Hammer Films, who re-defined horror films in the 1950's and early 1960's, confirm they have teamed up with international distribution and production partners to restore its classic library, for release on Blu-ray and other 'future media formats'.
The first title to be restored is the 1966 feature, "Dracula Prince of Darkness", starring Christopher Lee, to be released in conjunction with Studiocanal, March 2012.
Other titles to be restored and released this year include, "The Reptile", "The Plague of The Zombies", "The Devil Rides Out', "Rasputin the Mad Monk" and "The Mummy’s Shroud".
Hammer said it will also be releasing 'definitive versions' of "The Curse of Frankenstein" and "Horror of Dracula".
"Our decision to restore some of Hammer’s most famous titles not only allows existing fans to experience the films again in high definition, but also encourages a new global audience to discover Hammer for the first time", said Hammer CEO Simon Oakes.
"We have a busy year ahead but confident our Blu-ray plans will ensure Hammer’s legacy will live on for generations to come..."
As well as featuring a fully-restored HD picture and restored sound, the remastered films will also include 'extras' produced by Hammer expert/historian Marcus Hearn.
Pinewood Studios UK carried out the restoration of the first three Studiocanal titles after housing the original negatives for the films, including restoring the original UK title sequence to "The Plague of The Zombies" as well as UK title cards to "Dracula Prince of Darkness".
Recently-discovered footage that was originally cut from the British version of "Dracula Prince Of Darkness" has also been restored, with Hammer now keen to locate further lost scenes and on-set footage, for all of their films.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Dracula Prince Of Darkness"...
Hammer Films, who re-defined horror films in the 1950's and early 1960's, confirm they have teamed up with international distribution and production partners to restore its classic library, for release on Blu-ray and other 'future media formats'.
The first title to be restored is the 1966 feature, "Dracula Prince of Darkness", starring Christopher Lee, to be released in conjunction with Studiocanal, March 2012.
Other titles to be restored and released this year include, "The Reptile", "The Plague of The Zombies", "The Devil Rides Out', "Rasputin the Mad Monk" and "The Mummy’s Shroud".
Hammer said it will also be releasing 'definitive versions' of "The Curse of Frankenstein" and "Horror of Dracula".
"Our decision to restore some of Hammer’s most famous titles not only allows existing fans to experience the films again in high definition, but also encourages a new global audience to discover Hammer for the first time", said Hammer CEO Simon Oakes.
"We have a busy year ahead but confident our Blu-ray plans will ensure Hammer’s legacy will live on for generations to come..."
As well as featuring a fully-restored HD picture and restored sound, the remastered films will also include 'extras' produced by Hammer expert/historian Marcus Hearn.
Pinewood Studios UK carried out the restoration of the first three Studiocanal titles after housing the original negatives for the films, including restoring the original UK title sequence to "The Plague of The Zombies" as well as UK title cards to "Dracula Prince of Darkness".
Recently-discovered footage that was originally cut from the British version of "Dracula Prince Of Darkness" has also been restored, with Hammer now keen to locate further lost scenes and on-set footage, for all of their films.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Dracula Prince Of Darkness"...