Michael Gough delivers a disturbingly sinister performance as a domineering sadist and family gaslighter in this tense, vérité-style psychological horror from director Viktors Ritelis. This edition of Crucible of Horror (also known as The Corpse) has been painstakingly restored by Hammer Films from 4K scans made from the original film negatives.

The story follows Walter Eastwood, who rules his family with an iron rod, terrorizing his wife and daughter with little provocation. After a particularly vicious beating, his wife determines that Walter must die to end their torment.

Key Features/Benefits

• Psychological horror film directed by Viktors Ritelis.
• Features strong performances from Michael Gough, Sharon Gurney, and BAFTA-winner Yvonne Mitchell.
• Includes an unsettling musical score from John Hotchkis.
• Painstakingly restored by Hammer Films from 4K scans of the original film negatives.
• Rated: Suitable for 15 years and over.
• Run time: 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Restoration & Content

This Blu-ray release includes several exclusive extras:

• New commentary with William Fowler and Vic Pratt, co-authors of 'The Bodies Beneath' and creators/curators of the BFI’s ongoing 'Flipside' series.
• New interview with author and horror expert, Jonathan Rigby.
• Original theatrical trailer.

Specifications

• Format: Blu-ray
• Region: Region B
• Language: English
• Director: Viktors Ritelis
• Starring: Michael Gough, Sharon Gurney, Yvonne Mitchell
• Studio: Hammer Films
• Release Date: 20 April 2026
• Dimensions: 200x170x20mm (Product dimensions: 20 x 17 x 2 cm)
• Weight: 100 g

Experience this tense psychological thriller, now beautifully restored, on Blu-ray.