The first time I was introduced to Vincent Price was in The 1953 horror classic House of Wax. Ever since seeing that film as a young teen I have been a fan of Vincent Price. I have a deep seeded love for Vincent Price films. But House of Wax holds a very special place in my heart.
Many years ago Warner Brothers released this film on Blu-ray, but that release has long since gone out of print. So the good folks at Warner Archive Collection has re-issued this horror classic on Blu-ray once again so those of us that missed that release can still get a copy.
1953's House of Wax is a remake of Michael Curtiz’s 1933's Mysteries of the Wax Museum (Also on Blu-ray from Warner Archive Collection). The film is based on The Wax Works by Charles S. Belden. It was adapted to a screenplay by Crane Wilbur and masterfully directed by André de Toth.
The film follows Wax sculpture Professor Henry Jarrod (Price). For Jarrod his wax museum is more than just a building and his sculptures are more than just wax. This is the home of his friends. But investor Matthew Burke wants out of this partnership. Henry has a potential buyer, but it's not fast enough of a deal for Matthew and decides burning down the museum and splitting the insurance money is the best way to get his investment back. When Matthew leaves Henry in the burning museum he thinks his troubles are over. Little does he know that Henry survived the fire. Now can Matthew enjoy his ill gotten gains or will he have to pay for his transgressions? You'll have to see the film to find out.
House of Wax is one of my favorite Vincent Price films. The script is fun, scary, dramatic and exciting. An absolute killer combination. Vincent Price is at his chilling best as he leads a cast of very familiar faces. Included in the cast is Phyllis Kirk of the Thin Man TV Series,
Carolyn Jones (Morticia Addams, The Addams Family TV Series), Paul Picerni (The Untouchables tv series), Roy Roberts (John Cushing on The Beverly Hillbillies) and most notably a very young Charles Bronson billed as Charles Buchinsky.
Now as for this Blu-ray release The film has been transferred in the original full screen format and in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. I have to say this film looks and sounds amazing on Blu-ray. I really enjoyed reliving this classic for Halloween this year.
So if you are a fan of Vincent Price or 50s horror as much as I am. I can not recommend this release enough. Pick up a copy of this Blu-ray by heading over to Amazon.com today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the highest rating) we would score Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray of House of Wax...
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