The Hammer Vault: Treasures From the Archive of Hammer Films

Marcus Hearn has done it yet again. Since 2007 he has released four in-depth books concerning the legacy of the UK's top horror production company of the 60's-70's. This journey began with 2007's The Hammer Story , which gives the reader an in depth history of the many films the studio produced, as well as insight to the actors, directors and producers who brought these now-classics to life. I must say that I was worried that The Hammer Vault would simply be an updated version of the aforementioned title, however I am pleased to announce that this is not so. In 2009, Hearn released Hammer Glamour , another insightful tome, this time focusing on the studio's many starlets. The next year brought The Art of Hammer: The Official Poster Collection From the Archive of Hammer Films , which was praised by fans and critics alike. A few reviewers and critics were displeased by the exclusion of foreign versions of some of the posters, as well as the inclusion of the many non-horror titles that Hammer also released. It is important to note that The Hammer Vault covers only the sci-fi/horror films that the studio released. Each of these books are unique in their own right and are essential items for the library of any fan of horror. The binding is great on all books in this series, but is particularly nice on The Hammer Vault, which has a foil stamped cover and sturdy construction. A limited slipcase version is also available (seemingly only in the UK) which contains many extra goodies. If you would like to read more about the "dynamic duo" of Hammer (Lee/Cushing), I highly recommend Lord of Misrule: The Autobiography of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing: An Autobiography and Past Forgetting

I am a Hammer fan for a long time! A huge classic horror fan too, naturally! I recall running up the aisle as a child scared out off my mind. As the count was getting his stake. So when I saw this book my mouth watered, can I afford it? Living on a disabled veteran's disability pay. I did the research and knew I had to own it, I pay more for shipping every time since I live in Bangkok! Well I waited and finally had it, and it is worth it! It has wonderful Hammer facts and the pictures are worthy of framing, not cheesy paper but fine quality through and through! Are you a Hammer fan too? Then you need this, for yourself or a great gift!

Una obra necesaria para todo amante del cine y particularmente aquellos quienes deliramos con las particulares creaciones de la casa Hammer. Lleno de piezas curiosa e insólitas sobre sus obras más destacadas además de numerosas fotografías menos vistas. Su presentación es hermosa y de buena confección. Si amas las películas de La Hammer no puede faltar.

Author Marcus Hearn and Titan Books have published a number of outstanding volumes on the famed British film company Hammer Films in recent years. Their latest effort is titled "The Hammer Vault". The "Vault" consists of material taken from the Hammer archives. Most of this is made up of various publicity material for several Hammer films beginning with "The Quatermass Xperiment" made in 1954 all the way through to 2009's "Let Me In." Most of the company's films (but not all) get one or two pages featuring photos of pressbooks, posters, stills, front-office memos, etc. Each film also gets about four or five paragraphs of text covering facts and trivia concerning the production. Like all the other Titan-Hearn-Hammer books, the layout and design is very well done. Some of the material may be familiar to hard-core Hammer fans. Some may not like the fact that the early years (pre-horror) of Hammer are not covered, and the fact that some films (such as "The Old Dark House" and "On The Buses") are overlooked. However, there is enough here to satisfy ardent Hammer lovers. Those that have grown up watching the famed company's output (such as this reveiwer) will want to add this book to their collection.

Nice to look but half way through you have the feeling of déjà vu. As Hammer was a small group.

IF YOU LOVE WATCHING THOSE CLASSIC HORROR AN SCI-FI FLICKS FROM HAMMER, THEN THIS BOOK IS A DEFINITE MUST FOR YOUR COFFEE TABLE OR BOOKSHELF. VERY WELL ILLUSTRATED W/PLENTY OF TEXT ON THESE FILMS PRODUCED BY A SMALL INDEPENDENT FILM PRODUCTION COMPANY FROM BRITAIN. LONGGGG LIVE HAMMER!!!!!

Very, Very Good Deal

Marcus Hearn really did an excellent job with his book "The Hammer Vault". There were so many photos and letters that I, as a Hammer film fan, was aware of, however, never had them fully explained. Example, I never saw a picture of the ring that David Peel wore in the "Brides Of Dracula". For any Hammer film fan this book is a worthwhile addition to you're collection. John R. Tracy

Impresionante archivo de la Hammer. Un acierto para los aficionados a la mítica productora . Acabado de lujo y reseñas y archivos fotográficos de un montón de pelis algunas bastante desconocidas.

Dieser Band aus der Buchreihe "Hammer-Films" von Marcus Hearn, zeigt seltene Setfotos und Szenenbilder sowie auch Lobby Cards und Storyboard Zeichnungen, in Farbe und Schwarzweiß. Fazit: Marcus Hearn (Hammer Glamour: Classic Images From the Archive of Hammer Films, The Hammer Story: The Authorised History of Hammer Films und The Art of Hammer: Posters From the Archive of Hammer Films) hat hier mal wieder schön recherchiert.

Great addition to the collection of the fans of hammer films.

Excelente livro, qualidade gráfica impecável.

A wonderful study of possible the most influential British studio of all time. While not a complete study of every Hammer film ever produced, it goes into detail on the most important, the strangest and failures of the company painting a unique picture of its growth, decline and rebirth as a studio.