a pretty stellar cast including the likes of Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Denholm Elliott, Jon Pertwee and Ingrid Pitt.
Cast
- John Bennett as Detective Inspector Holloway
- Denholm Elliott as Charles Hillyer
- John Bryans as A.J. Stoker
- Joanna Dunham as Alice Hillyer
- John Malcolm as Sergeant Martin
- Tom Adams as Richard/Dominic
- Robert Lang as Dr. Andrews
- Peter Cushing as Philip Grayson
- Joss Ackland as Neville Rogers
- Wolfe Morris as Waxworks Proprietor
- Christopher Lee as John Reid
- Nyree Dawn Porter as Ann Norton
- Chloe Franks as Jane Reid
- Hugh Manning as Mark
- Carleton Hobbs as Dr. Bailey
- Jon Pertwee as Paul Henderson
- Ingrid Pitt as Carla Lynde
- Geoffrey Bayldon as Theo von Hartmann
- Jonathan Lynn as Mr. Petrich
Conclusion: The House That Dripped Blood (1971) Film Review
Amicus made several horror anthology films during the seventies. It allowed them to cast high quality actors but only required them be on set for a few days thus keeping the cost down. The House That Dripped Blood (1971) sports a whole host of well known actors including everyone’s favourites Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee.
The stories are all linked together by a connection to a strange house. This mechanic works rather well and I found myself enjoying all of the four different segments.
I’m a fan of Amicus and Hammer films and highly recommend you take a look at this newly restored version of The House That Dripped Blood (1971).
If you enjoyed The House That Dripped Blood blu-ray review you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: The House That Dripped Blood Blu-ray Review
Fortunately Second Sight Films has released a near perfect restored version of this Amicus classic horror anthology. The picture quality is exceptional and if you are upgrading from the DVD version you are in for a real treat.
Extras include an interview with the Second Assistant Director, Mike Higgins and several audio commentaries.
Extras
- Audio Commentaries with Director Peter Duffell, Author Jonathan Rigby & Film Historian Troy Howarth
- Interview with the Second Assistant Director Mike Higgins
- A-Rated Horror Film
- Theatrical Trailer
- Amicus Radio Spots
- Stills Gallery
Popcorn Cinema Rating:
The House That Dripped Blood (1971)
MOVIE RATING: VERY GOOD
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: VERY GOOD
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Amazon UK Links
The House That Dripped Blood (1971) limited edition blu-ray has now sold out. Fear not as the standard edition is coming on the 6th January 2020.
The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
The House That Dripped Blood (1971) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster.
Clip may not representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes The House That Dripped Blood blu-ray review. I’m aiming to review more classic horror films over the coming weeks. What’s next? Check back soon.
Summary: The House That Dripped Blood (1971) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The House That Dripped Blood (1971)
Movie description: Amicus Horror Anthology
Duration: 101 mins
Director(s): Peter Duffell
Actor(s): John Bennett, Denholm Elliott, Joss Ackland, Christopher Lee, Jon Pertwee, Ingrid Pitt
Genre: Horror
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Thoroughly entertaining Amicus horror anthology.
