There was a time, before the internet and globalisation, when Egyptology felt exciting and exotic. Much of this can be attributed to Empire, with Britain and France, in particular, having a keen eye for antiquities. Expeditions to Cairo, and the surrounds, unearthed a number of treasures, but also brought with them a fair smattering of superstition. While today we still can’t fathom some of the mysteries, talk of curses seems like bedtime stories. The Mummy plays on these fears.
John Banning (Peter Cushing), his father Stephen (Felix Aylmer) and uncle Joseph (Raymond Huntley) are on the cusp of making a great discovery. The archaeologists have unearthed the tomb of the Princess Ananka. However, when Stephen is left alone, he falls into a stupor. Years later and he’s still in a catatonic state. Now back in England, the family start to experience an undead terror (Christopher Lee) which stalks the shadows.
The Mummy is one of the most enchanting entries in a sub-genre which has played host to numerous films. This can party be attributed to the luxurious photography, evoking both the ancient and current, and the human element director Terence Fisher inserts into his narrative. The flashbacks do put a dent in the pacing, but also add to the terror. The Mummy is death-defying jaunt into the world of the macabre.
Special features:
- Main feature presented in original UK theatrical aspect ratio 1.66:1 and alternative full frame1.37:1
- New audio commentary by film academic Kelly Robinson
- Archive audio commentary by Marcus Hearn and Jonathan Rigby
- An Appreciation of The Mummy by David Huckvale
- The Music of The Mummy
- Unwrapping The Mummy
- The House of Horror: Memories of Bray
- The Hammer Rep Company
- Original Promo Reel
- Still Gallery
Limited Edition Contents
- Rigid slipcase with new artwork by Graham Humphreys
- Soft cover book with new essays by Kat Ellinger, Lindsay Hallam and Kevin Lyons plus production stills
- 5 collectors’ art cards
The Mummy is released on Blu-ray by Second Sight on 29 August.
