The Monster Squad (Two-Disc 20th Anniversary Edition)

Description

Count Dracula adjourns to Earth, accompanied by Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolfman, the Mummy, and the Gillman. The uglies are in search of a powerful amulet that will grant them power to rule the world. Our heroes - the Monster Squad are the only ones daring to stand in their way.

Customer Reviews:

It is a classic.......2007-09-17

If you remeber this movie then you will know that you had to love it when you were young. It is a classic and a must have for any cult film fanatic.

Not Up To The Goonies.......2007-09-16

If you really like The Goonies, you'll find this only a fair movie. It consists of poor attempts at slapstick, unsuccessful suspense, and unnecessary foul language and humor about virginity, all delivered by some B-grade acting. It is not really appropriate for young children, and anyone else should find it unsatisfying. (I can't account for any rave reviews.)

Welcome back 'Monster Squad'. We've missed you. .......2007-09-15

If there is one thing good thing you can say about the advent of the DVD age, it's that a lot of forgotten -- or downright ignored -- films are getting a second life. While not classics necessarily, these films are nonetheless beloved and - many times - important films. 'The Monster Squad' is one of those films. Released to a general `meh' in 1987, the film has since generated a lot of fan support and love over the years (thanks mainly to its VHS release and Cable showings) and with the support of a strong, ever-growing, core fan group, the film has at last made it to DVD. We couldn't be happier.

The forces of evil (Dracula, the Frankenstein monster, the gill man, the wolf man, and a mean old mummy) have gathered again after 100 years of dormancy. They have returned to take possession of a magical amulet that will shift the scales of the balance of the world to the dark side should they be successful. Famed vampire hunter Van Helsing had been working to put an end to the monsters completely 100 years earlier but had failed and now it falls to five kids to do what he could not. Calling themselves the Monster Squad, (after their love of all things monstrous and scary), this band of misfits, with the aide of a `scary old German guy', and hopefully the help of a suspected virgin, set themselves up as the only defense against these monsters and the possibility of the end of mankind.

An average film with a heart of gold, the magic that makes it all work is the honesty in which it is made. It clear that 'The Monster Squad' was never meant to be a classic - what film starts out with those ambitions? - But it certainly is a fun throwback to a - now sadly - bygone era. The modernized humor works within the confines of its decidedly old fashioned story (it's patterned after the classic Abbott and Costello films with just a pinch of 'The Little Rascals' thrown in). The language - which can be coarse - is never forced, and feels true to the characters and moments. (Sorry Mom and Dad. It is a sad truth that even in the PC world we live in, your young ones may still talk like this when you aren't around.) There are scares of a PG-13 variety, but this isn't just a kiddie film. Thanks to a very dark portrayal of Dracula, and some good acting the film plays very well to all ages. It's a welcome reminder of a bygone era of kinder, gentler filmmaking.

This little gem is blissfully packed with extras: Commentaries, deleted scenes, an extensive documentary, and some odds and ends that will certainly make it a must-own for it's many ardent followers. And the new DVD transfer looks stunning too! If you enjoyed the film as a kid -- you'll be amazed as an adult at the beautiful job director Fred Dekker did with the direction and camera work.

It's fantastic to be able to re-visit this old friend. Welcome back 'Monster Squad'. We've missed you.

A "Universal Classic" not made by Universal Studios..........2007-09-15

"Monster Squad" is a good movie, if solely for the fact that it combines all the Universal Monsters and a bunch of kids who swear. This is not the kind of movie you would see on the Disney Channel (for good reason) and it hearkens back to a decade I can barely remember, but who cares. It has some great one liners and some modest performances. With memorable characters such as "Scary German Guy" (there is a great holocaust reference in the movie with him that I never understood before when I was 11).

The special features for this 20th anniversaet edition are quite enjoyable. They go through most aspects of the movie including sepcial effects, character makeup and design, I would say the most interesting part is the cast interviews from Duncan Regehr (Dracula), Andre Gower (Sean), Ashley Bank (little 5 year old Phoebe all grown up!), Ryan Lambert (Rudy) and Tom Noonan (Frankie) . I was hoping for more cast interviews (because it is always great to see actors 20 years after the fact getting all misty eyed and nostalgic right along with you).

Bottom of the line: This movie is worth the buy for any kid or adult that grew up on this movie or the Universal Classic Monster movies. I would dub this movie part of the nostalgic, feel-good, where-was-I-then movies. You don't buy this one for academy performances. It does what a good movie should do, especially the ones that have a legacy: they engage and entertain.

