Pros
- Mixes some of the regular features of Hammer Horror films in with some unconventional scenes.
- 'The Reptile' is a very well made 'monster' for it's time.
Cons
- Slow start.
- Picture quality doesn't amount of much.
- Dialogue is sometimes inaudible.
- No extras.
The Film:
Hammer Film Productions was founded in London in 1934 but it wasn't until the 1950's that the studio started to get recognition. Then for three decades until it's eventual winddown in the mid-1980's, Hammer became one of the most well known studios in the history of cinema thanks to it's wide range of films including science fiction and comedy. However, it was the extremely lucrative horror market that made Hammer a well known company and in particular, gothic horror. Mainly focusing on period gothic horror and well known characters such as Dracula and Frankenstein, Hammer launched the careers of many prolific horror actors including Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing and had a huge part in what the genre has become today. There have been many imitators but all have failed to reach the same level of success.
The Reptile is a little different from your standard Hammer film in that, despite being a gothic/period style horror, Frankenstein and Dracula have no mention. Instead the story focuses on the mysterious deaths of locals in a small English village who are dying from a mysterious illness. Harry Spalding's brother has died so he and his wife decide to move into his cottage in Clagmoor Heath. It isn't long before they are being warned by the locals to move away but they go against the villagers and are adamant to stay. Things take a turn for the worse when eccentric Mad Peter dies from what the locals call the "Black Death". Eventually meeting their neighbours, Dr Franklyn and his disturbed daughter Anna, the Spaldings begin to become concerned, especially after Anna asks them for help. As the story unfolds, they learn things aren't quite what they seem at the Doctor's house, leading to an interesting ending.
Whilst a lot of the usual Hammer signatures are in the film (period dress, buxom ladies, death, terror) the move away from the more conventional gothic horror themes wasn't necessarily a good one. Whilst the second half of the film is a lot of fun, the first half takes far too long to get going and barely develops the story. The film doesn't contain a single major Hammer actor/actress but does have a lot of the regular supporting cast including Jacqueline Pierce, Noel Willman and John Laurie who do a decent job with what they have been given. Although the film doesn't contain much in the way of atmospheric music, it does boast some of the best make-up for a 'monster' in any of the Hammer films I've seen but unfortunately it doesn't save the film from being average. Recommended for Hammer fans only.
Picture:
Optimum have presented the film anamorphically at 1.78:1 though I believe the original aspect ratio to be 1.66:1. Unfortunately, despite other releases in Optimum's Hammer Collection boasting great transfers, this one is severely lacking. The picture is washed out and blacks aren't well distinguished making it barely better than VHS. Also, the opening scene seems to suffer from damage to the print (scratches?).
Audio:
The only soundtrack to be provided is the original Dolby Digital mono track in English. Like the picture, it wasn't of the highest quality and audio was occasionally distorted and inaudible. It didn't happen often but when it did, it was noticeable.
Extras:
Not a single thing.
Overall:
An average film that strives to move away from the usual Hammer sentiments, yet doesn't quite achieve it's goal. The release isn't helped by a poor disc.
