Rating: 
Summary: monsters rejoice
Review: finally a hammer films collection with top quality video making those old classics come to life! the great christopher lee and peter cushing created dozens of cheap horror films(mostly vampiric) together usually lee was the monster and cushing the professor in this collection you get dracula mummy frankenstein etc several of the best lee and cushing hammer films alltime with improved video! buy this and ship it before halloween for a real treat
Rating:
Summary: Worthy collection of vintage Hammer
Review: From the mid-'50s until the mid-'70s, the British Hammer Studios specialized in producing gothic horrors, with great success. Showcased here are three of their early productions, all directed by stalwart Terence Fisher, along with three of their later productions.The seminal Curse of Frankenstein (1957) contains all the sophistication, irony and terror that made the Hammer Frankenstein series so successful and memorable. Peter Cushing plays the villianous Baron magnificently, and Christopher Lee presents us with an original and sympathetic portrayal of the creature. Production design is stunning, especially some of the lush matte paintings, and veteran James Bernard supplies one of his best scores. Horror of Dracula (1958) is generally regarded as Fisher's masterpiece. Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee are pitted against each other as vampire-hunter Van Helsing and the nefarious Transylvanian aristocrat respectively. Fisher brings style and depth to the Dracula myth, and is fortunate to have the brilliance of composer James Bernard and designer Bernard Robinson at hand. Here we are presented with some of the cinema's most memorable images of vampirism of all time. The Mummy (1959) never quite reached the heights attained by Frankenstein and Dracula, but it remains an entertaining piece of vintage Hammer. Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969) is a much later example of Terence Fisher's work, and is one of his finest achievements. With an almost Hitchcockian flair, Fisher adds new dimensions to the Frankenstein legend. Freddie Jones gives the screen's most tragic and sympathetic "monster" since Christopher Lee or perhaps even Boris Karloff (1931), and Peter Cushing turns in his best performance as the notorious Baron himself. Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968), directed by Freddie Francis, is entertaining hokum, lacking the depth and sophistication of Fisher's instalments, but nevertheless far ahead of some of the deplorable later additions to the series. Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970) is a fine film that picks up where Risen from the Grave left off. Peter Sasdy directs this time, and at its best, his work harks back to Fisher's monumental vision of the Dracula myth. Unfortunately, the series went downhill rapidly from there. All in all, an excellent collection containing some of Hammer's greatest output.
Rating: 
Summary: An Absolute Must-See For ALL Horror Fans!
Review: Hammer's version of the classic Bram Stoker novel Dracula. The story has been rewritten, and while this may bother some people, I rather enjoyed it. Yes, most of the main characters from the novel appeared, but some of the roles have been rewritten. For example, Jonathan Harker is an undercover vampire hunter, who went to Castle Dracula posing as a librarian. His mission is to rid the world of this monster. While he manages to get one of the vampires, he fails to get Dracula. Dr. Van Helsing is a vampire hunter in this version. Plain and simple. He knows exactly who and what Dracula is, and he too is out to kill the Count. Although the story has been rewritten, it is still a very good script. I highly recommend this movie. It is a classic in the horror genre, and one of the better vampire movies. One thing that I am thankful for in the movie is the end scene, where Dracula turns to dust. As is always the case when he dies in this fashion, his ashes are always blown away. But then there is a shot where we see Van Helsing standing next to an open window, thus accounting for the sudden breeze. A fact that a lot of other horror movies tend to overlook.
Rating:
Summary: Movies you can sink your teeth into!
Review: Horror cinema legends Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee were made famous by starring in numerous Hammer films, like the six classic tales of terror which are included in the Hammer Horror DVD Collection. The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula Has Risen from the Grave, Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed, Horror of Dracula, The Mummy and Taste the Blood of Dracula are some of my favorite thrillers, and to have them all in this DVD box set is fantastic. Christopher Lee (LORD OF THE RINGS) is the ultimate consummate villain, swathed in shadows and darkness. Peter Cushing (STAR WARS) plays the off-beat scientist role well in these timeless gems that fans of the genre would be very pleased with. Compared with today's lame attempts at horror, it's great to know that vampire movies made 40 years ago still have bite.
