Blu-ray Review – The House of Hammer Volume 1 (2026)

      The House of Hammer Vol. 1, 2026

      Directed by Various Filmmakers.

      Featuring Jonathan Rigby, Mark Jenkin, Dean Puckett, Chris Alexander, Heidi Honeycutt, Dick Klemensen, Victoria Price, David Pirie, David Huckvale.

      SYNOPSIS:

      This is the first installment in a series of box sets that honors the golden era of British horror.

      You have to admire the current version of Hammer, as they are actively revitalizing the brand and reintroducing it to the public. They've not only been producing lavish 4K box sets of some lesser-known non-horror titles, but their Hammer Presents series is also highlighting significant horror films associated with the studio. Additionally, the documentary Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters received an excellent Blu-ray release, with more to come.

      Included in this effort is The House of Hammer Vol. 1, the initial volume in a series of Blu-ray releases that will feature specially selected presentations, interviews, and documentaries aimed at creating a comprehensive collection of knowledge on the legacy of British horror, complementing various upcoming Hammer releases.

      The inaugural package, titled Masques, Monsters and Madmen, is a feature-length documentary focused on American International Pictures, specifically the films starring Vincent Price. Although Price never worked in a Hammer film, he collaborated with Hammer regulars Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing in various other films from different studios. However, AIP had ties to Hammer in other ways, and this documentary includes discussions with knowledgeable individuals like author/historian Jonathan Rigby, filmmaker Chris Alexander, screenwriter David Pirie, and Vincent Price’s daughter, Victoria, who delve into the studio's output and impact.

      Also on the first disc is Off the Leash, in which Jonathan Rigby explores the career of Michael Gough, an actor who often criticized horror films yet appeared in many. Additionally, The Land Demands Blood examines how Cornwall has been portrayed not only by Hammer but also by contemporary directors like Dean Puckett and Mark Jenkin. The disc also features Ticket to Happiness, a previously lost short film produced by Hammer in 1959, starring Michael Goodliffe, who also appeared alongside Christopher Lee in The Man with the Golden Gun and Hammer's To the Devil a Daughter—these connections keep emerging.

      Disc two begins with Deep Cuts, a feature-length documentary addressing censorship in the US and UK during the 1960s and 70s. Featuring some of the same voices from the Masques, Monsters and Madmen documentary, it provides an insightful exploration of the shifting boundaries over time, potentially offering perspectives that previous films on the topic have overlooked.

      This is followed by Making Monsters, an interview with special effects duo Dave and Lou Elsey, and Symphonies of Shudders, in which writer/researcher David Huckvale discusses the history of film music and highlights Hammer composer James Bernard, particularly his technique of incorporating movie titles into his compositions. There’s also a 1995 interview with AIP legend Roger Corman from the 1995 Festival of Fantastic Films, along with footage from the recent restoration screening of The Curse of Frankenstein in London, featuring actor Melvyn Hayes, critic Kim Newman, and writer David Pirie, among others.

      In summary, this Blu-ray package is richly filled with content and provides great value for fans and collectors, especially when contrasted with Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, which offered little new for enthusiasts. The House of Hammer Vol. 1 is packed with material to keep both dedicated fans and casual viewers engaged for hours. However, despite being released to coincide with the Hammer Presents edition of Cry of the Banshee, it feels more like a compilation of special features gathered in one convenient set. The presence of Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Vincent Price on the artwork, despite only Price being prominently featured, is also notable. As subsequent volumes are released, it is hoped that they will create a more cohesive collection reflecting other genre veterans (a retrospective on Michael Ripper would be much appreciated). Nonetheless, despite the seemingly eclectic mix of content, The House of Hammer Vol. 1 aims to sustain the renewed interest in Hammer and its affiliated studios, as Hammer continues to release these elaborate box sets.

      Flickering Myth Rating – ★ ★ ★ ★

      Chris Ward