The next film is 1959's Horrors of the Black Museum. William Castle was known for gimmicks with his films. One of his greatest was The Tingler where he would put a mild electrical shock in the seat of certain patrons to get them to scream. Well, Horrors of the Black Museum was known for its gimmick Hypnovista. Well now VCI Entertainment and MVD Visual are giving this cult classic horror film a deluxe Blu-ray release!
London is fear struck, and Scotland Yard is baffled by a series of strange murders that have plagued the city. Stories of the atrocities, by crime journalists Edmond Bancroft (Michael Gough -- yes, the same loveable 'Alfred Pennyworth' from the 80s & 90s Batman movies), come to their own conclusions missed by the 'Yard'. This is because of the fact that Edmond is behind these horrible crimes in order to create material for his writing. Along with his assistant, Rick (Graham Curnow) who helps him run a private 'Black Museum' filled with murder and torture devices.
Arthur Crabtree expertly directed this horror film. It is amazing to note he is responsible for the classic horror film fiend without a face, but this would be his final film. So that make this film even more important. The acting is good, but Michael Gough really shines. But for 1959 this film really pushes the boundaries with the content and violence.
Now at the beginning of this review I spoke of Hypno-Vista, but what is it exactly? It was a video that ran before the start of the movie that featured Emile Franchel a Registered Psychologist. It was a gimmick to try to transport the viewer to feel as though they were in the film. Very Interesting!
Now VCI Entertainment and MVD have transferred this film to Blu-ray in 1080p in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a PCM Mono audio. There is also the option for English Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Now I have this film on DVD. But the film transfer is less than stellar to say the least. When I compare this new Blu-ray to that release. I am in awe. The film looks crisp, clean, sharp. There is no graininess no specks of dirt or damage to the print that I could see. It looks as though it could have been shot yesterday. It is that amazing!
Now a spectacular looking version of this film is not all that is included on this Blu-ray. VCI and MVD added some really cool bonus features to this release. Take a look at what is included.
* Original U.S. Theatrical Trailer
* Original European Theatrical Trailer
* Photo Gallery
* Archival Commentary by Writer/Producer Herman Cohen
* 2023 Commentary by Robert Kelly noted film historian and artist.
* 2-sided coverwrap features original theatrical art and flip side with a new graphic design by Robert Kelly
* Video Tribute to Producer Herman Cohen
* Archival Phone Interview/Video Featurette with Herman Cohen
* Original U.S. Hypno-vista opening featuring psychologist, Emile Franchel
Horrors of the Black Museum was so popular that it earned $1 Million in profits. Amazing when you think the film was made for $164,000. The film is considered more than a cult classic. It is considered just a horror classic. So much so that it was inducted into the Museum of Modern Art.
So, if you love 50s horror movies. You are going to want to add Horrors of the Black Museum to your collection and this new Blu-ray release is the perfect way to do it! Do not go for any of the less than stellar DVD release. Treat yourself to the best-looking copy I've ever seen. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today!
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Horrors of the Black Museum receives....
 Blu-ray Review){kind=link}
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