This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcase + slipcover combo (designed by Luke Insect) was limited to 5,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the packaging and 40-page book.
British cinema has long cemented its legacy of producing creative thrillers, often infusing macabre twists with a wry sense of cynical humor. By the early 1970s, the British film industry had become more daring in subject matter while still relying on the consummate technical professionalism that helped establish it as a leading force in the medium. Presented here are a trio of rarely-seen murder thrillers and mysteries that showcase the types of independent and transgressive work coming out of Britain in the first half of the decade, all of which have been newly restored by Vinegar Syndrome for this release.
Showcasing the beautiful yet under-filmed region of Cornwall, the Giallo-esque CRUCIBLE OF TERROR (1971) by director Ted Hooker finds a group of hippyish youths staying at the seaside home of a reclusive and mysterious sculptor. Their holiday fun is short-lived as they begin falling prey to a vicious mystery killer who’s determined to protect a deadly secret hidden deep in the cliffside caverns. Taking visual cues from Italian horror and displaying a surprising amount of horrible bloodshed, this long-overlooked whodunit is a precursor to the soon-to-be budding slasher genre.
When a young woman is slain by a trench coat-wearing and razor-wielding killer, there’s no shortage of suspects, including her twin sister, boyfriend, and plentiful shady acquaintances. As the mystery unfolds and more people vanish or are murdered, a detective begins to suspect that the crimes might be connected to a prized stamp. A slow-burn hybrid of murder mystery and crime caper directed by acclaimed cinematographer Jack Cardiff, PENNY GOLD (1973) offers twist after twist, leading to a murder-fueled final act, sure to leave one guessing who the real killer is until the end titles.
By day, Neal Mottram operates an unassuming antique shop, while at night, he is the high priest of a small cult worshipping the idol Chuku. After accidentally killing one of his fellow worshipers, Neal offers Chuku her body as a sacrifice, shortly after which he finds himself bestowed with good fortune. Believing that the idol is responsible for his luck, Neal finds more sacrificial victims. Anchored by a memorably unhinged starring performance by Jack Palace, director Freddie Francis’ blending of occult horror and police thriller CRAZE (1974) remains an overlooked gem in the oeuvre of famed producer Herman Cohen.
directed by: Ted Hooker, Jack Cardiff, Freddie Francis starring: Mike Raven, James Bolam, Mary Maude, James Booth, Francesca Annis, Jack Palance, Diana Dors, Julie Ege 1971-1974 / 276 min (combined) / 1.85:1 / English Mono
Additional info:
2-disc Region Free Blu-ray Set
PENNY GOLD and CRAZE scanned and restored in 4K from their 35mm original camera negatives
CRUCIBLE OF TERROR scanned and restored in 2K from a 35mm vault positive
Commentary track with writers/film critics Kim Newman and Stephen Jones for CRUCIBLE OF TERROR
Commentary track with writers/film critics Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw for PENNY GOLD
Commentary track with writers/film critics Kim Newman and Stephen Jones for CRAZE
Commentary track with filmmaker David DeCoteau and historian David Del Valle for CRAZE
Happy Gatherings (10 min) - an interview with Judy Matheson, actress in CRUCIBLE OF TERROR
In for a Pound (11 min) - an interview with Richard Heffer, actor in PENNY GOLD
Archival career-spanning interview with Michael Jayston, actor in CRAZE (50 min)
Inside sleeve artwork
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.728261 / 5 from 184 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
This limited edition Blu-ray set of British thrillers offers a collection of rarely-seen films, each with excellent transfers and high-quality packaging. Customers appreciate the unique selection of films, the great artwork, and the overall quality of the release. The set includes a hard slipcase, slipcover, a 40-page book, and is limited to 5,000 units.
Summary topics
Film Features (7%): It was noted by customers that the features of the triple feature set were great and enjoyable to watch.
Film Collection (11%): It was observed by customers that the collection is great and enjoyable, with a fabulous collection of lesser appreciated films.
Craze Film (13%): It was observed by customers that the movie with Jack Palance in one role is highly recommended.
Video Transfer Quality (14%): It was observed by customers that the transfer on crucible of terror was excellent and highly recommended.
Overall Release Quality (12%): Customers expressed satisfaction with the release, describing it as excellent and one of the more underrated VS releases of recent months.
"Triple feature with great craziness, thrills, kills and performances!" — Martin S.
"The hard box is great and the transfers of all three films look great." — Dennis B.
"One of my favorite Blu-ray releases of 2024 and needless to say the usual beautiful VS transfers and terrific extras." — George R.
Reviews
Triple Threat Greatness!!!!
"Absolutely great collection of three rare 1970s gems, all looking fantastic! Vinegar Syndrome knocks it out of the park once again with their loving treatment of these little seen thrillers. A+++"
— Jay S. (5/5)
A trio of '70s British chillers, presented lovingly
"The exceptional hard cover is a sight to behold, the visual presentation amazing too. We got 2 horror films here and 1 thriller with quite some name actors (Francesca Annis, James Booth, Jack Palance,. . . ) which means that in the acting department you can't fault any of these films. They are released uncut here too, meaning that especially Crucible Of Terror is nastier than what you expect normally from British films."
— Tim V. (5/5)
Three Oddities, for Sure
"Wading beyond the familiar contemporary work in the horror genre by Hammer, Amicus, and Tigon, you find yourself looking at some very British and very unusual offerings. While I would hesitate to give any of these movies a recommendation, they have a distinct air to ‘em that makes this set a definite curio."
— David L. (4/5)
Cruel Britannia
"The Italians do it better, but all 3 films are decent rainy Sunday afternoon time-fillers. Jack Palance is always worth a watch, and he totally owns it here. Typically solid transfers and gorgeous packaging."
— Barb M. (3/5)
Mixed bag but overall great
"Good mix of weirdness from the UK. All fun watches though there is for sure a standout (Craze). Good buy!"
— Austin A. (4/5)
Trio of Terror
"I have only watched CRUCIBLE OF TERROR so far but it's worth the price of admission alone. Thanks for making this set!"
— Jason A. (4/5)
Nice set!
"Good movies, attractive packaging, worth the buy!"
— Jason H. (5/5)
Lovely release
"Very stunning boxset release with 3 overall very well UK killer thrillers!"
— jonas R. (4/5)
Great release
"A really nice boxset. . . a nice selection of movies Great picture quality and special features too Nice packaging too"
— Ragnar T. (5/5)
More than the sum of its parts
"This release is a bit like the Lost Picture Show set in that it's more interesting for the general vibe it presents than any individual film. Aside from CRAZE, these aren't movies that'd stand up well as solo releases. But as a triple feature it's a cool hang. CRAZE, the indisputable main attraction, has bisexual Jack Palance doin' black magic murders while Michael Jayston pursues him like a Brit spin on Columbo (he even says "just one more thing"!). And backed up by a deep bench of great UK actors. . . hey, this is my comfort food, man. Runs out of steam a bit in the predictable last 20 minutes, but still a lot of fun and it's kinda incredible seeing Palance playing this kind of character in 1974. CRUCIBLE OF TERROR's a bizarrely-plotted Cornish slasher with Toht from RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and Mike Raven (the Temu Christopher Lee). PENNY GOLD's a crime flick that stars Francesa Annis and Ernie from TWIN PEAKS and plays out in the shadow of Windsor Castle. Honestly. . . both are more interesting as a glimpse of their time and place than what they're supposed to be. Not an essential set, but I dug it."
— Paul H. (4/5)
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