Plot: What’s it about?
In the peaceful English countryside, an usual disease is attacking the residents. Not only that, but strange things are happening, like open, empty graves and heck, even walking corpses! The local doctor, Peter Thompson (Brook Williams), is distressed, as he can’t seem to solve the mystery of the plague ravaging his clientele. Out of desperation, he calls upon his mentor, Sir James Forbes (Andre Morell), to help him figure this plague out. The two start searching high and low for answers, and find themselves right in the middle of a supernatural cult, who is using killing off the locals and turning them into zombies. Nothing makes me as mad as some bizarre cult taking advantage of poor zombies. Where are the slave labor laws when we need them? Anyway, will the two men be able to put an end to the cult’s activity, or will they end up like their fellow townspeople?
Another release in Anchor Bay’s Hammer Collection, this movie is a shining example of Hammer horror, fun from beginning to end. Of course, you have to enjoy horror movies to like a movie like this, but if you, you’ll be very pleased with this flick. While the make up and blood effects are a little dated by today’s standards, the film itself has aged quite well. The whole atmosphere of this movie is great, as the case is with most Hammer movies. Suspense is used more than actual scare moments, but there are some decent spooks, mainly from the zombies themselves, those devils. The walking dead don’t look to bad, but they lack the detail of more recent efforts. Still though, these undead are just as fun to watch as any, and that’s what counts.
The Plague of the Zombies is directed by John Gilling, who directed other Hammer films, The Mummy’s Shroud and The Reptile. That being said, the guy knows horror, and his style is evident through the film, with great set work and terrific camera work. The cast is decent, but really, does not match up to some other Hammer films. Worth noting are the performances of Brook Williams and Diane Clare (The Reluctant Debutante), both of whom give very good portrayals here. But stealing the show is Andre Morell (Barry Lyndon) who gives one of his better performances, and that’s saying something. Also on the cast are John Carson (Taste The Blood of Dracula), Jacqueline Pearce (The Reptile, Princess Caraboo), Alexander Davion. Now it’s time to take check and answer the question, “Should I Buy This?” Well, if you are a horror fan, you should at least rent this one, as it is a true classic. Hammer devotees will probably already have it, but if you don’t, this is a great treatment for the movie, so don’t hesitate.
Video: How does it look?
Anchor Bay has given The Plague of the Zombies a new 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. I am amazed that Hammer films are given this superb treatment, but I am pleased as punch! What does that say about Anchor Bay when they give 16X9 enhancement to Hammer films, and Paramount can’t even give people an anamorphic Titanic? I commend Anchor Bay highly, and feel they are the best studio out there for fans of horror/cult movies. Ok, now my rant is over, so let’s continue. The colors look solid, but not many bright colors are used, so don’t expect them to leap off the screen. Black levels are also top notch, with perfect detail, even in the darkest shadows. All in all, Anchor Bay has kicked down the walls and delivered the best damn disc I could ever hope for with this movie!
Audio: How does it sound?
2.0 mono is used, and used to perfection. As expected, some parts are a little worse than others, but overall a solid track. Music sounds good, but in a few places, it sounds very muddled. I was very happy with the dialogue, which is fantastic, with a nice volume and clarity level.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Included is the original theatrical trailer as well as a trailer for a double feature of this movie and “Dracula- Prince of Darkness.” Very cool to have these, and if you watch them before the movie, they set a nice mood for viewing. As with all of Anchor Bay’s Hammer releases, you get an episode of “World of Hammer,” this one being “Mummies, Werewolves, and the Living Dead.” It is filled with clips from other Hammer titles which deal with those three creatures.
