A
special new edition of the Douglas Hickox’s cult horror film drama « Theatre
of Blood » (1973) is now available.
This is a complete restored version of the movie from a new 35mm interpositive
and a restored mono optical soundtrack negative produced by MGM. The result is
magnificent !!!
A unconventional classic « horror
movie »
In
1972, United Artists and the producers John Kohn and Stanley Mann choose Douglas
Hickox (1929 / 1988- « Sitting Target » (1972)
« Brannigan » (1975) and « Zulu Dawn » (1979)…) to direct
the movie Theatre of Blood. The team production was joined by two executive
producers Gustave Berne and Sam Jaffe.
The
cast team was very impressive : « Vincent Price, Diana Rigg, Ian
Hendry, Harry Andrews, Robert Morley, Diana Dors, Madeline Smith, Milo O’Shea,
Eric Sykes… » The original screenplay was written by Anthony Greville-Bell
(« Perfect Friday » (1970)) based on an idea by John Kohn and Stanley
Mann.
I
would not tell you the story because I prefer to keep the mystery intact for
those who have never seen this moving film. I would only say that « Theatre
of Blood » is a very special entertainement...
Main Theme from "THEATRE of BLOOD"
A composer to hire !
After
his brillant score for « The Madwoman of Chaillot » (Bryan Forbes
(1969)), the producers of « Theatre of Blood » offered to Michael J.
Lewis the opportunity to compose the music of the movie. Once again, the great
musician showed another face of his talent by writting two beautifull
melodies : « the main title » (main theme of the movie) and « Edwina’s
theme (Diana Rigg’s character) ». But above all, he succeeded in merging his
romantic music and the cruelty of the story in a very fine ability and a great
sense of humor. For me, it is a great score and brought the evidence that he is
one of the greatest film composers of his generation, like Jerry Goldmsith, John
Williams …!
The
collaboration between Lewis and Hickox worked so marvelously that they decided to
work together again on a TV film adaptation of the Arthur Conan Doyles’ novel
« The Hound of the Baskervilles » in 1983.
Michael J. Lewis
A special interview of the Maestro
In
addition to the bonus (interviews, short documentary, trailer, collector’s
booklet….) this special blu ray edition
also includes an outstanding interview by Michael J. Lewis : « A
harmony for horror ». With a lot of enthusiam and witty, the Welsh composer
remembered his collaboration with the director Douglas Hickox and the high class
actress Diana Rigg. But, above all, there is a great moment of emotion when he
plays at the piano the « main title » and the « Edwina’s theme ».
We
are very grateful to « Arrow Video » and « High Rising Production » for giving us the
opportunity to enjoy a very fine and rare moment of pure pleasure.
-------------------- : --------------------
A new short film by the Director – Composer Michael
J. Lewis
Some
months ago, the composer was kind enough to send me the link of one of his last
short movie « Great Storms of Aberystwyth » available on
YouTube.
Please
find hereunder the references of this link which, I hope, you will also enjoy :
« A Spectacular Storm at my Town in Wales »
(Great Storms of Aberystwyth – Michael J. Lewis).
The Composer
Michael J. Lewis :
Official
Web sites of Michael J. Lewis :
« Theatre
of Blood » - The Film Score by Michael J. LEWIS :
a) Promotional CD
Album of the original Score of « Theatre of Blood » by Michael J.
Lewis, (24 tracks – Stereo - Total CD Time : 54.33 minutes) ;
Link :
http://digitalmeltd0wn.blogspot.fr/2010/12/michael-j-lewis-theatre-of-blood.html).
Link :
http://digitalmeltd0wn.blogspot.fr/2010/12/michael-j-lewis-theatre-of-blood.html).
b) CD Album of
the original Score of « Theatre of Blood » by Michael J. Lewis, (15
tracks – Stereo- Total CD Time : 53.14 minutes) ; La-La Land
Records ; LLLCD 1136, 2010, Burbank, USA ;
Links :
c) Rerecording
version (5 tracks) : Double CD Album of « Orchestral Film Music of
Michael J. Lewis – The first twenty five Years (1969/1994) » by Michael J.
Lewis with the Rubdfunkorchester Berlin and the Los Angeles Ensemble ; Pen
Pinas Production, N° PD 951, 1995, USA ;
Link :
« Theatre of Blood » - The Movie by Douglas Hickox (1973) :
« Theatre
of Blood » - The Blu Ray UK Special Edition :
« Theatre
of Blood » by Douglas Hickox, 1973 / 2014, Arrow Video , Blu Ray Zone B,
Ref FC0927, Wide Screen Edition, Mono Sound, Pal, 1.66.1 / (16-9), 104 minutes,
English Language and English Substitles, 2014, UK.
Links :
Producers
of the special features (Blu Ray Special UK Edition)
http://highrisingproductions.com/home.html
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