The Asylum (1972)

Weak premise ruins the film

I had been waiting a long time to watch this film, and I'm a bit disappointed. The storyline is very weak and the premise for the entire film doesn't really work. While I enjoy campy, this is just too campy for its own good.

While some scenes were creepy enough, the entire film just didn't seem to be worthy of the praises it's receiving. I'd rather watch Mexican Gothic horror or outrageous B Horror films. February 4, 2008

Excellent!

One of the best in the Amicus anthology series, "Asylum" is presented here in a dazzling, first rate print with interesting extras. A must.
Dark Sky are one of the best labels worldwide. Big up Dark Sky! November 11, 2007

Still love it!

Great movie, great delivery time, still entertaining! Not as scary as when I was in elementary. Very happy! March 9, 2007

Come To The Asylum....To Get Killed!

Ah, remember the days of horror anthology films? I love this format. You really don't see much of it anymore, though Creepshow 3 is slated to come out sometime soon. This film is fun and from a good era for horror films. The film could have been longer with a few more stories, but, hey, what can you do? The script is done by horror writer Robert Bloch, so it's certainly a must if you're a fan of his. It's his style through and through. Very much in the way Creepshow was a total Stephen King showcase. Those familiar with horror films will have the twists and such figured out almost immediately, but what is surprising anymore, eh? It's still well done. A pretty cool cast is assembled here as well, which is certainly a who is who of British horror. The twenty minute featurette is the only thing here of real significance as far as features go. Amicus cofounder Max Rosenberg(who looks like he's about 110), Amicus(and Hammer) directors Freddie Francis and Roy Ward Baker are interviewed to talk a bit about working for Amicus. Pretty cool considering I've never seen Francis or Baker before. The Asylum probably won't win over alot of new fans and may not seem as original today as it did then, but it is a fun ride which is all we really ask of a horror film. November 19, 2006

Great Stuff

Wow, this movie was fun. I never saw it before and, because I've been on a big Hammer and Amicus kick lately, took a chance on it. I was not disappointed.
Like other Amicus productions, what we get here are several horror stories in one, all centered on "incurably insane" patients in a British asylum. There are some great stars here that make it work oh so well, including Patrick Magee (A Clockwork Orange), Robert Powell (Tommy, Jesus of Nazareth), Herbert Lom (Phantom of the Opera-1962), Peter Cushing (Do I need name all of his great horror films?), Richard Todd (Stage Fright)Barry Morse (Gerard from the 1960s TV series classic The Fugitive), Geoffrey Bayldon (The House That Dripped Blood), the scrumptious Britt Ekland (The Wicker Man-1973), beautiful Charlotte Rampling (The Fury), and lovely Bonnie Parkins (The Mephisto Waltz).
The transfer from Dark Sky Films is fantastic; it looks like a brand new film. It's presented in anamorphic widescreen and looks great when played in a progressive scan DVD player on a HD television.
Looking forward to the upcoming release of "From Beyond the Grave" from Image. Never saw that one before, either, but am looking forward to buying it just the same.
I'm hopeful other Amicus classics, including "Dr. Terror's House of Horrors," "Tales from the Crypt (1972)," and "Vault of Horror" will be released on DVD soon. There are rumors abound that Vault and Tales will soon be released by 20th Century Fox in England, but that won't help those of us living in the states much. Dr. Terror was released in England on DVD, but never in the U.S. There is a demand for these films here. Let's get with it, whoever owns the rights. November 9, 2006

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