Hands of the Ripper

Special Features (Blu-ray)

• An Isolated Music & Effects Track in offered on the Blu-ray.
• "The Devil's Bloody Plaything: Possessed by the 'Hands of the Ripper'" (28:21, HD) is more of a historical overview of the film, with journalists and admirers gathering to discuss its place in the pantheon of Hammer Horror, a cinematic legacy which found a difficult place of censorship and global distribution as it rolled into the 1970s. BTS information gradually increases during the featurette, with director Peter Sasdy and actress Jane Merrow interviewed, sharing their thoughts on the picture and their responsibilities to character and tone, and we hear snippets of a conversation from lead Angharad Rees, who passed away in 2012. Putting "Hands of the Ripper" in its proper Hammer context is interesting, and the enthusiasm for the movie is appealing, sharing a few anecdotes that aid in the understanding of a few scandalous scenes.
• "Slaughter of Innocence: The Evolution of Hammer Gore" (6:08, HD) is a slide show displaying the various levels of grotesqueries that have found their way into the company's horror efforts. Ranging from tastefully managed to graphic, this collection of bloodshed, beheadings, severed limbs, and assorted nightmare fuel paints a vivid portrait of Hammer imagination.
• "U.S. Television Introduction" (7:07) is audio from the original ABC presentation of "Hands of the Ripper," where, to fill in the gaps caused by excised gore, Universal shot special scenes to help explain the setting and psychological profile of the characters. Due to a studio fire, the footage is presumed lost, but the audio, despite its rough quality, is intriguing.
• Still Gallery (5:43) contains 72 images from the production and marketing of the movie, including lobby cards and poster designs.
• U.S Theatrical Trailer (1:57, HD) and three T.V. Spots (:59, HD) are included.

Blu-ray Screenshots