When discussing British horror films produced in the 1960s and ‘70s, thoughts naturally turn towards Hammer or Amicus. However, whilst the name might not be as well know, Tigon or Tigon British Film Productions were responsible for some of the most memorable genre cinema of the time. Witchfinder General is undoubtedly their most famous production but The Sorcerers, Doomwatch and The Blood on Satan’s Claw all stand up today. The latter is an enduring 17th century mystery horror.
In a village in rural England, Ralph Glover (Barry Andrews) uncovers a hideously deformed skull which doesn’t look entirely human. Fearing the supernatural, he pleads with the local judge (Patrick Wymark) to help but his discovery has disappeared. When villagers start acting strangely and sprouting patches of strange fur on their bodies it’s up to the judge to try and banish the evil.
The Blood on Satan’s Claw succeeds so well because of the atmosphere generated by director Piers Haggard. He conjures up the hysteria and panic of an era which is shrouded in the superstitions and beliefs of the townsfolk. It’s beautifully made and meticulously created. The Blood on Satan’s Claw is a fiendish folk horror which is both extremely creepy and deliciously demonic.
Extras:
- Underneath Satan’s Skin: New in-conversation interview with Piers Haggard
- (Director) and Robert Wynne-Simmons (writer) [Duration – 40 minutes]
- New interview with Marc Wilkinson (composer) [Duration – 15 minutes]
- New interview with Tony Dawe (sound mixer) [Duration – 15 minutes]
- New interview with Simon Williams (actor) [Duration – 15 minutes] Bix Bottom – New featurette on the setting of Blood on Satan’s Claw [Duration – 12 minutes]
- Touching The Devil – The Making of Blood on Satan’s Claw [Duration – 20 minutes]
- Interview with Director Piers Haggard [Duration – 22minutes]
- Theatrical Trailer
- New booklet notes on Blood on Satan’s Claw by horror author, Mark Morris
- Commentary with Piers Haggard, Robert Wynne-Simmons and Linda Hayden
- Commentary with Mark Gattis, Jeremy Dyson and Reece Shearsmith
The Blood on Satan’s Claw is released on Blu-ray in 4k by Screenbound Pictures on 27 May.
