NEWS

15 Jul 2006

"In 1950, Hammer Films, set up a deal with American Producer Robert L. Lippert to produce low-budget crime dramas to be made in the U.K. Lipper would send over a shop-worn Hollywood star or promising American newcomer to give the films box-office appeal in the states, supported by the usual fine casts of British character actors that make most British movies worth watching. This five-year arrangement produced over a dozen well-made little B-noirs that have seemed to have fallen through the film history cracks.... until now. VCI is happy to offer another look at these dark, moody pictures made by the company that became one of Britain's most prolific producers of the 1960's, many directed by Hammer's top director, Terence Fisher, cutting his teeth on mystery and suspense. "

VCI Entertainment, along with Kit Parker Films in the US, are bringing a number of rarely seen Hammer films from the pre-horror days of the company, to dvd. Many of these films are dvd debuts and are part of the Hammer Noir Collection - released 25th July 2006.

The first wave of six releases is available either as a collector's boxset (SRP: $29.99), or as three double-bill volumes (SRP: $14.99 each).

Each disc is All Region NTSC, in a 1.33:1 fullscreen ratio and comes complete with trailers. Volume One contains Bad Blonde (1953) and Man Bait (1952); Volume Two contains A Stolen Face (1952) and Blackout (1954); with Volume Three containing The Gambler and the Lady (1952) and Heat Wave (1954).

The collection can be ordered (along with further details) direct from VCI at www.vcientertainment.com