4 star restoration of a classic Lovecraftian tale.
The Dunwich horror is an American horror film, originally released in 1970. Based on the 1928 short story of the same name by H.P. Lovecraft, it is directed by Daniel Haller (Air Wolf, Street Hawk, Knight Rider) and was adapted for the screen in 1970.
It is presented here on Special Edition Blu-ray following a 2K restoration courtesy of Arrow Video.
“Yog-Sothoth is the key. And with the gate open, the Old Ones shall be, past, present and future, all are one.”
Dr. Henry Armitage (Ed Begley – 12 Angry Men, Hang ‘Em high) is a professsor at the Miskatonic University. Following a lecture on local history, he entrusts the priceless tome, The Necronomicon, to student Nancy (Sandra Dee – Gidget, Come September) to return to the library.
She is intercepted by a mysterious young man, Whilbur Whateley (Dean Stockwell – Quqntum Leap. Battlestar Galactica) who wishes to borrow the book. Swayed by his charms she agrees and when Dr. Armitage sees him, he immediately realises he is the Great grandson of Oliver Whateley, a native of the small town of Dunwich, some forty miles away.
When Wilbur misses his bus, Nancy offers to drive him to Dunwich and it is here that she sees the animosirty directed towrds him by the locals. Wilbur sabotages her car and drugs her tea, leading her to decide to stay for the weekend, but what dark secrets is this family hiding, and what’s in the room at the top of the stairs?
“Dr. Armitage, I’d like to study the Necronomicon. I’m a student of the occult and this book is like a bible.”
The Dunwich horror is a very entertaining film and beautifully restored here. It is very much of the era, with psychadelic effects and creepy electronic music to make us feel a bit otherworldly. 
Although it deviates considerably from the original story (not least the hideous Wilbur Whateley being portrayed by the handsome and charismatic Dean Stockwell) it works really well as a film and still keeps you on the edge of your seat.
A brilliant Lovecraft adaptation and lovingly restored with lots of special features, this one is well worth adding to your collection.
“They’ve been treating me that way since the day I was born. They never change. They’re still the same frightened, superstitious fools.”
The Dunwich Horror is available on Special Edition Blu-ray from 9th January 2023.
SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS
• New 2K restoration by Arrow Films from the original camera negative
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
• Original lossless mono audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• New audio commentary by Guy Adams and Alexandra Benedict, creators of the audio drama Arkham County
• The Door into Dunwich, a new conversation between film historian Stephen R. Bissette and horror author Stephen Laws in which they discuss The Dunwich Horror, Lovecraft, and their memories of seeing the film on release
• After Summer After Winter, a new interview with science fiction and fantasy writer Ruthanna Emrys, author of The Innsmouth Legacy series
• The Sound of Cosmic Terror, new interview with music historian David Huckvale in which he takes a closer look at Les Baxter’s score for The Dunwich Horror
• Theatrical trailer
• Image gallery
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Luke Preece
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by film critics Johnny Mains and Jack Sargeant
| Director | Daniel Haller |
| Author | H.P.Lovecraft |
| Genre | Horror |
| Starring | Dean Stockwell, Sandra Dee, Ed Begley, Sam Jaffe |
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