FABULOUS FILMS RELEASING A HAUNTING RETELLING OF A CLASSIC HORROR TALE

The story of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is given a new twist when seen through the innocent
eyes of Dr. Jekyll’s housemaid MARY REILLY.

This classic drama starring Julia Roberts and
John Malkovich is directed by Stephen Frears and is available for the first time on Blu-ray this May.

Many of the cast and crew were reunited from Dangerous Liaisons including Frears, screenwriter Christopher Hampton, actors John Malkovich and Glenn Close, producer Norma Heyman and composer George Fenton (composer of the Bergerac theme tune). The film also stars George Cole (Arthur Daley), Michael Gambon (Dumbledore), Michael Sheen (Tony Blair) and Kathy Staff (Nora Batty).

“Every so often a film comes along that people are determined to hate.” – Kim Newman, Empire

Filming finished in September 1994 with an ending similar to the book of the same name by Valerie Martin (where Jekyll dies and Mary lies beside him). However, 25 rewrites later, seven rescheduled release dates and disagreements between director and studio- the stars were called back in the winter of 1995 to film three alternative endings (Glenn Close was flown back to London on Concorde for a single days work). The film was finally released in February 1996.

Synopsis:

Mary (Julia Roberts ) is sensitive to the needs and weaknesses of her master, Dr. Henry Jekyll (John Malkovich ) and is prepared to do almost anything for him. Her trust is a blessing as the doctor embarks on a new dangerous experiment – one that will bring about a meeting between Mary and Dr. Jekyll’s sinister assistant Mr. Hyde. Although Mary remains devoted to her brilliant but rather reserved employer, she finds herself attracted to the charms of the mysterious Mr Hyde. Together Mary and Mr. Hyde share a terrible secret that will cast both fear and danger on the Jekyll household. Mary Reilly must confront her own personal demons and dangerous desires if she is to survive and vanquish one of humanity’s greatest evils.

Extras features on the new DVD and Blu-ray by Fabulous Films include: Featurette, Trailer, B-Roll, Sound Bites, Film Clips.