ASYLUM - UK BD Review

ASYLUM is the second of two Amicus horror anthologies to be released from Second Sight films this month in a special limited edition Blu-Ray  (the other, The House that Dripped Blood is reviewed HERE).

This one features Robert Powell (The 39 Steps, TVs The Detectives) as the new psychiatrist at a remote lunatic asylum. But before they will give him the job, he has to interview 4 patients and try and work out which one is Dr Starr, the former head of the asylum, who has since had a breakdown. Leading us into the familiar series of short horror films that Amicus were famous for.

In the first story, "Frozen Fear", Barbara parkins (Valley of the Dolls) recounts how her lover (Richard Todd - The Dambusters) murdered his wife (Sylvia Simms - Ice Cold in Alex) so he could be with her. Only for his dead wifes body to exact a bloody revenge on them both.

"The Weird Tailor" sees Barry Morse (The Changeling) asked to make a very special suit for a discerning client. But when your client is horror veteran Peter Cushing, you just know you're in for trouble.

The third segment, "Lucy Comes to Stay" has Charlotte Rampling (Vanishing Point, TVs Dexter) claiming she has been framed for murder by her sister (Britt Eckland - The Wicker Man). But all may not be as it seems.

Lastly, "Mannikins of Horror" has Herbert Lom (the Pink Panther films), claiming to be a former Doctor, who is building a series of toy puppets which he says he will exact his revenge on the current cheif doctor.

Also starring Patrick Magee (Clockwork Orange, The Black Cat) and Geofrey Bayldon (The House that Dripped Blood, TVS Wurzel Gummidge) and writtern by Robert Bloch (Psycho), this is another gem from the Amicus stable making its  UK Blu-Ray debut and comes packed with a great selection of extras, including.

Audio Commentary with Director Roy Ward Baker and Camera Operator Neil Binney •‘Two’s a Company’: 1972 On-set BBC report featuring interviews with Producer Milton Subotsky, Director Roy Ward Baker, Actors Charlotte Rampling, James Villiers, Megs Jenkins, Art Director Tony Curtis and Production Manager Teresa Bolland •‘Screenwriter David J. Schow on Writer Robert Bloch •Fiona Subotsky Remembers Milton Subotsky
 ‘Inside The Fear Factory’ Featurette with Directors Roy Ward Baker, Freddie Francis and Producer Max J. Rosenberg •Theatrical Trailer •Reversible sleeve featuring new artwork by Graham Humphreys and original artwork
 

This being a limited edition release, also contains...
• Rigid Slipcase Featuring New Artwork by Graham Humphreys
• 40 page booklet with new essays by Allan Bryce, Jon Towlson and Kat Ellinger
• Reversible poster featuring new and original artwork 

 

ASYLUM is available now on UK Blu-Ray from Second Sight.

Buy the UK BD from Amazon.co.uk