Although 1976's TO THE DEVIL...A DAUGHTER was Hammer's last horror film, it wasn't quite their swansong in the genre as, five years later, various Hammer personnel were brought together for this ITC anthology series.

Since then, HAMMER HOUSE OF HORROR has had a pretty low profile in the UK. Episodes of the inferior follow-up, HAMMER HOUSE OF MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE occasionally pop up as late-night movies, but the original series seems to have disappeared almost without trace. Fortunately, Carlton's DVD set allows us to enjoy it once again.

Apparently, the thirteen episodes aren't presented in their original broadcast order, but since it's an anthology series that doesn't really matter. In any case, one advantage DVD has over video is that the episodes can be watched in any order.

Like all anthology series, the quality is variable. However, the likes of THE SILENT SCREAM, THE TWO FACES OF EVIL and THE MARK OF SATAN more than outweigh the odd episode, such as VISITOR FROM THE GRAVE, that falls slightly short of expectations. Interestingly, the sleeve notes for this episode are completely wrong, almost as if the writer made a deliberate attempt to hide the story's obviousness.

The episodes cover a wide spectrum although, given Hammer's past, it's slightly surprising that there's no sign of a vampire tale. Instead, we get werewolves, cannabalism, voodoo, satanism and witchcraft. Most end on a downbeat note, although some of the twists at the end are a bit obvious.

However, this doesn't detract too much, especially as the acting is often of a very high standard. Hammer veteran Peter Cushing (as a pet shop owner in THE SILENT SCREAM) is clearly the most bankable horror name here, but there are also good performances from the likes of Denholm Elliot (who plays a lecherous estate agent in RUDE AWAKENING), Brian Cox (as a prisoner who has been befriended by Cushing) and Diana Dors (as the mother of a mysterious brood of children in CHILDREN OF THE FULL MOON).

They're joined by a whole host of stars who are best known for starring in various British sci-fi/fantasy series, including Brian Croucher, Paul Darrow and Gareth Thomas from BLAKES 7 and Celia Gregory and Ian McCulloch from SURVIVORS. It's always fun spotting familiar names in early roles, and Bond fans can catch a young Pierce Brosnan's first appearance.

Many of Hammer's later films threw in some female flesh in order to keep the punters interested, and there are a fair few topless scenes here, especially in the early episodes. Later episodes reduce the flesh content, but there's still the likes of Suzanne Danielle, Rosalyn Landor, Barbara Kellerman and the aforementioned Gregory to enjoy.

Picture and sound quality is good for a series that's over 20 years old, although extras are limited to cast biographies and a stills gallery on each disc. This contains some interesting promotional material, but you're better off watching the episodes first as it does contain a few spoilers.

However, it's the episodes themselves that are the main thing, and these make this boxed set a cracking addition to any DVD collection. It's also worth mentioning that it's often discounted to £19.99 in HMV, which makes it even better value for money. BACK TO THE TOP

HAMMER HOUSE OF HORROR
VOLUMES ONE AND TWO

Writen by DAVIS LLOYD,
FRANCIS ESSEX, RANALD GRAHAM,
DON SHAW, ANTHONY READ,
JOHN ELDER, GERALD SAVROY,
BERNIE COOPER & FRANCIS MEGAHY,
MURRAY SMITH, DAVID FISHER,
NICHOLAS PALMER

Directed by TOM CLEGG, ALAN GIBSON,
DON LEAVER, PETER SASDY,
ROBERT YOUNG, FRANCIS MEGAHY,
DON SHARP

CARLTON VIDEO

REGION 2 DVD (CERT. 15)


RATING: 8/10