NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Second Sight Blu-ray (July 2019): Second Sight have a new Blu-ray package, the Roy Ward Baker film, "The House that Dripped Blood" now appears on a dual-layered Blu-ray with a maxed out bitrate. The 1.85:1 1080p image has a very strong grain throughout the presentation. The black levels seem to be a little on the lighter side, showing grain (which at a glance can look like noise) in darker shadows. Detail is quite sharp, showing a surprising amount of definition when examined up close.

Fans should also be pleased that Second Sight have chosen to transfer the film's audio using its original mono via an uncompressed 24-bit 1.0 channel linear PCM tack. The various spooky sound cues are effective on this mono track. The memorable score is thanks to composer Michael Dress ("The Mind of Mr. Soames"). There are optional English subtitles on this Region 'B' Blu-ray from Second Sight.

There are not one, but two optional audio commentaries here; the first featuring director Peter Duffell and author Jonathan Rigby, the second with film historian and author Troy Howarth. The two tracks are quite informative and provide a greater context to the film, all without stepping on each other's toes by covering the same ground. Up next is a 10-minute interview with second assistant director, Mike Higgins. This interview is followed by "A Rated Horror Film", a 17-minute vintage featurette featuring interviews with director Peter Duffell and actors Geoffrey Bayldon, Ingrid Pitt and Chloe Franks. This was produced in 2003 by anchor bay (via VisArt Ltd.). Some trailers also appear here, and they are just as fun as the ones that appeared on the "Asylum" release from Second Sight. These trailers are joined by a whopping 17-odd minutes of vintage radio ads, and a stills gallery that auto-plays for around 5 minutes. There is a reversible sleeve featuring new artwork by Graham Humphreys. Also included is a 40 page booklet with new essays by Allan Bryce, Jon Towlson and Kat Ellinger. Sadly we only received a screener copy of the disc at the time of this writing, but judging by the caliber of people involved here, this booklet is going to be worth your attention. Last but not least is the always welcome addition of a reversible poster featuring new and original artwork.

"The House that Dripped Blood" is an enjoyable and light-hearted phantasmagoria, a perfect entry point for those new to the Amicus films. Second Sight's stellar Blu-ray package is loaded to the brim with extras, as well as having a pretty impressive transfer.  

Colin Zavitz