“Get ready for five chilling tales of terror starring the master of horror Vincent Price!”
The newest addition to the Vincent Price Collection hits shelves today in a fantastic four-disc set packed full of extras. Scream Factory has put together a very diverse selection of Vincent Price classics that is sure to excite fans!
These films include:
Master of the World
The more science-fiction oriented film of the set, this film is based on two Jules Verne stories in which a group of people are held against their will aboard an airship by a man named Robur (Vincent Price), who vows to bring peace to the world by threatening to destroy any nation refusing to disarm.
With a screenplay written by Richard Matheson, this fantastical story explores the question of violence and if the ends justify the means. Matheson’s script maintains that sense of wonder from Jules Verne, and certainly brings moments of levity to a story with such heavy undertones. Vincent Price is perfectly cast as Robur, who truly believes that his quest is a noble one, no matter what the cost.
As far as Special Features are concerned, Scream Factory went all out for this one. You’re going to get:
NEW High-Definition Master From The Interpositive Film Element
NEW Stereo Soundtrack Created From The Original 4-Track Mag
NEW Audio Commentary With Actor David Frankham
NEW Richard Matheson: Storyteller – Extended Cut (72 Minutes)
Theatrical Trailer
Posters, Lobby Cards And Behind-The-Scenes Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery Of Images From David Frankham’s Personal Collection
Video
Master of the World is presented in 1080p 1.85:1. The new transfer brings new life to such an obscure film, making it look better than it ever has before. The source print does have issues, unfortunately, with heavy scratches throughout, and jittery video at times.
Audio
The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 sounds great, with a fantastic score.
Tower of London
Vincent Price plays Richard III, who descends into madness on his quest for the throne as those he murders comes back to haunt him. Here’s a clip from Scream Factory:
The most interesting thing about this set is the diverse bunch of films that are put together. Tower of London proves that Vincent Price is not simply the master of suspense and horror, but a classically trained actor with the range to play some of the most tortured and complicated characters in literary history.
This film may not bring the spooks and thrills most Vincent Price fans are used to, but it is entertaining from beginning to end, with a commanding performance by Price.
Special Features include:
NEW High-Definition Master From A Fine Grain Film Print
NEW Interview With Director Roger Corman
Producing Tower Of London – An Interview With Producer Gene Corman
Two Episodes Of Science Fiction Theatre (1956): “One Thousand Eyes” And “Operation Flypaper” Both Starring Vincent Price (In Standard Definition)
Posters, Lobby Cards And Behind-The-Scenes Photo Gallery
Theatrical Trailer
Video
Tower of London is presented in 1080p 1.66:1. This transfer looks astonishing, very clear and detailed with little to no defects noticed.
Audio
The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono does the job, with haunting dialogue and score.
Diary of a Madman
More in the vein what most fans are used to, Diary of a Madman is told from the grave by Magistrate Simon Cordier (Vincent Price). In his diary, he tells a chilling tale of otherworldly beings who control men in order to do evil things.
Vincent Price and Nancy Kovack have great chemistry on screen. Price plays a typically tortured individual whose transformation on screen is mesmerizing.
Special Features include:
NEW High-Definition Master From The Interpositive Film Element
NEW Audio Commentary With Film Historian And Author Steve Haberman
Theatrical Trailer
Poster And Lobby Card Gallery
Video
Diary of a Madman is presented in 1080p 1.66:1. The source print has a few noticeable defects, but in otherwise great shape for the age.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. The soundtrack sounds fine, with some really cool and haunting effects.
An Evening of Edgar Allen Poe
The odd-man out of the bunch, this is quite different from everything else on the set, but perhaps one of the most interesting; Vincent Price telling stories by Edgar Allen Poe on stage in character. Here’s a clip from Scream Factory:
No stranger to Poe, Price delivers a performance I can only describe as visceral, without the glamour and distractions of movie magic. Price just acts, and acts well. Truly something to behold.
Special Features include:
NEW Master Created From The Original 2″ Tape Masters
NEW Audio Commentary With Film Historian And Author Steve Haberman
NEW Interview With Writer/Producer/Director Kenneth Johnson
Behind-The-Scenes Photo Gallery
Theatrical Trailer
Video
This feature is presented in standard definition 1.33:1. It’s not supposed to look grand, so suspend your disappointment for 53 minutes and just watch a master at work.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono.
Cry of the Banshee
The last film in our set follows Lord Edward Whitman (Vincent Price) who is obsessed with cleansing the land of those who practice witchcraft. The weakest one of the set, this film has some pretty despicable characters with no one to really root for. Vinent Price’s performance is the only thing worth note, as well as the gobs of extras.
Special Features include:
NEW High-Definition Master Of The Director’s Cut From The Interpositive Film Element
NEW High-Definition Master Of The American International Pictures Cut From The Only Surviving Element, A Color Reversal Intermediate
NEW Audio Commentary With Film Historian And Author Steve Haberman (Director’s Cut)
A Devilish Tale Of Poe – An Interview With Director Gordon Hessler
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spot
Radio Spot
Posters, Lobby Cards And Behind-The-Scenes Photo Gallery
The entire set also includes a 12 page book with rare photos, and some amazing art work created by the talented Joel Robinson, who does many titles for Scream Factory.
Scream Factory really has gone above and beyond with this set. They treat each film with untold respect, giving it the best possible treatment. Fans of Vincent Price shouldn’t hesitate to pick this up, as the first volume is already out of print and insanely expensive. Hopefully, this set will find a new generation and ensure the legacy of the master of horror, Vincent Price!
