| Author | Message | ||
     John Llewellyn Probert (John_l_probert) Username: John_l_probert Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 88.202.210.68 |
Chums on this board will know I’m inordinately fond of this 1972 British horror picture. Those who don’t know me so well will probably wonder why as pretty much every aspect of this mostly Victorian-set production is tragic, including the titular creature – a damned soul existing in perpetual torment until it can enter the body of a dying individual and gain release from its agony when that individual dies. Robert Stephens (who always struck me as the Alan Rickman of his day) plays scientist Sir Hugo Cunningham whose ends up immortal as a result of his experiments but alone forever, the film is topped and tailed by early 70s bleakness and there’s a surprisingly good score from Bill McGuffie whose other work in the genre was the frankly awful ear-grating and inappropriate jazz he provided for ‘Corruption’. In fact that was made by pretty much the same team but you wouldn’t think it for a minute. Anyway, the reasoning I’m mentioning it now is that other fans of this movie may like to know it’s just been released on Region 1 DVD on the Hen’s Tooth label and I’m delighted to report the transfer is widescreen (2.35:1) and is the full length version at 99 minutes as opposed to the 83 minute edit that the BBC used to show. The only time I have ever seen the full version was on HTV in the late 70s and I’ve always had to put up with crappy pan and scan versions despite claims to the contrary (Anchor Bay this mean you, and it was the cut version as well you very naughty people). So for lifelong fans and for anyone who’s curious, now’s the time to get hold of another little slice of 70s BritHorror that’s close to my heart, although thanks to Lady P I no longer relate quite so closely to Sir Hugo. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Oh, I haven't seen this in years! I do remember it as being awful - that is, "awful" in the sense that it has the hammy acting, cheap sets and special effects that make me really nostalgic for these late 60s/early 70s films. They just don't make 'em like that any more - and I love 'em to bits! Corruption, too, which you mention - I'd love to see that again. Cushing plays a blinder in that one. I'll never forget the bit with the severed head in the fridge ... Ah, nostalgia!  | ||
| John Llewellyn Probert (John_l_probert) Username: John_l_probert Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 88.202.210.68 |
Caroline - are you coming to World Horror? Lady P and I are doing a stage peformance of Corruption in 10 minutes where I play all the male parts and she all the female. The show will also have props including a stunt guinea pig. | ||
| Nathaniel Tapley (Natt) Username: Natt Registered: 11-2009 Posted From: 78.149.170.133 |
The Asphyx made me and some drunken friends very happy one long-ago evening. I look forward to seeing the extra minutes... It was introduced to us with the line: "The Asphyx is on. No, 'asphyx'! We have to watch this. In silence. Pass more booze." In fact, I'm not sure we ever saw the beginning, so I'll definitely be hunting this down. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
>>Caroline - are you coming to World Horror? Lady P and I are doing a stage peformance of Corruption in 10 minutes where I play all the male parts and she all the female. The show will also have props including a stunt guinea pig.<< I certainly hope so. I'm booked for it - but I won't know until much nearer the time if I can make it there. You are kidding, of course, about Corruption in 10 minutes, aren't you?  If you're not, I hope it's not a real guinea pig as I hate cruelty to animals!  BTW I'm probably wrong as I get mixed up, but wasn't it Robert POWELL in Asphyx? | ||
| Stephen Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
I thought so too Caroline... Only seen 'The Asphyx' once on telly many years ago and have fond memories of it. Must get to see the fully restored version. | ||
| John Llewellyn Probert (John_l_probert) Username: John_l_probert Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 213.253.174.81 |
Robert Stephens AND Robert Powell star in it chaps! Caroline - it will be a special effects guinea pig! | ||
| Kate (Kathleen) Username: Kathleen Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 93.96.181.75 |
I'm likely to be the only living thing harmed during the performance. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 213.219.8.243 |
Could I play the part of the guinea pig? I have my own fur. | ||
| John Llewellyn Probert (John_l_probert) Username: John_l_probert Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 213.253.174.81 |
Well my special effects nurse has just told me she's currently experimenting with different types of balloons at home so the guinea pig bursts properly and yet is re-usable. A bit like Stan Winston's severed head effect from 'The Exterminator' But I'll remember you offered your services my friend. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 218.168.183.56 |
I'm glad it's the full version, Lord P! Mine is the Australian Umbrella release (also 99mins), and I have it at the top of my "to watch" pile along with Thirst and a few others. | ||
| John Llewellyn Probert (John_l_probert) Username: John_l_probert Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 213.253.174.81 |
Apparently the Hen's Tooth print is the same as the old Region 1 disc that was available years ago (before I had a DVD player!!!!) Thirst is great, Huw - you'll love it! | ||
| Seanmcd (Seanmcd) Username: Seanmcd Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 86.153.165.191 |
I Love 'The Asphyx' John ! I have seen it a few times and find the ending very scary and disturbing. Any horror plot involving the soul and it's immortality disturbs me. I found this little British effort very Lovecraftian. | ||
| Richard_gavin (Richard_gavin) Username: Richard_gavin Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 69.157.38.37 |
This is indeed a terrific little film. Just thinking about Amicus horror films makes me glad to be alive. |