Time for to look at another horror film, this one’s another black and white classic that has just been released courtesy of Arrow Video and stars Vincent Price. Word of warning this is another MGM film, has it been remastered? Let’s find out, so without further ado here’s my Tower of London Blu-ray review.
- Tower of London (1962)
- Genre: Horror
- Directed by Roger Corman
- Written by Leo Gordon, F. Amos Powell, Robert E. Kent
- Music by Michael Anderson
- Cinematography by Archie R. Dalzell
- UK Rating 12
- Discs: 2 (Blu-ray & DVD)
- Released By Arrow Video
- Starring Vincent Price, Michael Pate, Robert Brown, Charles Macaulay, Joan Freeman, Morris Ankrum
Plot
Richard of Gloucester (Vincent Price) is brother to King Edward IV and George, Duke of Clarence. With the King dying he passes over Richard and makes George the Protector to his young son and heir. Clearly Richard is not going to allow this even if it means betraying and backstabbing anyone who stands in his way of sitting on the throne.
Style / Direction
Directed by Roger Corman and starring Vincent Price, with both of those things in mind you kind of know what to expect. For the most part the film works but from time to time proceedings start to drag on a little too much.
Music / Audio Effects
The film score is big and dramatic which is really fitting for the disloyal behaviour that takes place over the throne.
Acting / Characters
Vincent Price plays Richard of Gloucester brother to the dying King Edward IV and George, Duke of Clarence. Unsurprising Price plays the backstabbing brother and dominates proceedings like only he can. Put simply he is the perfect choice for the role due to the style of the film. So much acting is done with his eyes and facial expression, some may say its overacting but I love it.
The supporting cast are all very good with no real weak performances except maybe the young prince who really doesn’t seem right for the role, the accent stands out and seems completely is out of place.
Conclusion: Tower of London (1962) Film Review
Thoroughly enthralling tale made even more interesting by the casting of a certain Vincent Price.
If you like my Tower of London blu-ray review you may want to check out these films:
Conclusion: Tower of London Blu-ray Review
Oh dear another MGM film and the same old problems persist. This is another high definition transfer from original film elements supplied by MGM. What does this mean? It means a cleaner sharper and improved resolution but as no restoration work has taken place there plenty of marks, lines and drops in quality throughout the film.
Arrow are among the best in the business and do seem commission their own restorations on certain films. I would suggest Arrow extends that to any MGM future releases as the current state of release simply damages their excellent reputation.
Yes I love their extras but I for one would give up any extras for a nice clean and restored print of the film.
Extras
- Brand new audio commentary by Vincent Price’s biographer David Del Valle & Tara Gordon, daughter of screenwriter Leo Gordon
- Interview with director Roger Corman
- Producing Tower of London and archive interview with producer Gene Corman
- Reversible sleeve
Another excellent set of extras put together by Arrow Video, perfect for any horror lover / film lover. For instance it is revealed that the film should have been filmed in colour but due to cost the director was forced to use black and white.
Check out my article on what to look for when purchasing Blu-ray films, High Definition Transfers?
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Tower of London (1962)
MOVIE RATING: WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: DISAPPOINTING
EXTRAS: EXCELLENT
Amazon Links
Tower of London (1962) blu-ray is available now.
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.
Tower of London (1962) 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’s my Tower of London blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film leave them in the comment section below:
Tower of London (1962) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Tower of London (1962)
Duration: 80 mins
Director(s): Roger Corman
Actor(s): Vincent Price, Michael Pate, Robert Brown, Charles Macaulay
Genre: Horror
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Rating
Summary
A decent Vincent Price horror, let down on Blu-ray by poor picture quality
