The Film (4.5/5)

Occult writer and obsessive collector Christopher Maitland (Peter Cushing), is growing tired of the usual antiques and rare books that he finds in various auctions. He keeps trying to find the next center piece to his study. His life is soon shaken up when a sleazy dealer (Patrick Wymark) shows him his most recent discovery, the skull of Marquis de Sade! At first taking it as a joke, Maitland soon becomes obsessed with the skull, even ignoring the warnings from his friend and fellow collector Sir Matthew (Christopher Lee). As he gets closer to buying the skull, some strange events and deaths start to follow.

In the 1960’s Hammer studios were the king of British horror. There biggest rival was Amicus Studios, a company that is mostly known for their horror anthology films like TALES FROM THE CRYPT (1972) and THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD (1971). With these films, they had top notch storytelling and big name stars. The horror anthologies were different enough to give Amicus its own identity. Some of their films did follow the formula of Hammer to the t, and THE SKULL (1965) is one of them.

Based on the Robert Bloch short story The Skull of the Marquis de Sade, THE SKULL is a lean and well-crafted horror film, with a highly unusual style. Directed by Cinematographer turned director Freddie Francis, the movie is constantly moving with some highly-stylized camera work and intense close-ups. In many ways feeling like a stage production, the camera glides in and keeps the viewer on their toes. Another neat touch is having the skull’s POV being used to crop some of the screen. A haunting green and blue color tent is added as well. THE SKULL’s last 30 minutes is a tour to force of pure cinema and how effective slight suggestion can be. Coupled with bizarre and haunting score by Elisabeth Lutyens, the whole film works as an old-fashioned ghost story.

Peter Cushing (BRIDES OF DRACULA) gives another studied and intense performance as Maitland. Christopher Lee makes good use of his limited screen time as the collector friend. Rounding out the cast is some fine performances by genre greats such as Patrick McGee, Nigel Green, Michael Gough, and of course Patrick Wymark as the sleazy dealer. THE SKULL is one of best of the 1960’s British horror films, and stands out as a true classic.

Audio/Video (5/5)

THE SKULL comes with an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. The sound mix is near spotless with no errors or hiss. Everything is clear as a whistle. Easy to read English subtitles are included.

The 1080p HD transfer is a beauty to behold. The colors pop off the screen and the black levels are well defined. The picture has a natural layer of film grain, and there’s no blur. Everything is clear as day, with some impressive color tint. One of the best transfers of the year.

Extras (5/5)

Kino loads this disc with a healthy buffet of extras. First up is an excellent commentary by Film Historian Tim Lucas, which covers every aspect of the film, it’s source material, and Amicus studios place in British horror history. It’s so packed with info that a second listen is a must. Next up is a retrospective interview with film historian Jonathan Rigby. Likewise, there is a second interview with Kim Newman, who covers Robert Bloch’s work, De Sade, and Amicus. Rounding out the package is a trailer gallery featuring SKULL (including the trailers from Hell version), TALES OF TERROR, OBLONG BOX, HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS, MADHOUSE, and CRIMSON CULT.

Overall (5/5)

THE SKULL is essential viewing for classic horror fans, and Kino gives the movie the special treatment with some great extras and a spell bounding transfer. Highly Recommended.