50s sf classic X the Unknown on 4K UHD + Blu-ray from Hammer in July
Before The Blob, there was X the Unknown! Widely regarded as the missing part of the Quatermass franchise, the suspenseful science-horror is the latest Limited Collector’s Edition to be released by Hammer Films.
70 years after its original release, Hammer’s cult classic X the Unknown makes its debut on Blu-ray and 4K UHD. Penned by the legendary Hammer writer Jimmy Sangster (The Curse of Frankenstein), it’s an essential must-own film for all fans of the Quatermass franchise and classic cinema.
What do you do when the killer can’t be stopped – or even understood? Prepare to meet a very different kind of movie monster: X. When a soldier dies from apparent radiation poisoning, the Atomic Energy Commission sends scientist Dr. Royston – played by Oscar-winner Dean Jagger – to investigate. Despite extensive testing no source can be found – until a mysterious radioactive, mud-like entity resurfaces and begins claiming more victims.
Meticulously restored from original film elements by the teams at Hammer and Silver Salt Restoration, this eagerly awaited release will be available as a limited collector’s edition 4-disc 4K UHD and Blu-ray set that delivers exceptional clarity, contrast and sound, bringing out the full impact of X the Unknown’s creepy atmosphere and outstanding cinematography.
X the Unknown will be released as a Limited Edition UHD + Blu-ray on 27 July 2026 by Hammer Films at the Pre-order price of £50.
LIMITED EDITION UHD + BLU-RAY CONTENTS:
- Four discs in a stylish digipak, including 2 UHD and 2 Blu-ray, with the Hammer content duplicated across both formats.
- Three iterations of X the Unknown: the widescreen 1.66:1 UK Theatrical Version, the fullscreen 1.37:1 As-Filmed Version and the widescreen 1.85:1 US Theatrical Version.
- English, French, Italian, Spanish, German subtitles on all versions of the film.
- Brand-new 5.1 mix for 1.37:1 and 1.66:1 versions alongside the original mono film soundtrack.
- Packaged in a high-end, leather-feel slipcase.
- A rigid inner box featuring new artwork by cult favourite Robert Sammelin.
- A double sided poster of original one-sheets
- Eight art cards featuring facsimiles of the original cinema lobby cards.
- A Man on the Beach: a rare, early Hammer short film, written by Jimmy Sangster and directed by Joseph Losey (who was due to make X the Unknown).
- New commentary with actor and comedian Toby Hadoke and Nigel Kneale’s biographer Andy Murray.
- New commentary with writer/producer Dr Steve Haberman and film-maker and film historian Constantine Nasr.
- New commentary with film historian David Kalat.
- Archive 2003 commentary featuring writer Jimmy Sangster and Hammer expert Marcus Hearn.
- New commentary on A Man on the Beach by film expert Neil Sinyard.
- New documentary on the making of X the Unknown, with contributions from Toby Hadoke, Andy Murray, Wayne Kinsey, Dick Klemensen and actor Frazer Hines.
- New documentary on special effects maestro Les Bowie, with contributions from Wayne Kinsey, Dick Klemensen, Mike Tilley and archive audio contributions from Christopher Lee, Ian Scoones and others.
- A new documentary following the career of Joseph Losey – the original X the Unknown director who departed the project before shooting commenced – and his storied journey through Hollywood to Hammer films, via blacklisting and exile.
- Sidebar: X the Unknown. Film critic and writer Tim Lucas discusses X and similar films of the period with artist and film historian Stephen R. Bissette.
- Archive Jimmy Sangster interview from 2003.
- Original trailers, censor card and Super 8 cut-down version.
- Extensive image gallery of stills and publicity material.
- And A 120-page booklet featuring new articles on the film’s production, its relationship to the Quatermass films, cast and crew biographies, script comparisons, and more