Hammer Films To Give X The Unknown A 4K Upgrade

Before The Blob, there was X: the Unknown! Widely regarded as the missing part of the Quatermass franchise, the suspenseful science-horror is the latest Limited Collector’s Edition to be released by Hammer Films this Summer.

70 years after its original release, Hammer’s cult classic X: the Unknown makes its debut on Blu-ray and 4K UHD. Penned by the legendary Hammer writer Jimmy Sangster (The Curse of Frankenstein), it’s an essential must-own film for all fans of the Quatermass franchise and classic cinema.

What do you do when the killer can’t be stopped – or even understood? Prepare to meet a very different kind of movie monster: X. When a soldier dies from apparent radiation poisoning, the Atomic Energy Commission sends scientist Dr. Royston – played by Oscar-winner Dean Jagger – to investigate. Despite extensive testing no source can be found – until a mysterious radioactive, mud-like entity resurfaces and begins claiming more victims.

Meticulously restored from original film elements by the teams at Hammer and Silver Salt Restoration, this eagerly awaited release will be available as a limited collector’s edition 4-disc 4K UHD and Blu-ray set that delivers exceptional clarity, contrast and sound, bringing out the full impact of X the Unknown’s creepy atmosphere and outstanding cinematography.

X the Unknown Limited Collector’s Edition details:

• A four-disc 4K UHD and Blu-ray set in Deluxe Collector’s Packaging – featuring three versions of the film, multiple subtitles and a brand new 5.1 mix alongside the original mono soundtrack.
• Restored in 4K from the original film negatives, featuring HDR grading for enhanced detail and contrast.
• Expertly restored audio, delivering improved clarity while preserving the original sound design.
• Restoration completed by Hammer’s award-winning partner Silver Salt Restoration.

 Exclusive New Features:

• A Man on the Beach: the rarely seen short film featuring Jimmy Sangster’s first scripted work and directed by Joseph Losey.
• An exploration of the groundbreaking work of special effects artist, Les Bowie, including archive audio interviews with fellow special effects technicians and audio from Christopher Lee.
• Making-of documentary about the production of X the Unknown.
• Displaced and Damned: A documentary following the career of Joseph Losey – the original X the Unknown director who departed the project before shooting commenced – and his storied journey through Hollywood to Hammer films, via blacklisting and exile.
• New and archive commentaries with experts that include Nigel Kneale biographer Andy Murray, film historian David Kalat, and writer/producer Dr Steve Haberman.
• An archive interview with Jimmy Sangster from 2003.
• A 120-page booklet featuring new articles on the film’s relationship to the Quatermass franchise and the story behind the production (among other topics).
• And more!

X: The Unknown Limited Collectors Edition  will be released on 26th July [Pre-order Hammer /Amazon].