Rating:
Summary: Fine Dracula film with excellent Lee and Cushing
Review: Horror of Dracula, Christopher Lee's first performance as The Count, is surely among the finest versions of Bram Stoker's classic tale. Lee has amazing presence and style as Dracula and his is certainly one of the definitive portrayals of the classic character. Having just seen both this film and Tod Browning's classic 1931 Dracula film in close proximity, I am eager to compare and contrast them. Browning's film is older and grittier and it benefits greatly from this. The raw, black and white photography gives it an incredibly eerie, creepy atmosphere which is missing from Horror of Dracula. Browning's film bore the influence of German Expressionism, particularly F.W. Murnau's classic Nosferatu. This sense of atmosphere, along with Bela Lugosi's knockout performance as the Count is what makes the 1931 Dracula great. Hammer Films' Horror of Dracula from 1958 was filmed in Technicolor and has no trace of that German-Expressionist creepiness. However, Horror of Dracula has many advantages over the earlier film. For one thing, the performances are far better. Peter Cushing is perhaps the greatest Van Helsing ever, and Christopher Lee's Dracula is excellent. Horror of Dracula moves by faster and feels like a more cohesive whole, not to mention that the ending is far better than the ending of Browning's film. Horror of Dracula is an incredibly solid variation on the story. Keeping in mind that it was made in the late '50s, I think most viewers will be satisfied. It's more enjoyable than the 1931 Dracula, but far less atmospheric. The performances of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee propel this fine film. I just wish that Christopher Lee was given more screen time. His Dracula appeared onscreen significantly less than Bela Lugosi's. He doesn't even speak at all in the second half of the film. Lee's powerful voice is one that demands to be heard. The DVD is nice, but could be better. The picture quality is great for a 45-year-old film. However, the disc is seriously lacking in supplemental material. Christopher Lee is an extraordinary man to listen to, and any commentary track with him is worth listening to. Lee did a commentary for the forgettable Hammer film The Devil Rides Out, but none for the classic Horror of Dracula???? At the price point that Warner is selling this DVD at, there should at least be some decent extra features. However, extras or no, this film is indispensable for horror fans.
Rating:
Summary: Please Put out a DVD Set With Just The Hammer Dracula Movies
Review: Hving only seen "Curse Of Fankenstein" I am in no position to comment on the quality of the other discs in this box. But if "Curse" is any indicator, they must all not be quite what they should be. "Frankenstein" is framed at 1:85 when it should be 1;66, and some reels of the print are SEVERELY color-faded.
But no complaints about the film - having just been introduced to the Hammer horror universe, I can honestly say that I look forward to seeing everything else. In fact, I can't wait to get Hammered again!
Rating:
Summary: Has never looked better!
Review: I have been watching these movies my whole life, and I can say they have never looked better. Hammer films have always been known for the rich colors in thier movies, and it comes across beautifuly on these discs. The price is incredible. I easily would have paid more for this set than I did. The only things lacking are the extras. Enjoy horror fans! You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Get Your Overdose of Hammer Films with this Terrific Set!
