Kino Lorber has revealed plans to release the 1972 British horror-comedy Burke and Hare on Blu-ray on April 1. Based on the chilling true story of the infamous Burke and Hare murders in 1828 Scotland, the film blends dark humor, grotesque imagery, and bawdy eroticism, offering a unique take on the notorious body-snatching duo.
Also known by its alternate titles The Horrors of Burke and Hare and The Body Snatchers, the film marks the final directorial effort of Vernon Sewell, who is known for The Crimson Cult and The Blood Beast Terror. The screenplay is penned by Ernle Bradford.
This Blu-ray release boasts an array of special features, including a new audio commentary by film historian and screenwriter Gary Gerani, an interview with actress Françoise Pascal, and Grave Desires: Corpses on Film, a discussion with Dr. Patricia MacCormack. Also included is the film’s theatrical trailer, as well as reversible artwork and a slipcover.
Starring Derren Nesbitt and Glynn Edwards as the notorious grave robbers, the film follows their macabre business supplying cadavers to medical colleges. They are joined by Harry Andrews, Yootha Joyce, and Françoise Pascal in supporting roles.
Kino Lorber describes the film as “a playful spin on the Irish body snatchers,” with the film mixing macabre humor with dark eroticism, and underscored by a quirky theme song by the pop band The Scaffold.
The Burke and Hare murders have inspired numerous films over the decades, including The Greed of William Hart (1948), The Flesh and the Fiends (1960), The Doctor and the Devils (1985), and John Landis’ Burke & Hare (2010), showcasing the lasting impact of this grim chapter in history on popular culture.
This new Blu-ray release offers both a nod to the past and a fresh opportunity for horror fans to explore a unique, historical true-crime story with a blend of horror and comedy.
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