cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/17298316
The nominative deterministic owners of Hammer Films, the classic British horror movie studio and library, John Gore Media Limited, have announced the acquisition of Silver Salt Restoration, a British film restoration studio, as part of what they call "our ongoing commitment to preserving cinematic history." Silver Salt, which has a long history of working with the likes of Arrow, StudioCanal and the BFI, will now take on some of the more memorable films within the Hammer Films portfolio for restoration.
And right now Silver Salt is working on the remastering of a number of rare Hammer Films cult classics, many of which have been out of circulation for years. These films will undergo 4K restoration and preservation, for new and old audiences.
This comes as Hammer Films celebrates its 90th anniversary in November, with a special documentary, Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters on Sky TV, exploring the legacy of Hammer Films, its many productions, and its impact on British cinema.
It's last two films were The Lodge (2019) and Dr Jekyll (2023), made before Gore took over. I am not aware of any plans announced for new films (although as his strength is in theatre so it would make sense) but this announcement makes it clear they are going to be mining the 300 odd films in their back catalogue with new 4k releases. It may be they'll use this to test the waters or it might just be the start of the announcements as they get Hammer back up and running (it's been a year to put plans in place, so they might start paying off soon).