THE
PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES (1966)Director: John Gilling
Anchor Bay Entertainment (Region 1)
THE
PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES (1966)Originally released on a double-bill with DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS, Anchor Bay has released this 1966 chiller as part of "The Hammer Collection." The film transfer is absolutely beautiful. Anybody used to watching inferior television prints over the years will fully appreciate the stunning color and detail present on this DVD.
The film deals with a young doctor in Cornwall who is faced with a strange ailment that's doing in most of the local young people. He summons the help of his mentor, Sir James Forbes (Andre Morell), in order to get down to the bottom of things and prevent more casualties. Eventually, it is discovered that a reclusive squire is using voodoo to bring the dead back to life to exploit as cheap labor.
PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES has the usual great Hammer qualities, including the pleasingly gothic costumes and sets, and terrific zombie make-up. The acting is also exceptional, especially John Carson as the arrogant Squire Hamilton and Andre Morell's refined Sir James. The plot drags a bit, but director John Gilling's ample flair for period horror makes the film very entertaining.
The source material is virtually immaculate, with some minor blemishes here and there. The disc is dual-layered, so there is a very brief but awkward delay during Jacqueline Pearce's transformation into the undead. James Bernard's vigorous score is also halted for a split second during the delay.
The film is presented in it's original 1.85: 1 theatrical aspect ratio, and the DVD is enhanced for 16x9 televisions. Extra features consist of the original single trailer, the original double-bill trailer, and an episode of "World of Hammer" entitled, MUMMIES, WEREWOLVES & THE LIVING DEAD. The Mono soundtrack is also available in French. (George R. Reis)