Movie Review: Frightmare (Blu-ray,1974)

It seems whenever there is some strong discussion on controversial horror directors from the UK, one name that almost always gets thrown around, is Peter Walker. The sleazy and often bloody works of Peter Walker (The Flesh and Blood Show, Die Screaming Marianne, House of Whipcord) aren't for everybody but neither is Tyler Perry.  Recently Walker’s films have gotten the high definition treatment thanks to the folks at Redemption Films. One of his masterpieces of note that fans of 70’s horror and Peter Walker might want to track down is the latest incarnation on the Blu-ray format for Frightmare.

After over a decade and a half in an insane asylum an elderly cannibalistic fortune-teller (Shiela Kieth, The Comeback, and House of Long Shadows) is released to snack on the unknowing townsfolk. For all they know she’s just another polite granny, who in a lot of ways looks a bit like Mrs. Doubtfire. Her husband, Edmund (Rupert Davies) doesn’t help matters as he continues to enable her, as bodies begin to pile up in their farmhouse. Of course the local police are on it but like most lawmen in horror they just chase their tales.

While not completely excessive in the gore department, Frightmare has some moments of grue that should keep horror fans happy. Keith’s portrayal of the cannibalistic septuagenarian Dorothy Yates is the biggest reason to take in this British sickie as she appears to have a blast playing a truly evil woman.

The audio and video quality are a notable improvement in comparison to the previous Shriekshow DVD release from a few years back The black and white scenes during the opening look very good and pop more than the previous disc and the colors are considerably more vibrant. Redemption Films does include some extra features on the disc in the form of interviews and a commentary with Walker and his collaborators as well as an enjoyable featurette on the unforgettable Shiela Kieth.

Frightmare may be a bit draggy in spots but it delivers the goods more often than not. Even to this day, forty-years later it still packs a punch that will disturb new audiences. Recommended