In Stores Today: The Icons of Suspense: Hammer Films!

The Icons of Suspense Collection: Hammer Films

Releasing today is a three-disc, six film collection of some lesser known (at least to me) Hammer Films.

Here's what the box tells us:

Hammer Films made their name with monsters and vampires, but this third compilation from Columbia Pictures - all new to DVD - proves they could frighten you without them.  Topping the set is the uncut version of the futuristic classic THESE ARE THE DAMNED, directed by the legendary Joseph Losey. Peter Cushing and Andre Morrell match wits in CASH ON DEMAND. Oscar-winning cinematographer Guy Green (1947, Great Expectations) directed THE SNORKEL, about a young girl who can't convince anyone her stepfather's a murderer.  The renowned Val Guest co-wrote and directed the startling psycho-drama STOP ME BEFORE I KILL!  Kerwin Matthews finds himself in the middle of a strange mother/daughter threesome in the Jimmy Sangster-written MANIAC.  Plus, this ultimate rarity:  Cyril Frankel's astounding NEVER TAKE CANDY FROM A STRANGER, a serious, and still horrifyingly timely, chiller about a small town terrorized by an elderly child molester. You won't do better than this impeccable collection from the darkest corners of the Hammer imagination.

These films are along way from Dracula but they manage to deliver that Hammer creepy charm.   The films themselves are a bit dated, all ranging from the late 50's to the early 60's but that doesn't take away the fun that's to be had watching them.  Fans of Hammer will enjoy seeing the different types of films the company did, despite being more famous for monster flicks.

It's a great collection of suspense films that do pack some good scares and seat grabbing.

Unfortunately, squeezing six films on three discs (two for each disc) leaves no room for special features. In fact, the only feature to speak of is a trailer for each film. Really? That's the best that could be done for this?  I find it hard to believe that there were no other features suitable for a collection such as this.

My biggest complaint about this set is the packaging. They inexplicable have the three discs stacked on top of each other in one case rather than including an insert tab that could keep each disc in its own spindle. It's not that easy to get them out and if you want disc three you have to pull out discs one and two to get to it.   Surely, there are better options for packaging out there?

That nitpicking aside, it's still great to see these films released, in some cases for the first time in fifty years. It's a steal to get six great films for less than thirty bucks.

I'd say this is 100% worth a buy if only to see that Hammer was capable of doing more than monster movies.  These six films are some great examples of the suspense genre in its youth.

The Icons of Suspense Collection: Hammer Films is available now.