Blast Into Space With Hammer Films Spaceways In 4K
Hammer will always be known for their classic horror films. Since the relaunch of the iconic studio, they have delved into their vaults and this March sees them step into sci-fi with Spaceways.
Hammer’s first foray into science fiction, the film takes off as a brand-new 4K restored Limited Collector’s Edition, available to pre-order now. With its sharp detail and renewed atmosphere to this early blend of Cold War intrigue and shadowy noir, it’s making its worldwide debut on 4K UHD and Blu-ray.
Directed by the legendary Terence Fisher (The Curse of Frankenstein), Spaceways was released in 1953 and stars Howard Duff, best known for playing hardboiled private eye Sam Spade on the radio, as a pioneering space engineer drawn into a deadly conspiracy. The cast also includes Eva Bartok and Alan Wheatley.
Part sci-fi mystery, part atmospheric noir, Spaceways remains a fascinating early milestone in Hammer’s evolution. For fans of early British science fiction and noir, this collectible film is a rare and compelling re-discovery and is now presented in its most complete form.
Synopsis | When a rocket test fails and two people vanish, chief engineer Stephen Mitchell (Duff) becomes the prime suspect. As suspicion closes in, he must uncover the truth behind a mission shrouded in secrecy.
- A two-disc 4K UHD and Blu-ray set in Deluxe Collector’s Packaging – a premium slipcase and digipak, with a richly illustrated booklet of new essays by Hammer experts.
- 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.
- Both the UK and US versions of the film.
- Two Nations Divided by a Common Genre, a discussion with Wayne Kinsey (Hammer historian) and Ted A. Bohus (director and producer) on the contrasts between British and American sci-fi of the era.
- New audio commentary with Heidi Honeycutt (writer, filmmaker, and film programmer) and Sarah Morgan (TV and film critic), offering fresh insight into the film’s blend of noir and sci-fi.
- New commentary with David Flint, writer, and editor, exploring Spaceways within early 1950s British genre cinema.
- Sidebar: Spaceways in which Tim Lucas (film critic and writer) examines the film’s themes and legacy with artist and historian Stephen R. Bissette.
- A booklet including brand new essays from leading Hammer and noir experts including Wayne Kinsey, Heidi Honeycutt, Andrew Pixley, Sarah Morgan, and others.
Spaceways 4K Limited Collector’s Edition will be released on 9th March [pre-order now].
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