Hammer House Of Horror - Complete Collection [DVD] [1980]

I recall watching most of these shows when they were first broadcast. Although I'm not easily scared, I have to say that 'Two Faces of Evil' has remained with me ever since. It's a mini-masterpiece, played to perfection. Gary Raymond is tremendous as both the gentle dad and the monstrous doppelganger.

Other classy episodes include 'The House That Bled to Death', with a twist ending that's endlessly foreshadowed yet tremendously effective; 'Carpathian Eagle' is an entertaining feminist romp featuring the gorgeous Mrs Sam Torrance and a laughably plain and seedy Pierce Brosnan in his first screen role; 'Rude Awakening' maintains its Dead of Night recurring nightmare theme remarkably well and reminds us what a great actor we had in Denholm Elliot; 'Children of the Full Moon' is flawless from start to finish and has the added bonus of featuring the very beautiful Celia Gregory; 'The Silent Scream' is a taut little story that's fairly gripping without being particularly scary; 'The Thirteenth Reunion' is a refreshingly gruesome tale of everyday cannibals; 'Witching Hour' is reassuringly nasty with plenty of gratuitous nudity; 'Guardians of the Abyss' is intriguing enough to overcome a somewhat faltering finale and some dodgy special effects.

On the minus side, 'The Mark of Satan' never really goes anywhere - it's mildly interesting but all rather pointless; 'Charlie Boy' is funny rather than scary, as various contrived calamities befall everyone who comes into contact with the eponymous idol; 'Visitor from the Grave' features some well-known actors making fools of themselves - including 'Howard' from Ever Decreasing Circles' 'Howard & Hilda' as an attempted rapist! - and it's easily the most predictable of the whole series: so predictable, indeed, that the DVD sleeve-note writer seems to have felt compelled to get his synopsis completely wrong. 'Growing Pains' is a fairly uninspired season climax.

As with any series, we're talking about a mixed bag here, but it's well worth tolerating the odd turkey and revelling in the gems. What's particularly refreshing here is that these tales are largely downbeat in tone - they've got the courage of their convictions and carry them through to their logical conclusion. No happy endings here.

So dim the lights, draw the curtains and experience 'Two Faces of Evil' in all its glory. Believe me, you'll never pick up a hitchhiker again.

The Thirteenth Reunion

Starts like a BBC sunday night comedy drama but turns into one of the most horrific stories. Good acting, great final 10 mins to the ep.

The Carpathian Eagle

Some good acting but the sillyish story is executed badly. Some stupid plot holes and not a very inspired end.

The Guardian of the Abyss

In general some pretty good acting, and a story which gets progessively better and is quite frightening by the end. Spoiled a bit by rubbish mirror effects.

Growing Pains

Ultimately a less than satisfying ep, but it does hold your interest throughout thanks to the perfomance of the young boys and an original sub plot concerning world hunger!

The House That Bled To Death

Classic stuff, Amytiville London suburb style, and much creepier. Very believable acting even from the children. SOme memorable scenes in this one!!

The Silent Scream

Very good ep, not horror as such but extremely involving thanks to a believable story and fine acting all round (apart from the girlfriend suddenly fgoing crazy once or twice, totally out of otherwise great character!) Ending is great and not overly signposted, though not as drastic as it thinks it is!!!

Two Faces Of Evil

Quite an interesting ep. Story is a tiny bit predictable but it is done so well, thanks to the main man and the unsettling flashback structure, it is still a really enjoyable ep.

The Mark Of Satan

FANTASTIC episode! A really original plot, though it has shades of Rosemary's Baby at times! You really don't know what is going on, whicks makes you identify with lead even more. Very good acting, and a kind of shocking resolution...when the dril is reached for at the end it seems like it is the only option...scary!!

Witching Time

This starts well, and the central idea of a witch in our time is neat, but it drags on and gets too silly to care about it much. Stupid scream at the end, too!

Visitors from the Grave

DONT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THIS RUBBISH. Without doubt the worst ep, awful acting coupled with Predictable un-scary story, with shocking double pay off...not.

Rude Awakening

A very strange, original episode, with good acting, some good funny moments and though the end is slightly predictable the whole package is very entertaining.

Charlie Boy

A bit silly, all in all, but quite gruesome and nasty! Frightening looking doll adds atmosphere!

Children Of The Full Moon

Really enjoyable ep, traditional horror movie stuff, well done and with no cop out ending. It seems to drop a bit in the middle but, as with a lot of these eps, the story is one step ahead of you.

Enjoy horror? GET THIS NOW!!!!!