Product Description
-------------------
The Skull teams up horror legends Peter Cushing and Christopher
Lee in a chilling, supernatural tale of murder from beyond the
grave. Based on a short story by Robert Bloch (Psycho), The Skull
introduces us to Dr. Christopher Maitland (Cushing), a collector
of the occult. When he is given the rtunity to purchase one
of the infamous Marquis de Sade, he leaps at the chance. What he
doesn't know is that his friend, Matthew Phillips (Lee) is the
former owner of the skull - and quite happy to be rid of it.
Possession of the Skull leads to a terrifying series of
nightmarish events for Dr. Maitland as he tries to keep control
of his life, and as the forces of unspeakable evil bear down upon
him.
Review
------
Legend Films has recently acquired a number of Para catalog
titles to distribute on DVD, including a a handful of
long-awaited genre titles. A much wanted crown jewel for horror
fans (especially lovers of anything British and/or Peter Cushing
and Christopher Lee), The Skull has mostly been viewed in badly
panned and scanned transfers which totally detract from the
filmmakers intentions. Now it s time to toss out your old VHS
copies, because The Skull has finally arrived on DVD in all its
widescreen glory!
In 19th century France, a phrenologist (Maurice Good) acquires
the skull of the Marquis de Sade, giving it a bath of to
remove any skin or remains. Believing the skull might answer some
questions about de Sade s madness, the phrenologist is soon
brutally murdered, with the same e brought upon anyone who
comes across the evil object. In present day (1965) England,
researcher and collector Christopher Maitland (Peter Cushing) is
sold a human skin-bound autobiography of de Sade by a shady
dealer Marco (Patrick Wymark). When Marco returns the following
day cling that the skull he is trying to peddle is that of de
Sade, Maitland is reluctant of its authenticity. Friend and
fellow collector Sir Matthew Phillips (Christopher Lee) assures
him that it is the real deal, as it was actually stolen from him,
and he warns Maitland not to make the purchase. Maitland becomes
more and more obsessed with the skull, and it eventually comes
into his possession, but the warnings of his friend reign true;
it is pure evil, bringing on a nightmare world of violence and
cruelty.
Although Amicus would be best known for their series of
anthologies (this was the next production they made after Dr.
Terror s House of Horrors), The Skull remains one of their finest
single story outings and an exemplary 1960s genre work.
Co-producer/screenwriter Milton Subotsky adapted Robert Bloch s
eight-page story The Skull of the Marquis de Sade effectively,
and although some feel the film drags in spots, the very capable
direction of Freddie Francis shines through. Francis experience
as a cinematographer allows his imagination to flow here, with
perspective s through the skull s head. [...]
As the determined collector of the unique and unusual, Peter
Cushing is great as Maitland, and the film is one of his best
vehicles of the 1960s, as he really is the star of the show and
the story evolves around his character. Receiving guest star
billing, Cushing s cinematic mate Christopher Lee has a much
smaller role, but thankfully he shares most of his screen time
with Peter. The chemistry is undeniable, and the duo have a nice
bit where they are relaxing over a game of billiards, discussing
the Marquis de Sade s deadly cranium. [...]
The only previous home video release of The Skull came in the
1990s when Para released it on VHS in a full screen edition
in the EP mode. Legend Films DVD release looks terrific,
presenting the film in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio with
anamorphic enhancement. It s a pleasure to finally see the
compositions the way they were meant to be seen, and colors look
excellent, with good tones, and there is plenty of detail to
the image. The print source is also very clean, with only some
printed-on dirt on scenes with opticals. The mono English audio
track is also impressive, with clear dialog and music. An
original theatrical trailer (in 1.85:1 anamorphic) is a pleasant
surprise, as there s no mention of it on the back cover. --George
R. Reis of DVDDrive-In.com
