Hammer Horror: The Warner Bros. Years is an excellent look into the makings of some of Hammer's most iconic films and their relationship with Warner Bros. Studio.
In 1968, Hammer Studios were rewarded for their hard work and obvious talents with the Queen's Award to Industry. It's there that our story picks up, and we learn about Hammer's first film with Warner Bros, Dracula Has Risen From The Grave, starring Christopher Lee in the nominal role as the infamous Count.
It covers many of Hammer studios productions, and features interviews with one of Hammer's much loved beauties, Veronica Carlson, Caroline Munro, and others including film writers, critics, and historians. Also included are rare production stills, previously unseen film footage, Hammer's original shooting locations, and access to previously unpublished archive documents.
The films the two companies made together are among the most renowned in Hammer's history. Classics such as Dracula Has Risen From the Grave (1968), Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1970) and Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970) were produced alongside the Oscar-nominated epic When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth (1970), the disturbing thriller Crescendo (1970) and the bizarre sci-fi western Moon Zero Two (1969).
Later on the films became increasingly more experimental in the 1970's, challenging the perception of traditional Gothic horror with Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972), The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973) and The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974).
Hammer Horror: The Warner Bros Years is essential viewing for those that have watched, still watch, and enjoy the films that were made by a company with a passion for what they did.
Conclusion - An excellent documentary. Informative and entertaining.
Rated this 8/10
