The Film Masters isn’t finished with remastering films from Roger Corman’s vast catalogue of works. Coming November 12 is a double creature feature where this producer has partnered with Bernard Kowalski (Mission Impossible TV Series, Hot Car Girl) to make Night of the Blood Beast and Attack of the Night Leeches! Technically, Gene Corman has the principal credit with the latter, and although this post-Halloween treat is just that, any day is good to mark when aliens have come to town!
From the Press Release:
Night of the Blood Beast (1958)—with an extensive restoration, a new 4K scan from original 35mm archival elements—and Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959)—newly restored in HD—will be available on Blu-ray and DVD in a special collector’s two-disc edition from Film Masters.
Plot Synopsis:
Astronaut John Corcoran (Michael Emmet) dies upon returning to Earth following a space mission, but mysteriously comes back to life! As the scientists at a remote space research station investigate Corcoran’s revival, they discover that a parasitic, alien lifeform is utilising his body as a host to incubate its offspring. Starring Angela Greene, John Baer and Ed Nelson, the disc includes the highly entertaining Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode as well.
With a full commentary track by Tom Weaver and The Weaver Players and the rare 8mm silent digest version that Monster Kids everywhere are sure to appreciate, this is one disc you won’t want to miss.
Attack of the Giant Leeches (1969)In our bonus disc, massive, bloodsucking monsters are at large in this schlock, drive-in classic from producers Roger and Gene Corman. Legendary Yvette Vickers (Attack of the 50-Foot Woman) stars along with Jan Shepard, Ken Clark … and some very nasty, giant leeches! Love Yvette? Tom Weaver provides his gallery of rare and signed Vickers photos for a special treat on this disc that also includes the Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode and a new documentary, Born From TV: Bernard Kowalski as a Director from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures.
SPECIAL FEATURES: A 4×3 presentation of Night of the Blood Beast (1.37:1); a new documentary on director Bernard Kowalski; MST3K episodes of both films; 8mm silent digest version of Night of the Blood Beast; full-length commentaries by Tom Weaver and The Weaver Players; Yvette Vickers still gallery from the private collection of Weaver; re-cut trailer of both films using restored elements; publicity slideshow of both films, courtesy of Mike Barnum; a before/after film restoration comparison of Night of the Blood Beast; and a full-colour, inserted booklet with essays by Weaver. Captions are included for the features, documentary and commentaries.
Both films are presented with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, with Night of the Blood Beast also available with a TV aspect ratio of 1.37:1. Discs are region free and include English SDH. Audio is DTS-HD/Dolby AC3s.
About Film Masters:
Film Masters is a consortium of historians and enthusiasts who seek to celebrate the preservation and restoration of films. We are archivists, committed to storing film elements for future generations and reviving films that have been sitting dormant for decades. By scanning in 2K and 4K, we give these lesser-known films the red-carpet treatment they deserve. Leveraging modern means of distribution to release forgotten films back into the world, we also produce original bonus materials, including feature-length documentaries, which aid audiences in contextualising and celebrating these works of art as they were meant to be. Visit us online at: www.FilmMasters.com