Network have released details of the next set of DVD and Blu-ray releases in their ongoing 'The British Film' project. The titles are: The Great Defender – a melodrama starring Matheson Lang; The House Across the Lake – Hillary Brooke stars in this British noir thriller of 1954, produced by Hammer Films; The Monster Club on Blu-Ray – Vincent Price, John Carradine and Donald Pleasence star in this cult horror gem; Catacombs - supernatural thriller marked the directorial debut of Gordon Hessler; Portrait of Alison (aka Postmark for Danger) – stylish, cleverly plotted thriller adapted from a story by Francis Durbridge.

The Great Defender (1934) – DVD

Sir Douglas Rolls is a highly respected defence lawyer of many years’ experience. Now in rapidly failing health, he is advised to retreat from the courtroom and pursue more pleasurable activities. But it is just at this point that his great lost love walks into his chambers to ask that he defend her adulterous husband, now to stand trial for murder. Reluctantly agreeing to take on the case, Sir Douglas soon finds there is more to the story than meets the eye.

Featuring a characteristically powerful performance from Matheson Lang (Little Friend, Carnival), the classical actor who became one of Britain’s most successful screen stars during the twenties, this superb feature is presented here in a brand-new digital transfer.

A skillfully constructed melodrama with a genuinely thrilling dénouement, The Great Defender is released on DVD on 18th August 2014 by Network Distributing, RRP £9.99.

Special features:

• Promotional material PDF
• Instant Play facility

The House Across the Lake (1954) – DVD

The bungalow which author Mark Kenrick has rented to toil over his new novel is quiet but for the sounds coming from a lively party across the lake at the exclusive home of Beverley Forrest and his young ex-model wife, Carol. When she calls Mark to ask if he would collect some stranded guests, he obliges but is shocked to find that Carol is both calculating and manipulative. He is about to find out just how far she is prepared to go in order to get what she wants!

American screen siren Hillary Brooke (The Woman in Green) is a consummate femme fatale in this British noir thriller of 1954 – an early feature by Emmy-winning writer-director Ken Hughes, and one of a series of now highly regarded B-movies jointly financed by Hammer Films and American producer Robert L. Lippert. The House Across the Lake is released on DVD by Network Distributing on 18th August 2014, RRP £9.99.

Special features:

• Original theatrical trailer
• Promotional material PDF
• Instant Play facility

The Monster Club (1981) – Blu-ray

Pausing to admire a window display of his own books, distinguished horror writer Ronald Chetwynd-Hayes is attacked by a desperate vampire, Eramus, faint from lack of sustenance. Assuring the startled victim that the neck bite was not deep enough to bring him into the fold, the grateful vampire takes him to the Monster Club. The rich selection of vampires, werewolves, snake-men, wasp-women, ghouls and other weird creatures enjoying themselves to the happy beat of pop music offers plenty of new material for the author. In addition, Eramus explains to Ronald the hierarchy and basic rules of Monsterdom, and illustrates his theme with three tales of toe-curling terror.

Screen legends Vincent Price, John Carradine and Donald Pleasence are just three of the stars of this darkly humorous cult horror gem, which earnt Hammer Films veteran Roy Ward Baker (Quartermass and the Pit, A Night to Remember) the Audience Award at Rome’s Fantafestival in 1981 and features music by The Pretty Things, UB40 and B.A. Robertson. The Monster Club is out on Blu-ray on 18th August 2014, RRP £14.99.

Special features:

• Original theatrical trailer
• Promotional material PDF
• Instant Play facility

Catacombs (1965) – DVD

Money and power have brought Mrs Garth a charming husband, but despite her beauty and intelligence, she receives neither his loyalty nor his love; instead, he is infatuated with her young niece. Her domineering ways have also alienated her secretary, Richard Corbett. In her safe she holds cheques once forged by Corbett and, while she is alive, he must remain within her service. To gain their freedom, the two men contemplate murdering Mrs Garth. One weekend their plans become reality – with chilling consequences.

BOASTING a brilliantly sinuous plot with a startling denouement, this supernatural thriller marked the directorial debut of Gordon Hessler (The Alfred Hitchcock Hour). Catacombs (aka The Woman Who Wouldn't Die) is released on DVD by Network Distributing on 25th August 2014, RRP £9.99.

Featuring an outstanding central performance from Gary Merrill (All About Eve) Catacombs is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.

• Image gallery
• Promotional material PDF
• Instant Play facility

Portrait of Alison (aka Postmark for Danger) – DVD

Investigative journalist Lewis Forrester and his female passenger are killed when their car plunges over a cliff in Italy, leaving Lewis’ two brothers behind – portraitist Tim, and pilot Dave. Although the case is closed, Inspector Colby of Scotland Yard does not believe Lewis’s death was accidental. Tim is hired by the dead girl's father to paint her portrait from a photograph setting a chain of mysterious events is set in motion.

An American principal cast lends classic film noir appeal to this stylish, cleverly plotted thriller adapted from a story (and earlier television serial) by Francis Durbridge – one of Britain's most successful crime writers and creator of legendary sleuth Paul Temple. Jointly adapted by Ken Hughes (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and Oscar winner Guy Green (Great Expectations), Portrait of Alison is released by Network Distributing on DVD on 25th August 2014, RRP £9.99.