The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll Blu-ray Review – Hammer Horror’s 1960 Take On A Classic Tale

The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll Blu-ray Review

The next film I’m taking a look at from the Hammer Volume Four: Faces of Fear boxset is The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll (1960). The boxset came out at the end of October 2019 so let’s find out how this film turned out. So without further ado here’s my The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll blu-ray review.

  • The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll (1960)
  • Genre: Horror
  • Directed by Terence Fisher
  • UK Rating 15
  • Discs: 1
  • Released By Powerhouse Films (Indicator)
  • Part of the Hammer Volume Four: Faces of Fear Boxset
  • Blu-ray Released: 28 October 2019

Plot

Dr Henry Jekyll conducts an experiment to reveal the other side of our personality that we all hide. Upon injecting himself with a drug he releases Mr Edward Hyde and soon finds he can’t prevent Hyde’s influence from taking control.

Style / Direction

The films directed by Terence Fisher whilst Jack Asher is responsible for the cinematography.

Music / Audio Effects

The music is provided by David Heneker, John Hollingsworth and Monty Norman.

Acting / Characters

Paul Massie takes on the roles of Dr Henry Jekyll and Mr Edward Hyde. Personally I found him to be ok in the role where others have previously criticised his performance. However the best actor in the film is that of Christopher Lee as Paul Allen, a friend of Dr Henry Jekyll. He’s a womaniser and a gambler and in many ways he himself is a Jekyll and Hyde character.

Cast
  • Paul Massie as Dr Henry Jekyll / Mr Edward Hyde
  • Dawn Addams as Kitty Jekyll
  • Christopher Lee as Paul Allen
  • David Kossoff as Dr. Littauer
  • Francis de Wolff as Inspector
  • Norma Marla as Maria

Conclusion: The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll (1960) Film Review

There’s little doubt Hammer’s version of this classic story is a pretty decent effort. It ticks all the main criteria and does so in a style that’s not to everyone’s taste.

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Conclusion: The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll Blu-ray Review

As with all of the Hammer Powerhouse releases the image quality is pretty much perfect. I have no complaints with this release either. The picture is clean and sharp with no marks anywhere to be found.

Again the extras are well worth a look although I actually enjoyed the film unlike many of the Hammer experts.

Extras
  • Audio Commentary by film historians Josephine Botting & Jonathan Rigby
  • Identity Crisis: Inside The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll (19 mins)
  • Hammer’s Women: Dawn Addams (11 mins)
  • Paul Massie Interview (1967) (10 mins)
  • Now and Then: Wolf Mankowitz (1968) (28 mins)
  • Original Trailer
  • Image Gallery
  • 36 Page Booklet

Popcorn Cinema Rating:

The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll (1960)

MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH A LOOK

BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT

POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED


Amazon UK Links

The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll (1960) blu-ray is available as part of the Hammer Volume Four boxset.

Hammer Volume Four: Faces of Fear Boxset

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 Two Faces of Dr Jekyll (1960) Film Trailer

For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…

Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version

That concludes my The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review more classic Hammer films soon. What’s next? Check back soon…

Summary: The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll (1960) Blu-ray Review
The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll Blu-ray Review

Movie title: The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll (1960)

Movie description: Hammer Film - The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll (1960) is part of Powerhouse Films bluray boxset - Hammer Volume Four: Faces of Fear Boxset

Duration: 89 mins

Director(s): Terence Fisher

Actor(s): Paul Massie, Dawn Addams, Christopher Lee, David Kossoff

Genre: Horror

  • Movie Rating
  • Blu-ray Picture Rating
  • Extras
4.5

Summary

A decent Hammer horror offering  of a classic horror story