This DVD collection, THE HERCULES COLLECTION, from SHOUT! FACTORY, looks like a good set but then upon closer look, the set is actually just the same as an old and rare DVD set, which I have, repackaged and with Steve Reeves on the cover.
There are 6 titles in the set:
The Loves Of Hercules (aka Hercules Vs. The Hydra) (1960)
The Trojan Horse (1961)
Medusa Against The Son Of Hercules (1962)
Conquest Of Mycene (aka Hercules vs. The Molloch) (1963)
The Triumph Of Hercules (1964)
Hercules Against The Sons Of The Sun (1964)
If you look at the old set (below), THE ADVENTURES OF HERCULES, they are almost the same titles:
THE LION OF THEBES is missing from the new collection.
In the old set released by Trimark, there were 4 different DVD boxes for the 7 titles. The new set, with Steve on the cover, only has two disks for the 6 titles. The packaging of the old set , though nothing stunning, was more fun and elaborate the new one.
All movies are in 4:3 aspect ratio. No widescreen. So, no upgrade in the new set.
It’s very deceptive but then most people don’t have the old set. But the thing is, by putting Steve on the cover they made it look like a collection of Steve Reeves’ Hercules movies but it’s not. There is one movie in the set with Steve, THE TROJAN HORSE, but it’s NOT a Hercules movie. Some people have bought it thinking HERCULES (1958) and HERCULES UNCHAINED (1959) were included. So beware.
SHOUT! FACTORY have also falsely claimed many scenes from HERCULES (1958) on Youtube.
It would be better just to buy to old set, since it has THE LION OF THEBES in it. Of course, the old set might be more expensive but I just don’t see the point of buying the new set, unless it’s super cheap.
Also, don’t confuse this set with another HERCULES DVD set, called HERCULES COLLECTION:
