Roger Corman’s The Terror celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and fans can celebrate the milestone event with a brand-new two-disc collector’s set of the gothic chiller, available on Blu-ray and DVD. What’s more, the release will feature a bonus film in the form of The Little Shop of Horrors.
The Terror tells the story of Lieutenant Duvalier (Jack Nicholson), an 18th-century French Army officer who encounters a mysterious woman (Sandra Knight) and lets her lead him to the castle of Baron Von Leppe (Boris Karloff). Upon arriving, he learns that the Baron is keeping some terrifying secrets, and the mysterious young woman just so happens to resemble his deceased wife.
Interestingly, the film also features the directorial talents of some of history’s most acclaimed directors. While Corman is often credited as the main man behind the camera, Francis Ford Coppola, Jack Hill, Dennis Jakob, Monte Hellman, and Nicholson also lent a hand. Despite the numerous chefs in the kitchen, though, The Terror comes across as the work of a singular visionary.
Speaking about the release, Film Masters President Phil Hopkins had this to say: “The Terror has languished in the public domain for decades. We’re delighted to have put together a celebratory and thought-provoking version with an award-winning team of contributors. Fans of the film will appreciate the editorial bonus features, which take a much-needed deep dive into this infamous Corman classic.”
To mark the momentous release, Film Masters has included some enticing special features. C. Courtney Joyner and Dr. Steve Haberman have provided a commentary track on The Terror, while Justin Humphreys and Jonathan Haze will handle these duties for The Little Shop of Horrors.
Elsewhere, Joyner has an essay on the connection between Karlof and Edgar Allan Poe, and Mark McGee has written liner notes for The Little Shop of Horrors. Viewers can also look forward to Howard S. Berger’s “Ghosts in the Machine: Art & Artifice in Roger Corman’s Celluloid Castle” featurette, among other exciting extras.
The Terror will be available on Blu-ray and DVD on December 12, 2023.
