Torture Garden (Standard Edition)

Loved this film, one of the oldies.

The second anthology movie from Amicus finally gets a UK BD release... and Indicator have definately pulled out all the stops!! Fantastic presentation of both the original theatrical release as well as the slightly longer extended tv version. Picture and sound are top notch. You get a really informative limited edition booklet delving into the making of the feature and rarely seen pictures from the press release material... the gimmicks used to promote the movie back in 1968 are hilarious! Also comes with a reversible sleeve with alternate artwork.Some good extra bonus material included too, with interviews ect. Best of the special features is the 1995 interview on stage with the legendary Freddie Francis talking about his output over the years.Overall, another fantastic blu-ray release from Indicator, giving us a definitive version of this classic horror. Here's hoping they can gain the rights for some more Amicus anthologys such as Asylum and The House That Dripped Blood 😁 10/10

Although I have previously seen (and liked) other Amicus portmanteaus like Tales from the Crypt, From Beyond the Grave and The House That Dripped Blood, this one was the first time watch for me. The framing story has a leering Burgess Meredith as Dr. Diabolo, the sinister carnival showman who promises to show a motley group of people a glimpse into their possible fate. Each person has their own little story - A man who meets a diabolical cat, a girl that discovers the scary truth behind her Hollywood idols, a sentient piano that claims its musician, a man with an obsession for Poe memorabilia. While most of the tales aren't by themselves grippers (unlike the masterful Dead of Night anthology), they're decent enough to sit through, and the Poe segment is given an additional lift by the welcome presence of Peter Cushing. Jack Palance is a really odd fit in this kind of picture (apparently him and Meredith were taken on as contractual obligation from Columbia who was picking it up for distribution in America). Being directed by the great cinematographer Freddie Francis, TG has several stylish and unusual shots (including a number of POV angles). On the whole a solid entry in the (mostly) British horror anthology sub-genre and a reliable standby for when you want a cozy comforting watch. While not in the same league as their most remarkable releases (like 10 Rillington Place), Indicator gives a decent A/V presentation for TG. Colors are muted but stable and the mono sound is clear, optional English SDH subs available.I also watched all the video extras on the Torture Garden blu-ray. The biggest if of course the Guardian Interview with Freddie Francis. Freddie is a charming person with a sense of humor. It was disappointing to hear that he doesn't have any special affinity towards horror as a genre and doesn't watch horror films as such (considering that a lot of his output as a director happened here), but he had some interesting memories of his time with Hammer and Amicus, and his work with David Lynch. The other substantial extra is the half-hour dissection of Torture Garden by Kim Newman, done with his characteristic enthusiasm and flair, in which he briefly touches on the history of Amicus, Freddie Francis and Robert Bloch, and gives his affectionate but also hole-poking opinion of the various segments of the film. Fiona Subotsky had a short interview (sub-10min) in which she spoke about Milton Subotsky and his enthusiasm for his film work, especially being on the lookout for adaptable stories and working on screenplays. Ramsey Campbell talks a bit about the work of Robert Bloch and his association with Amicus.

Torture Garden is one of Amicus films first anthology efforts and the end results are - could do better.There are 4 stories here, all flicker with some delight but all have weak points or just go plain silly.Our guide is played by the excellent Burgess Meredith who in all fairness absolutely steals the show here.Indeed Meredith seems right in his element here.The first story is a bit of a yawn if not a little eerie, involving withcraft, money and a thinking cat that prefers human heads to whiskers. Personally I do like the quite frankly over the top second story involving a desperate actress trying to make it to the top in Hollywood. Feels like it came straight out of a Twilight Zone episode, but I like the feel for this one.Next up is a jealous piano, yes you heard that right. I couldn't really get on with this.Perhaps the best is saved for last. Peter Cushing and Jack Palance co starring in an episode about who has the bigger collection of Edgar Allen Poe. The climax is a little far fetched, but seeing these two greats share screen time is good enough.All in all Torture Garden isn't that tortoureous but it isn't as good as later Amicus offerings.

One of Amicus best thrillers in my opinionnow gets new respect from U.K. powerhouse films a new 1:85:1 HD transfer & new 2.0 master stereo mixand for the first time on blu-ray the Extended tv version which runs at 100min, the Theatrical cut is 93minboth versions get new HD transfersand new extras new interviews with Fiona subotsky (wife of Amicus producer Milton subotsky)new interview with writer Rober Bloch, lengthy archival interview with Freddie francis- 77minsand few other interviewsplus original Theatrical trailer in HD qualityplus exclusive booklet on the making of the film plus this new blu-ray reissue is ABC coded so it'l work for U.S. fans aswell5 stars for this new blu-ray reissue worth the money for sure

The worst Amicus by quite some margin, but completists (like me) will need to have it and should take advantage of this excellent price. I paid quite a bit more. Edit: in just 5 days the cheapest new price has gone from £3.95 to £27.99, which rather confirms what I said - when you see these things at a good price, don't hesitate, buy immediately! 2nd edit - my mistake, it's the Region 1 version that's cheap, and still is. General principle still applies though.