Today we wish an incredible happy 90th birthday to a legend of British cinema. Today marks the 90th anniversary of the found of iconic film studio Hammer Films, home to some of Britains most beloved horror movies.
The legendary film studio is paying tribute to its trailblazing movie history with the release of its first ever 4K film restoration, plus a new documentary from the production team behind the upcoming ‘Virtually Parkinson’, which takes a deep dive into the studio’s beginnings and cinema successes.
Founded in November 1934, Hammer Films is one of the oldest film companies in the world renowned for its ground-breaking work in horror. Hammer produced iconic films like Dracula and The Mummy, and notable works in other genres including Quatermass, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and war dramas like Yesterday’s Enemy.
The 1960s marked Hammer’s golden era with sequels featuring Frankenstein and Dracula, making Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee household names. The studio expanded into monster shockers such as The Gorgon and The Plague of the Zombies, and psycho-thrillers like Taste of Fear and Paranoiac.
In August 2023, Hammer was resurrected by award-winning British theatre producer John Gore. Combining the nostalgic charm of its classics with modern innovation, Hammer is actively planning an exciting slate of new productions, cementing its legacy as a pioneer in the genre.
The 90th birthday celebrations include a stunning Sky Arts documentary of the studio’s legacy, Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, which is available to stream on NOW.
Produced by Deep Fusion Films, Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters is narrated by celebrated actor Charles Dance OBE and offers exclusive insight into the figures who brought Hammer’s unique vision to life. With contributions from cinematic heavyweights Tim Burton, John Carpenter, Joe Dante and John Logan, alongside Hammer’s own beloved stars and experts, Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters provides an unprecedented look into the world of Hammer.
Hammer: Heroes, Legends andMonsters tracks Hammer Films’ journey from humble beginnings in London’s Regent Street to its iconic status in the horror genre, where its core legacy of gothic horror and psychological tension continues to inspire and entertain to this day.
It explores the influential figures – both on screen and behind the scenes – who formed a unique family within the studio and made Hammer a defining force in cinema, including stars like Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Through a series of fateful turns, the film reveals how Hammer’s distinct visual style and storytelling continue to shape modern horror and inspire filmmakers around the world.
The documentary culminates in a powerful and poignant reveal of Hammer royalty, with a special homage to the incomparable Peter Cushing at the very end, ensuring this moment will be an unforgettable highlight for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Film and horror fans are also invited to pre order the 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray release of Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter to mark the cult classic’s 50th anniversary.
Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter comes back to life as the first stunning 4K restoration from the new Hammer team, under Gore’s leadership. Written and directed by the legendary Brian Clemens (The Avengers, The Professionals) and originally released in 1974, this swashbuckling horror film has been meticulously restored from the original film negatives. It will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with a limited collector’s edition 5-disc set (2 * UHD discs and 3 * Blu-rays) enclosed within a high-end, leather-feel slipcase with debossed red foil titling. Available for pre-order now.
Wishing everyone at Team Hammer all the success as they launch the next 90 years of the company.