Great family movie.......2007-09-13

Rented it was a VHS when it first cameout, a classic kids movie,fun scary and moves at a good pace. Now older it has lost none of the charm and enjoyment, they should make more like this,it's good to be a kid again.

Average customer rating:

Young Frankenstien
One of Mel Brook's masterpieces..
"Elevate Me!", "What Knockers!"...Classic!!!
Brooks best
Young Frankenstein

Young Frankenstein
Starring: Gene Wilder , Peter Boyle , Marty Feldman , Madeline Kahn , and Cloris Leachman
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000G6BLWE
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Amazon.com essential video

If you were to argue that Mel Brooks's Young Frankenstein ranks among the top-ten funniest movies of all time, nobody could reasonably dispute the claim. Spoofing classic horror in the way that Brooks's previous film Blazing Saddles sent up classic Westerns, the movie is both a loving tribute and a raucous, irreverent parody of Universal's classic horror films Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Filming in glorious black and white, Brooks re-created the Frankenstein laboratory using the same equipment from the original Frankenstein (courtesy of designer Kenneth Strickfaden), and this loving attention to physical and stylistic detail creates a solid foundation for nonstop comedy. The story, of course, involves Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) and his effort to resume experiments in re-animation pioneered by his late father. (He's got some help, since dad left behind a book titled How I Did It.) Assisting him is the hapless hunchback Igor (Marty Feldman) and the buxom but none-too-bright maiden Inga (Teri Garr), and when Frankenstein succeeds in creating his monster (Peter Boyle), the stage is set for an outrageous revision of the Frankenstein legend. With comedy highlights too numerous to mention, Brooks guides his brilliant cast (also including Cloris Leachman, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, and Gene Hackman in a classic cameo role) through scene after scene of inspired hilarity. Indeed, Young Frankenstein is a charmed film, nothing less than a comedy classic, representing the finest work from everyone involved. Not one joke has lost its payoff, and none of the countless gags have lost their zany appeal. From a career that includes some of the best comedies ever made, this is the film for which Mel Brooks will be most fondly remembered. Befitting a classic, the Special Edition DVD includes audio commentary by Mel Brooks, a "making of" documentary, interviews with the cast, hilarious bloopers and outtakes, and the original theatrical trailers. No video library should be without a copy of Young Frankenstein. And just remember--that's Fronkensteen. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Mel Brooks' monstrously crazy tribute to Mary Shelley's classic pokes hilarious fun at just about every Frankenstein movie ever made. Summoned by a will to his late grandfather's castle in Transylvania, young Dr. Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) soon discovers the scientist's step-by-step manual explaining how to bring a corpse to life. Assisted by the hunchback Igor (Marty Feldman) and the curvaceous Ings (Teri Garr), he creates a monster (Peter Boyle) who only wants to be loved.

Customer Reviews:

Young Frankenstien.......2007-09-05

I recived the movie the next day. The movie and service was great, I was so impressed with the service that I ordered 2 more movies for friends.
Delores

One of Mel Brook's masterpieces.........2007-08-13

In my oppinion, this is one of Mel Brooks best movies and one of the best comedies EVER! Great DVD!

"Elevate Me!", "What Knockers!"...Classic!!!.......2007-08-02

Truley one of the funniest movies ever made! This is Mel Brooks at his very best along with a superb cast. This movie has made millions of people laugh, (hysterically!), for years. One of the funniest scenes is when the Creature rapes Elizabeth, but she's so overcome by his "size" she bursts out singing "Oh sweet mystery of life at last I've found you!" That scene is one of the funniest ever filmed, and highly worth metioning! Other scenes, and quotes include: "Putin' on the Ritz!", "Put the candle back!", "What Knockers", Elevate Me!" "Frau Blucher", (horses whining hysterically!) "Abby Normal", and on, and on, and on... Also, I believe the term "blucher" is German for glue. Hell, if I were a horse I'd whine too!

You simply can't go wrong this classic comedy. It is sure to put a smile on your face and have you quoting the characters lines for years to come. Way to go Mel Brooks, Gene Wilder, Cloris Leachman, & Teri Garr!

As for Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle and Madeline Kahn: You all are true comdey legends. God bless you all, and may you all rest in peace.

Fredrick: "Igor. Will you give me a hand with the bags?"
Igor: "Certainly. You take the blonde and I'll take the one in the turban!"

Deserves more than five stars. WAY MORE!!!

Brooks best.......2007-07-29

Although 'Blazing Saddles' is better remembered and 'The Producers' more critically acclaimed (Mel Brooks won an Oscar for the screenplay), Young Frankenstein is the best and the funniest film he has ever made. