Search - Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Situations, Suitable for Children Movie Release: 1971 DVD Release: 11/20/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 36 mins Studio: Anchor Bay Members Wishing: 10 Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi Horror

In a clever, gender-bending twist on the classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale, the research done by Dr. Henry Jekyll (Ralph Bates) in the field of artificially-induced human longevity involves experimentation with female hormones. When he partakes of his own formula and the inevitable Jekyll-into-Hyde transformation takes place, he changes into a ravishing female version of himself (famed "B"-movie siren Martine Beswick). Claiming to be Jekyll's sister, Ms. Hyde is lovely but lethal: she uses her alluring charms to seduce men then kills them and absconds with their bodies for use in further experiments. A much more interesting twist comes when Jekyll finds himself falling in love with the girl next door (Susan Brodrick), while simultaneously lusting after the girl's brother (Lewis Fiander) as Hyde. Although Brian Clemens' script manages to exploit this unique premise for shock value, the story fumbles where it counts, failing to fully explore the implicit questions of sexual identity which haunt Jekyll's psyche and burst to the surface when Hyde is on the prowl. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

Ralph Bates - Dr. Jekyll
Martine Beswicke - Sister Hyde
Gerald Sim - Prof. Robertson
Lewis Fiander - Howard
Dorothy Alison - Mrs. Spencer
Susan Broderick - Susan
Jeanette Wild - Jill
Liz Romanoff - Emma
Petula Portell - Petra
Jackie Poole - Margie
Rosemary Lord - Marie
Geoffrey Kenion - 1st Policeman
Anna Brett - Julie
Irene Bradshaw - Yvonne
Pat Brackenbury - Helen
Julia Wright - Street Singer

The classic story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde gets a weird revamping in Hammer's Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde. Presented by Anchor Bay in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, this transfer is clear of most artifacting and edge enhancement, though some colors tend to look slightly muted. A small amount of grain penetrates the image, though it's never very distracting to the viewing of the film. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono in English. While some channel separation is noticeable, the track is usually confined to only the center speaker. All aspects of the dialogue, music, and effects are free of any excessive distortion or hiss. Also included on this disc is a Dolby 2.0 soundtrack presented in French. Anchor Bay has seen fit to produce a few interesting extra features on this version of Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde. Starting off the disc is an informative commentary track by historian Marcus Hearn, star Martine Beswick, writer/co-producer Brian Clemens, and director Roy Ward Baker. All of the participants seem to have a genuine affection for the film as they share stories about the production. Also included on this disc is a theatrical trailer for the film, a few radio spots, a poster and stills gallery, and some talent bios on select cast and crew members. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide