In a recent announcement, Hammer Films revealed that 2012 will see the first results of a significant effort to restore popular titles in the Hammer library. Spearheaded by Studio Canal, the restoration initiative includes Anolis Entertainment, Pinewood Studios, illuminate Hollywood fka HTV, Warner Brothers, and Cineimage; over the next few years, more than thirty movies will receive newly remastered and restored Blu-ray editions.
Currently, the United Kingdom will benefit most significantly from this news - Studio Canal has already planned the first wave of Hammer Blu-rays in the UK. On March 5th, the distributor will release Blu-rays of Dracula: Prince of Darkness, The Reptile, and The Plague of the Zombies.
In addition, Hammer's press release also indicated upcoming Blu-rays for the following titles:
The Devil Rides Out
Rasputin the Mad Monk
The Mummy's Shroud
The Curse of Frankenstein
Dracula (AKA Horror of Dracula)
The Mummy
Concerning the aforementioned six titles, no further details - including technical and supplementary specifications as well as release dates - are known. The press release does claim that all Hammer films in this initiative will boast "fully-restored HD picture and restored sound...[and] a host of newly-filmed extras, including interviews with cast members. These documentary extras are being produced by Hammer expert and historian, Marcus Hearn – author of the recent The Hammer Vault."
Of particular note are the plans regarding the Dracula (AKA Horror of Dracula) restoration. The press release claims that "recently-discovered footage...originally cut from the British version...has been restored...courtesy of The National Film Center at The Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. The Japanese footage features an extended and particularly gruesome death scene for Dracula, as well as a moment considered too erotic by the censors of the day [1958]."
Hammer hopes that similarly themed cut material will surface for other pictures and is calling on private collectors in possession of rare Hammer film footage to contact any company involved with this project.
For greater reference, Hammer has started a "Restoration Blog" to chart the ongoing work done in service of their catalog; this link leads directly to the blog.
Again, as of now, the more specific Blu-ray release plans only apply in the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, the press release suggests that the restoration involvement of US companies Warner Brothers Motion Picture Imaging and Thought Equity Motion bodes well for North American Hammer aficionados in the near future.