WITCHFINDER GENERAL

aka Matthew Hopkins - Witchfinder General

Now I'd be very surprised if many of you out there haven't seen this film yet. It really was one of those horror movies that was part of the growing up process for most genre fans, with late night screenings of the film turning up on network television on a regular basis (much like the old Universal horrors and the Hammer line) twisting young enthusiastic minds into the horror fans that we are today.

The films plot is a simple snapshot of the manipulating evil doings of travelling Witchfinder Matthew Hopkins. It's 1645 and rural England is consumed by a civil war between the foot armies of the royalists and the parliamentary opposition. In the midst of the disharmony Hopkins and his thuggish sidekick travel around the countryside visiting yokel villages to purge them of any alleged witches or followers of the dark side (and pick up some payment in silver and the company of wenches for their services of course). Inevitably many innocent villagers are tortured, drowned and hanged in the name of the lord to appease the masses and line Hopkins ever-greedy pockets.

Along the way a local priest is pinpointed by spiteful villagers as an evil one, so Hopkins takes him aside for his special brand of treatment but soon puts the torture on hold when the poor priest's adopted niece offers herself to Hopkins as a sacrificial sex toy to delay her Uncle's fate. Things don't go to plan though (hey do they ever?!) and it's up to the poor niece's soldier fiancé to take control.

'Witchfinder General' is one of the horror greats, simplistic in scenario but full of cinematic charisma that should please fans of the genre both young and old. Reeves direction is very impressive throughout and whilst the film has a lovely nostalgic feel, it also has a welcome modern edge (for the time) with its sadistic slant and atmosphere that many new filmmakers should take note.

Vincent Price is splendid in the main role of Hopkins delivering his lines with a conviction that would make you think the role had been written for him (although he wasn't in fact the first choice for the part). Ian Ogilvy is decent enough in his role giving a solid enough lead 'hero' delivery, though the same could be said of many of his similar deliveries in other genre productions (and the Saint TV show too for that matter!)

The aforementioned sadistic slant adds an extra punch to the movie although by todays standards some may consider not too graphic it is the mix of torture and nudity that makes a somewhat welcome mix to the films atmosphere. And a key element to this particular blu-ray release is the careful and detailed presentation that the film has received that should add to many horror fans pleasure.

The new high definition print mastering is a joy to behold and looks much sharper than the regularly broadcast BBC print and previous DVD releases. The image has a nice sense of depth and detail which gives the film a renewed freshness that will make viewing a pleasure for longstanding fans familiar with the film as well as make a pleasing viewing experience for those new to this vintage British great. The original mono audio track is clear throughout and whilst it’s a growing practice to ‘create’ a surround mix for some of these old movies I’m quite pleased that Odeon did not feel the need to do so here.

Extras wise there's a lovely selection of blu-ray exclusive features including an audio commentary with Michael Armstrong and Benjamin Halligan, a fantastic Vincent Price interview from old UK TV show Aspel & Co that’s almost worth the purchase price alone, a documentary on Witchcraft and alternate film credit sequences (from the US Conqueror Worm version with tagged on Price opening and closing narration) as well as some very saucy alternate shots from the somewhat saucier Export version.

In addition to the aforementioned blu-ray exclusives the disc also included the excellent short documentary 'Blood Beast' which has been licensed from Pete Tombs/Channel Four's previously broadcast on the films of Michael Reeves, and early Reeves short film ‘Intrusion’ along with the films Theatrical Trailer and a lovely stills gallery.

I have always loved 'Witchfinder General' as a horror movie (and whilst I would have loved the full export version of the film included as an extra), this package as a whole is simply stunning. Odeon Entertainment’s all-region blu-ray gives any US Special Edition a run for their money and comes highly recommended.

An absolute classic of the genre and a simply essential blu-ray purchase - buy it now!

Review by Alan Simpson