The Reptile

Special Features (Blu-ray)

• NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians Steve Haberman, Constantine Nasr, and Ted Newsom (on the 1.85:1 version) - a commentary by three Hammer savants that works well for the most part. Haberman and Nasr have the most to say about The Reptile's production history and its filmmakers. Newsom is by far the most opinionated of the trio. He tends to editorialize a bit too much and doesn't always have his content points in order. It would have been better if he had his remarks scripted. For instance, he says "watchacallit" when he can't find the right word. Haberman and Nasr are more on cue. They compare The Reptitle's opening scenes to a narrative strategy Hitchcock famously employed in Psycho. Another valuable section in the track is their discussion of differences between the script and final film version. They acknowledge that more research is needed into different drafts of the screenplay. In English, not subtitled.
• NEW Interview with First Assistant Director William P. Cartlidge (21:39, 1080p) - Cartlidge looks backs to the beginning of his movie career when he worked in the stills department. He also explains how nepotism was his entry card into the industry and how his association with Michael Carreras, a partner in Hammer, came about courtesy of his father. Additionally, Cartlidge recounts working with John Gilling and describes the movie's sets. In English, not subtitled.
• The Serpent's Tale: The Making of The Reptile (22:45, 1080p) - this is the same mini-doc that was included on the three European BDs of The Reptile. We hear from Hammer Films historian Marcus Hearn, actor/writer Mark Gatiss, author Jonathan Rigby, Hammer film music expert David Huckvale, author Wayne Kinsey, and art director Don Mingaye. Lastly Jon Mann, technical restoration manager at Pinewood Studios, delivers a few insights on his thought process of restoring The Reptile.
• The World of Hammer: "Wicked Women" (24:52, upscaled to 1080p) - this is the same TV episode from 1990 that appeared on the Studio Canal "Special Edition" of The Reptile. Narrated in English (by Oliver Reed), not subtitled.
• Theatrical Trailers (5:30, 1080p) - two UK theatrical trailers created to promote the double bill of Rasputin: The Mad Monk and The Reptile, which included free beards for patrons! The sound has been restored but colors haven't been corrected.
• TV Spots (1:26, upscaled to 1080i) - two restored spots, each presented in black and white, for the double feature of Rasputin: The Mad Monk and The Reptile.
• Still Gallery (3:47, 1080i) - a slide show consisting of forty-three still images. The first thirty-four present black-and-white photos from Fox's press kit, including snapshots from the shoot and behind-the-scenes. The last nine stills are in color.
• Poster and Lobby Card Gallery (4:50, 1080i) - another slide show comprising of sixty-three images. They're a mixture of theatrical poster sheets, lobby cards, and promotional ad pieces. They derive from US and international marketing campaign materials.

Blu-ray Screenshots