The first William Castle-directed film out on Blu-ray... (1 Viewer)

[Dick]

Mill Creek is producing some interesting Columbia pairings in their ultra-cheap line, and here they combine Castle's black and white MR. SARDONICUS with the not-so-hot BROTHERHOOD OF SATAN (I would rather have seen THE TINGLER as the second feature, but hey....)

So, this beats out the more expected HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL as Castle's first Blu-ray directorial effort, one I have always had a fondness for.

 

[JoHud]

Actually, I thought Olive's release of Castle's Shanks was going to be the first with a May 28th release, but it seems this Mill Creek one will beat it by a couple weeks.

 

[bgart13]

Actually, the first ones were PROJECT X and THE SPIRIT IS WILLING.

 

[JoHud]

Oh, yeah! Forgot about those

 

[TheSteig]

Oh, yeah! Forgot about those

So did the rest of Castle fans who prefer Homicial Straight-Jacket, the Tingler, House on Haunted Hill etc

 

[JoeDoakes]

Is Mill Creek getting the transfers from these from Sony? My worry about House on Haunted Hill is that we'll just get some blu version of the existing dvd as seems to be happening with pd titles.

Mill Creek is producing some interesting Columbia pairings in their ultra-cheap line, and here they combine Castle's black and white MR. SARDONICUS with the not-so-hot BROTHERHOOD OF SATAN (I would rather have seen THE TINGLER as the second feature, but hey....)

So, this beats out the more expected HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL as Castle's first Blu-ray directorial effort, one I have always had a fondness for.

 

[ROclockCK]

Although it's a welcome surprise that Mill Creek will be releasing Mr. Sardonicus at a can't-beat price, the collector in me is still hoping that Homicidal receives a Twilight Time showcase. Of all the Castle films, I just think that its fascinating production background and rare Hugo Friedhofer score would be better served via Julie Kirgo liner notes plus an IST.

At this point, probably wishful thinking though...

 

[JoHud]

While the DVD the House on Haunded Hill left much to be desired, it was a WB release so they'd probably put some work into it. The trouble is, being a PD film, they likely won't release a blu-ray anytime soon.

 

[Brandon Conway]

Is Mill Creek getting the transfers from these from Sony?

Yes

 

[JoeDoakes]

While the DVD the House on Haunded Hill left much to be desired, it was a WB release so they'd probably put some work into it. The trouble is, being a PD film, they likely won't release a blu-ray anytime soon.

I am not an expert, but for a DVD, I thought the DVD of House on Haunted Hill was great. Does Sony own the elements on this title? It may be that all they need is a good scan. To my understanding, a blu release of the old DVD transfer would even be a significant improvement.

 

[ahollis]

I am not an expert, but for a DVD, I thought the DVD of House on Haunted Hill was great. Does Sony own the elements on this title? It may be that all they need is a good scan. To my understanding, a blu release of the old DVD transfer would even be a significant improvement.

HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL was an Allied Artists film but has fallen into Public Domian. Warners has the elements, since they control most Allied Artist titles and did a DVD release to tie into the 1999 remake. That release from Warners was to me the best. Perhaps WAC could do a Blu release.

 

[Jobla]

i absolutely agee that HOMICIDAL would make a great Twilight Time disc, especially with Hugo Friedhofer's score isolated.

 

[ROclockCK]

Just a fun little preview round-up for Castle fans...

 

[BPullen]

Homicidal (1961) is something I've read about for years. Castle's response to Hitchcock's Psycho (1960), this continues to stoke curiosity. A score by Hugo Friedhofer? Hopefully this hits in October or perhaps next year. For someone who's wanted to see it, TT is ideal. Here's hoping.

 

[ROclockCK]

Homicidal is a curiosity for sure. And in the wake of Psycho, Castle was unabashed in his promotion of its Hitchcockian elements. But the picture has its own creepy voice and tone...derivative perhaps, but not a schuck. I still think it's the best thing Castle ever did.

BTW, hi Bruce!*

* To some folks on that 'other' forum, apparently I've now started talking to myself.