The Skull Finally On DVD

**Matt Gemmell** · 19th March 2008, 02:43 PM

One of my favourite Lee/Cushing movies, The Skull, is heading to DVD this summer and about time too.
Classic Horror Films website are reporting the news which, although not official, appears to be happening very shortly.
Serial is also due for a release from the same company.
Region 1 only for both movies.
If you don't have a region free DVD player get a move on as you won't want to miss these releases.

THE SKULL, ZPG, other Paramount classics coming June 3 - Classic Horror on DVD - Classic Horror in Other Media - Classic Horror Film Board - Message Board - Yuku

**Joakim Lundberg** · 19th March 2008, 11:24 PM

Finaly. I've seen clips of it on tv but not the whole film. Better make a space for it in my shelf.

**Steve Thompson** · 21st March 2008, 01:03 PM

I think I shall have to add this to my collection as soon as it is available.
Thanks Matt.

**Martin Lewis** · 10th May 2008, 03:15 PM

A decent DVD version is far overdue, my old VHS is well past it's sell by date, The Skull is probably the most succesful in terms of it's artistry of any Amicus non portmanteu film, credit really going to Freddie Francis and his imaginative use of camera.

I read somewhere that Freddie actually donned roller skates for some of the more fluid hand held sequences, it may be but an urban legend of sorts, but i'd love it to be true.

**Stephen Welbourn** · 10th May 2008, 08:52 PM

Many thanks for the info and I will add it to my collection when it appears on Region 2 DVD. I have the film on video but DVD is better.

**Jacob Remery** · 13th May 2008, 08:35 AM

The disc is out and only available for order through the company's (legend Film) website.
Welcome to Legend Films, Inc. Click on the studio films link, followed by the Sci-Fi/Horror link.
(Price includes international shipping. )
A review: The Skull

The man who could cheat death should be available this month as well. :)

**Martin Lewis** · 13th May 2008, 06:07 PM

My concern after looking at the website kindly provided by Jacob (especially after seeing the shocking cover art!!) is that this will be a budget transfer of the type that so often happens with out of copyright films, would be a real shame if this particular film, one of Amicus's real gems, was destined to be treated in a way that wouldn't give fans of the genre an opportunity to enjoy it fully.

**Jacob Remery** · 18th May 2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Lewis

My concern after looking at the website kindly provided by Jacob (especially after seeing the shocking cover art!!) is that this will be a budget transfer of the type that so often happens with out of copyright films, would be a real shame if this particular film, one of Amicus's real gems, was destined to be treated in a way that wouldn't give fans of the genre an opportunity to enjoy it fully.

I got my copy this week and i can easily say, this is a great (official) release and the transfer looks very nice.
Not as good as the transfers on the Universal Hammer Horror series release, but still very nice.

You won't be dissapointed. :)

**Isabel Alves** · 19th May 2008, 11:38 PM

I have a memory of the film " THE Skull", because I attended this when I was child... and there they are leaving some dozens of years... I will be looks at this to be seen arrives to Brazil with subtitles, otherwise I will have to acquire it of any way. Serial, that is big! I attended the film there are some years ago. I bought a VHS of Amazon, however at the same time that the film arrived at my house, my cassette video destroyed and we didn't find more who repairs this for here...

**David Clayton** · 24th May 2008, 04:45 AM

Can't wait!

**Matt Gemmell** · 28th May 2008, 12:38 PM

I finally watched this yesterday. A fantastic print from Legend Films, the movie's never looked so good. I can't wait for The Man Who Could Cheat Death

**Steve Thompson** · 28th May 2008, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Gemmell

I finally watched this yesterday. A fantastic print from Legend Films, the movie's never looked so good. I can't wait for The Man Who Could Cheat Death

SNAP!
Me too Matt. I received my copy that very morning and watched it later last night.
It's been a long, long time since I have seen it.

**Joakim Lundberg** · 30th June 2008, 09:28 AM

Recieved the film on Friday last week. Great film and a great release.
Peter Cushing is remarkble. The story is great and it gave me some chills watching it.

**Matt Gemmell** · 1st July 2008, 02:03 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.

**Laurel Erie** · 16th July 2008, 10:00 PM

Last night whene I watched this movie for the first time. I could not bealive I had not sceen it before. Beacuse it really was soo good. Beacuse of this I have been tying to find more Robert Bloch stories to read. The acting is great as allways. And a great scare.

Laurel Erie