Studio Canal in the UK has released a new 4K restoration Blu ray of the Roger Corman classic The Masque of the Red Death and fans of the film should be very happy with the result.
Vincent Price stars as evil Prince Prospero who sells his soul to the devil and then enjoys the latter’s patronage by living the most decadent and lavish lifestyle he can manage. He gets more and more pleasure from the perverse satisfaction he takes in seeing his impoverished subjects fall victim to a painful and devastating plague that is sweeping the land.
Based on the short stories of Edgar Allen Poe this is one of Roger Corman’s most lavish and colourful productions and this new remaster shows it off beautifully, especially the cinematography from Nicholas Roeg.
Colours are really bold, blacks are solid and this has probably never looked better. Audio is clear and original mono DTS. You can see star Vincent Price is having a great time playing this role and is supported greatly by the rest of the cast which includes Hazel Court, Jane Asher and Patrick Magee.
The film was censored on its original USA release, and you have two versions on this set, the restored extended cut and theatrical released cut.
Extras are good and include the following –
- Audio Commentary With Kim Newman and Sean Hogan
- Roger Corman: In Conversation with Kim Newman at The BFI
- Colour and Censorship in The Masque of The Red Death – Interview With Keith Johnston
- Booklet written by film preservationist Tessa Idelwine
- Behind The Scenes Stills Gallery
- Set of Art Cards
A great release with a fantastic new transfer
FILM : 7 PICTURE : 9 AUDIO : 7 EXTRAS : 8
