Experience Hammer’s Cult Classic ‘Captain Kronos’ on the Big Screen

The iconic Hammer Films is kicking off 2025 in spectacular style with a cinematic revival of Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter, marking the studio’s first-ever 4K restoration. In celebration of the cult classic’s 50th anniversary, the newly restored version will screen across UK cinemas for one night only on 18th January 2025, with additional showings in select cities until the end of the month.

Directed by the legendary Brian Clemens (The Avengers, The Professionals), Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter was a bold departure from traditional horror fare when it debuted in 1974. Combining swashbuckling action with Hammer’s signature gothic sensibilities, the film starred Horst Janson in the titular role alongside Caroline Munro, Shane Briant, and John Carson. Over the years, its reputation as a post-modern, genre-defying gem has only grown, and this restoration promises to highlight its atmospheric charm and stylistic brilliance like never before.

This reimagined tale follows Captain Kronos, a former soldier turned professional vampire hunter, as he investigates a series of mysterious deaths linked to accelerated ageing. With his loyal hunchbacked assistant, Professor Hieronymus Grost, and the spirited gypsy Carla, Kronos discovers he’s up against a breed of vampire unlike any he’s encountered before. A perfect mix of folk horror, thrilling adventure, and provocative themes, the film remains a landmark in Hammer’s celebrated catalogue.

The painstaking 4K restoration process, drawn from original 35mm negative elements, breathes new life into the film. Every frame has been meticulously cleaned, with colour and density corrected to showcase its rich visuals, enhanced further by High Dynamic Range technology. The original three-track mono audio has been remixed into a 5.1 surround sound experience for theatrical release, ensuring viewers feel every chilling moment in vivid detail.

Screenings will take place in cities including Cambridge, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, with a Limited Collector’s Edition 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray release available for pre-order ahead of its 27th January retail launch. This special edition will include exclusive features and a beautifully illustrated collector’s booklet, making it an essential addition to any horror fan’s library.

Full list of screenings

18th January

• BELFAST Queens Film Theatre

20th January

• DUNDEE DCA

22nd January

• FINSBURY PARK Picturehouse
• CAMBRIDGE Picturehouse
• CAMBRIDGE The Light
• BIRMINGHAM Mockingbird Cinema
• WALSALL The Light
• BOLTON The Light
• SHEFFIELD The Light
• STOCKPORT The Light
• NEW BRIGHTON The Light
• LIVERPOOL Picturehouse
• NEWCASTLE Tyneside
• EDINBURGH Cameo
• EDINBURGH Picturehouse
• GLASGOW Film Theatre
• NORTHAMPTON Film House

24th January

• BRISTOL Cube

28th January

• MANCHESTER Home

Hammer Films, revived in 2023 by producer John Gore, continues to honour its legendary past while planning a slate of new productions. With Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter, the studio proves that its legacy remains as enduring as ever.

Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter Limited Collector’s Edition 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray will be released from 27th January 2025
Pre-order now from Hammer Films, Amazon, HMV

Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter trailer