Review: I just got this set and it's great. The video transfers are all vivid and beautiful, the colors pop, especially those all important blood reds. The mono soundtracks are surprisingly robust and clear. If you love Hammmer Films like I do then this set will probably make you drool. The Curse of Frankenstein (1957): Terence Fisher is a master director and this, the first of Hammer's reinvention of classic gothic horror, proves why. Story, performances and, oh, those colors are stunning. Horror of Dracula (1958): Perhaps Hammer's finest hour, this is the best Dracula film ever. Great cast, direction, photography, costumes, etc. And the music by Hammer veteran James Bernard is terrific--it really gets your blood pumping. Oh, and Lee and Cushing truly strike sparks. The Mummy (1959): The third in Hammer's fantastic Lee/Cushing Gothic re-imaginings. Chris Lee is the best mummy. Like his interpretation of Dracula, Lee is dynamic and forceful--and he does this with absolutely no dialogue! Dracula Has Risen From the Grave (1968): The third in the Lee Dracula cycle. This one's exciting and fast-moving with some interesting visuals--the use of color filters on Dracula, Dracula's suspenseful removal of a stake from his chest, and some wonderfully eerie rooftop sets make this a winner. Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969): The fifth in the Cushing Frankenstein cycle and my personal favorite. The doctor is truly a complex character in this one. At turns, charming, cunning, witty, brilliant and evil. Cushing is amazing in the role and proves why he was such a great actor. Exciting and absorbing from start to finish. Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970): This DVD presents for the first time the full 95 minute cut in America. All previous releases were 91 minutes. This version is rated R and has bits of nudity and bloody violence reinstated. Chris Lee is as commanding as ever as Dracula but, to be truthful, he's not in this very much--in fact, it's really more of an extended cameo. Still, the film has much to recommend it. The cast is one of the best in the entire Hammer catalogue, especially Geoffrey Keen as the hypocritical Hargood and Ralph Bates as the sinister Courtley and, in a small role, Russell Hunter as a flamboyant Bordello owner. The production is quite beautiful and it's the first and only Hammer Dracula that's set in Victorian London. And the story is actually clever and interesting. The time just flies by. Extras are slim, just some cool trailers, but the movies are the thing and they're great.
Rating:
Summary: Get Your Overdose of Hammer Films with this Terrific Set!
Review: I just got this set and it's great. The video transfers are all vivid and beautiful, the colors pop, especially those all important blood reds. The mono soundtracks are surprisingly robust and clear. If you love Hammmer Films like I do then this set will probably make you drool. The Curse of Frankenstein (1957): Terence Fisher is a master director and this, the first of Hammer's reinvention of classic gothic horror, proves why. Story, performances and, oh, those colors are stunning. Horror of Dracula (1958): Perhaps Hammer's finest hour. The best Dracula film ever. Lee and Cushing strike sparks. The Mummy (1959): Chris Lee is the best mummy. Like his interpretation of Dracula, Lee is dynamic and forceful--and as the Mummy--he does this with no dialogue! Dracula Has Risen From the Grave (1968): The third in the Lee Dracula cycle. This one's exciting and fast-moving with some interesting visuals--the use of color filters on Dracula, Dracula's removal of a stake from his chest, and some wonderful rooftop sets make this a winner. Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969): The fifth in the Cushing Frankenstein cycle and my personal favorite. The doctor is truly a complex character in this one. At turns, charming, cunning, witty, brilliant and evil. Cushing is amazing in the role and proves why he was such a great actor. Exciting and absorbing from start to finish. Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970): This DVD presents for the first time the full 95 minute cut in America. All previous releases were 91 minutes. This version is rated R and has bits of nudity and bloody violence reinstated. Chris Lee is as commanding as ever as Dracula but, to be truthful, he's not in this very much. Still, the film has much to recommend it. The cast is one of the best in the entire Hammer catalogue, especially Geoffrey Keen as the hypocritical Hargood and Ralph Bates as the sinister Courtley and, in a small role, Russell Hunter as a flamboyant Bordello owner. The production is quite beautiful and it's the first and only Hammer Dracula that's set in Victorian London. And the story is actually clever and interesting. The time flies by. Extras are slim, just some cool trailers, but the movies are the thing and they're great.
Rating: 
Summary: All the cheap b-rated, low budget horror films all in 1!!!!!
Review: I must say the only film worth watching in this entire set is The Horror of Dracula. All the rest suck. Dont waste your money on this peace of crap, just buy the Horror of Dracula seperatley.
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