The Hammer Horror Collection: Vampire Circus [2 Discs] [Blu-ray/DVD]

MOVIE DESCRIPTION:

Though not as widely known as Hammer's popular Dracula and Frankenstein series, this is one of the studio's more stylish and intelligent projects. The tale is set in 17th century Serbia in the tiny burg of Stettel, whose residents live in fear of an encroaching plague. The frightened villagers welcome the arrival of a colorful traveling troupe dubbed "Circus of Nights," unaware that the visiting entertainers pose a far more deadly threat: the entire company is composed of shape-shifting vampires capable of transforming themselves into animals to stalk their prey. The group's leader, the most powerful monster of the bunch, has returned to the village to exact revenge on those who murdered his cousin one hundred years earlier. Less a standard Hammer monster melodrama than a surreal journey through dark fantasy (reminiscent of Jean Rollin's erotic vampire series), with an unexpected (but not entirely inappropriate) surplus of nudity and bloodletting. The film's creepy highlights include the chilling extended prologue and scenes of vampire trapeze performers transforming into bats in mid-leap. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

DVD FEATURES:

• Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 (Vistavision)
• Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Cast:

  
       David Prowse - Strongman
       Arnold Locke - Old Villager
       Anthony Corlan - Emil
       Serena - Female Dancer
       Lalla Ward - Helga
       Dorothy Frere - Grandma Schilt
       Richard Owens - Dr. Kersh
       Jason James - Foreman
       Laurence Payne - Prof. Mueller
       Sibylla Kay - Mrs. Schilt
       John Moulder - Brown - Anton Kersh
       Elizabeth Seal - Gerta Hauser
       Robert Tayman - Count Mitterhouse
       Lynne Frederick - Dora Mueller
       Thorley Walters - Burgermeister
       John Bown - Schilt
       Skip Martin - Michael
       Robin Hunter - Hauser
       Domini Blythe - Anna Mueller
       Robin Sachs - Heinrich
       Christina Paul - Rosa
       Adrienne Corri - Gypsy Woman
       Barnaby Shaw - Gustav Hauser
       Mary Wimbush - Elvira
       Sean Hewitt - First Soldier
       Jane Darby - Jenny

• Director:

  Robert Young

• Producer:

  Wilbur Stark

• Screen Story:

  George Baxt

• Screenwriter:

  Jud Kinberg

• Cinematographer:

  Moray Grant

• Musical Direction/Supervision:

  Philip Martell

• Composer (Music Score):

  David Whitaker

• Editor:

  Peter Musgrave

• Art Director:

  Scott MacGregor

• Special Effects:

  Les Bowie

• Short Story Author:

  Wilbur Stark