05 Nov 07

Count Dracula is dead and well and appearing at a cinema near you just in time for Halloween!

Christopher Lee’s version of the Lord of the Undead can be seen again from this weekend as the 1958 Hammer version of Dracula is released in potentially more than 200 cinemas across the country in a brand-new digitally restored print.

This new version will bring Hammer Horror to a whole new audience as well as rekindling frighteningly fond memories in those who have enjoyed Hammer’s unique brand of thrilling horror over the years. Hammer Horror is 50 years old this year and the release of Dracula is just one in a number of events aimed at reinforcing the profile of this classic British brand.

Veteran Hammer director Jimmy Sangster is due to appear with Jonathan Ross, The Today Show, and Newsnight in Halloween week as part of the celebration.

Says Coolabi Head of Licensing Janet Woodward: “The re-release of Dracula and the amount of media activity this week is proof if any were needed that Hammer’s profile continues to rise.”

Halloween is one of the busiest periods of the year for Hammer; it’s the time when so many of us want to go out dressed as our favourite Hammer character.

The Hammer Horror costume and mask line from Smiffy’s means fans can re-enact the exploits of Britain’s iconic movie monsters and scare their friends as well. The costume line includes Count Dracula – and Countess Dracula for the ladies – as well as Frankenstein’s Creature, the Werewolf, and The Mummy. There are masks for all five characters as well as accessories including Frankenstein shackles, a Dracula medallion, and Count Dracula make-up to make sure your lips match your bloodshot eyes.

Smiffy’s Chairman Ray Peckett says “We are thrilled to be the official licensee for the Hammer House of Horror costume, wig and accessory range which has been extremely well received by our customers. Halloween is our busiest time of year and the Hammer costumes are the ultimate Halloween line!”

Other new Hammer licences include a range of classic Hammer film posters from Posters and Stuff. There are twelve posters in the series, each of them a reproduction of the original poster for one of Britain’s best-loved horror films. The series begins this year with The Curse of Frankenstein to mark the 50th anniversary of Hammer Horror and ends in 2008 with Dracula.

The posters are litho printed in the UK on 170gsm paper and come in the original quad size of 30” x 40” which is seldom available in modern posters. Each title in the series has been scanned from an original poster at a very high resolution. They are then digitally restored. All the creases and fold marks are removed along with any other visible defects such as pin holes, tears, or dirty marks.

Britannia Games, which had a huge hit with its interactive Hammer DVD game Forbidden Terrortory, is launching another game – Vampire Terrortory – featuring more classic Hammer characters in time for Christmas.

All of the details of the 50th anniversary celebrations and Hammer merchandise are on the official website at www.hammerfilms.com

Links: Hammer, Hammer official website