Magic, Myth & Mutilation: The Micro-Budget Cinema of Michael J. Murphy, 1967–2015

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Two presentations of Tristan: the original 109-minute cut; and Murphy’s 88-minute Legend of a Hero re-edit All-new 2K restoration by Powerhouse Films of Moonchild (1989), using 16mm film elements from the Murphy archives

Murphy here talks about the origins of the project and the original version – which was scuppered when most of the footage was lost in the post – and the changes that were made for this second take on the story, and Judith Holding comments on what a joy her character was to play. Quite a few outtakes have been included, all of which and more can be viewed in the collection detailed below. Atlantis' Audio Commentary with Michael J Murphy, Phil Lydon, Judith Holding and June Bunday (3 January 2010) The clue to why lies in the subtitle of this box set, The Microbudget Cinema of Michael J. Murphy. Murphy never made a film that was widely distributed in cinemas or screened on any of the main British TV channels. He never took any of his movies to Cannes, and he was never even in consideration for any category of BAFTA. Yet after watching everything in this mammoth set, I was left with the suspicion that had he followed a different path, he might have done all three.

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The Making of ‘Skare’ (2009): retrospective documentary featuring interviews with Murphy and Holding

The original opening scene, main title and closing credits from Skare before Murphy finished fine-tuning the film in 2009, which was the version released on DVD by Sarchophilus Films. Standard Definition presentations, newly digitised from Murphy’s tape masters, of Qualen (1983), Tristan aka Legend of the Hero (1986), Death Run (1987), Avalon (1988), Second Sight (1992), The Rite of Spring (version one, 1995), The Rite of Spring (version two, 1995), Tristan (version two, 1999), Roxi (2004), and Skare (2008)

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Michael J Murphy on ‘Beast’ (2010): interview with the filmmaker about Chris Jupp’s remake of his lost version of Skare

Alternative titles and end credits for The Last Night prepared according to Murphy's wishes for the 2008 Sarchophilous Films DVD release. The minor differences are outlined in the opening captions. This is more like it, a trailer that captures the essence of the film, makes the drama and characters look interesting, and it chooses a choice line to sign off with. That theme song from Stay, which plays over the rotating image of its 45rpm single release. I presume this is the real deal, and while I have no doubt the record was scanned and animated to fake the image of it spinning on a real turntable, whoever was responsible certainly took their job seriously, as it really does rotate 45 times over the course of a minute. And yes, I counted. What do you mean, I need a hobby? All-new 2K restorations by Powerhouse Films of The Cell (1980), Stay (1980), Death in the Family (1981), Invitation to Hell (1982), and The Last Night (1982)

Having been convicted of murdering both of his parents, dangerous criminal Peter Reece (James Reynard) escapes from prison and immediately sets about collecting his sister and lover Elise (Kate Steavenson-Payne), killing the policemen tasked with guarding her in the process. As Detective Inspector Janet Fairell (Judith Holding) and her team search desperately for leads, James and Elise break into a quiet holiday cottage where newly married American tourists Byron and Megan Shelanvis (Timur Kocak and Heather Raffo) are spending the final days of their honeymoon. Peter ties up Byron and Megan in the attic uses what money they have to try and bargain an illicit trip across the channel with local fisherman Freddy (Neil Goulbourn), while Elise finds herself being hit on by Danny (Luke Massy), a muscular young American ex-pat boxer living and working in the nearby town. Horror-on-Sea Interview with Michael J Murphy (2013, 65 mins): the prolific filmmaker in conversation with his regular acting collaborators, June Bunday and Phil Lyndon, recorded for the much-loved British horror festival Standard Definition presentations of Roxi (2004) and Skare (2009), newly remastered from Michael J Murphy’s digital archive Surviving fragments from six lost Murphy films: Atlantis: City of Sin (1967), Boadicea (1968), Gods and Heroes (1971), two versions of Seventh Day (1976/77), and Insight(1978)

screens of production stills, posters, video and DVD covers, and even competition programme clippings for the films included on this disc. Standard Definition presentation of Death Run (1987), newly digitised and compiled from rare surviving tape sources Another blue-screen introduction from Murphy gives way to intercut interviews with cast members Phil Lyndon, June Bunday and Judith Holding, who share their memories of working on the film. Well, sort of – Holding tells a story of wearing inappropriate underwear for a rescheduled scene, Lyndon describes the film as a like a panto and laughs at scenes he now thinks look silly, and although she then smilingly corrects herself, Bunday's initial advice to budding actors who might fancy working with Murphy is "Don't ever get involved with that bastard."The Making of ‘Roxi’ (2004): documentary featuring interviews with actors Mary-Anne Barlow, Bruce Lawrence, Ross Maxwell and Valia Yanarou The Making of ‘Invitation to Hell’ and ‘The Last Night’ (2008): retrospective documentary featuring interviews with Murphy, Lyndon and Duncan A well assembled but spoiler-littered trailer for a film that it's best to go into knowing as little about how things play out as possible. Avoid until after the film itself. When you play this film, you can elect to watch it either with its original title, Quälen, or with the alternative The Hereafter title sequence, which appeared on the American VHS edition published by Mogel Video. Mute footage of a fight rehearsal from the earlier film. If you thought it surprising that a mouthy drunk could best the buff Dan in the remake, wait until you see the muscles on Dan's 2001 equivalent Steve, played by Oliver Price – I have little doubt that he could lift a barn in the air with one hand and drop it on his opponent's head without breaking a sweat.