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**Matt Gemmell** · 1st July 2008, 03:03 PM

Thought I’d throw my two pennies worth in regarding the new DVD release of The Skull.

Amicus may have been better known for their anthology films but this Robert Bloch tale certainly shows that they were more than capable when it came to conventional movie making.

The finished product may look and feel like a Hammer film. It’s easy to make that mistake as the film is directed by Hammer stalwart Freddie Francis and stars the greatest pairing in horror movie history Peter Cushing & Christopher Lee.

Although the film is undeniably a tour de force from Cushing, Lee does remarkably well with his cameo appearance. He may only be on screen in a few scenes but they are pivotal to the plot and no one else would have been so memorable in the part.
His haunted expression at the auction when he bids for the demonic figures is right on the money and he once again shows what he can do with a look or gesture.

Cushing as usual exudes star quality and makes you believe that a disembodied skull can fly, even when you can see the wires. His descent into madness is entirely credible and he is ably supported by Patrick Wymark in super sleazy mode.

As a director Francis was competent rather than inspired. The Skull is his most accomplished effort and gives him a chance to show a touch of flair especially in the nightmare sequences. This is in no doubt due to his skill as a director of photography.

My previous copy of The Skull was recorded on VHS from the good old BBC. To see it in its correct ratio on DVD with a clean image and crisp sound is a joy to behold.
Even though it’s a tale that could easily have been told in a 30 min Twilight Zone Francis, Cushing, Lee & the rest of the cast & crew give it that special something.

Another example of a classic bygone era in British Horror and one that deserves a place in your collection.

1st July 2008, 03:03 PM	#14 (permalink)
Matt Gemmell Ultimate Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Scotland Age: 45 Posts: 1,039 Rep Power: 0	Re: The Skull Finally On DVD Thought I’d throw my two pennies worth in regarding the new DVD release of The Skull. Amicus may have been better known for their anthology films but this Robert Bloch tale certainly shows that they were more than capable when it came to conventional movie making. The finished product may look and feel like a Hammer film. It’s easy to make that mistake as the film is directed by Hammer stalwart Freddie Francis and stars the greatest pairing in horror movie history Peter Cushing & Christopher Lee. Although the film is undeniably a tour de force from Cushing, Lee does remarkably well with his cameo appearance. He may only be on screen in a few scenes but they are pivotal to the plot and no one else would have been so memorable in the part. His haunted expression at the auction when he bids for the demonic figures is right on the money and he once again shows what he can do with a look or gesture. Cushing as usual exudes star quality and makes you believe that a disembodied skull can fly, even when you can see the wires. His descent into madness is entirely credible and he is ably supported by Patrick Wymark in super sleazy mode. As a director Francis was competent rather than inspired. The Skull is his most accomplished effort and gives him a chance to show a touch of flair especially in the nightmare sequences. This is in no doubt due to his skill as a director of photography. My previous copy of The Skull was recorded on VHS from the good old BBC. To see it in its correct ratio on DVD with a clean image and crisp sound is a joy to behold. Even though it’s a tale that could easily have been told in a 30 min Twilight Zone Francis, Cushing, Lee & the rest of the cast & crew give it that special something. Another example of a classic bygone era in British Horror and one that deserves a place in your collection.