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

ADDITION: Scorpion Releasing Blu-ray (February 2021): Scorpion Releasing have taken a second kick at the 1080P can of Jim O'Connolly's Tower of Evil. Their 2021 Blu-ray is described as being from "2018 HD Master from the Original Inter-Positive". Back in 2013 their single-layered Blu-ray was comparable to the 2015 UK Odeon transfer. Both had similar a/v with modest bitrates. This 'new' Scorpion Releasing appears to be the same package (minus the limited, out-of-print, slipcase) released in 2018. We can see by the comparisons, it's a heft increase in the film's black levels and contrast with all colors becoming more prominent and richer (notably blood!.) It is now on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate approaching double that of the previous HD transfers. It is now in the opened-up 1.78 aspect ratio. Perhaps a shade blue at times, this is a massive upgrade in the film's extensive visual appeal from flashes or gore to intense close-ups.  

NOTE: We have added 53 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Scorpion Releasing use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. It, likewise technically advances from both previous BDs 16-bit audio renderings. There are plenty of screams and effects here plus a dramatic score by Kenneth V. Jones (The Projected Man, Psyche 59, Ten Seconds to Hell, Tower of Evil, Tomb of Legeia, Maroc 7, The Horse's Mouth) sounding a bit deeper and more ominous. Scorpion Releasing offer optional English subtitles - another advancement on the other 2 BDs - on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Scorpion Releasing Blu-ray has the same well-paced audio commentary with producer Richard Gordon and host Tom Weaver as found on the UK Odeon Blu-ray edition. There is also an interview with actress Seretta Wilson ('Mae' from Tower of Evil) recalling the production. There are 1/4 interviews with composer Kenneth V. Jones and editor Henry Richardson plus the forgettable 5-minute stint of Katrina's Nightmare Theater. Lastly, is a trailer and there is a reversible cover (see below.)

I've always appreciated the 70's milieu, fashion and art direction of Tower of Evil. Who doesn't like the plot?; 'a group of experienced archeologists are searching for an old and mystic Phoenician treasure when they are surprised by a series of mysterious murders'.  Very appealing with Hammer-esque overtones modeled by the British studio atmosphere. I found the wonky effects (Lighthouse model, head rolling down the stairs, quick cuts of gore etc.) kind of nostalgic. The kitsch-level is quite evident but I am sold via the plot, genre and era appeal. The Scorpion 2021 Blu-ray is the way to go for this flawed, but desirable horror gem. Recommended!

Gary Tooze