This month’s giveaway features a trio of classic 1930s horror films starring the iconic Bela Lugosi; and a new 2K restoration of an influential, genre bending horror-comedy.

The horror films Murders in the Rue MorgueThe Black Cat, and The Raven—are distinguished by a trio of factors regarding their production. Most notably, each film is based on a work by master of the macabre Edgar Allan Poe. Part of the legendary wave of horror films made by Universal Pictures in the 30s, all three feature dynamic performances from Dracula‘s Bela Lugosi, with two of them also enlivened by the appearance of Frankenstein‘s Boris Karloff. And finally, all three benefit from being rare examples of Pre-Code studio horror, their sometimes-startling depictions of sadism and shock a result of being crafted during that brief period in Hollywood before the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code’s rigid guidelines for moral content. Significant and still unsettling early works of American studio horror filmmaking, these three chillers demonstrate the enduring power of Poe’s work, and the equally continuous appeal of classic Universal horror’s two most iconic stars. Three Edgar Allan Poe Adaptations Starring Bela Lugosi is now released on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK.

One of the most genre-defining (not to mention genre-defying!) horror-comedies imaginable, and one of the key Hong Kong blockbuster hits of the 1980s, the popularity and influence of Mr. Vampire cannot be overstated. Spawning at least four sequels and countless spin-offs and imitations, this Hong Kong horror-comedy to end them all was an understandable crowd-pleasing sensation, and triggered a wave of jiangshi (“hopping vampire”) movies. Produced by the legendary Sammo Hung, the original Mr. Vampire is essential viewing for anyone interested in the 80s golden age of Hong Kong cinema.  Director Ricky Lau would go on to make several more Mr. Vampire successors, but nothing tops the original for its classic fusion of screams and laughs, and it has never looked as eye-poppingly, vampire-hoppingly beautiful as this new Blu-ray special edition.

To enter, simply follow one or more of the instructions in the box below (the more social channels you follow, the more chance you have of winning). Competition closes at 12:00 (BST) 14 August 2020. Terms and Conditions apply.

 
July 2020 Releases

Past Competitions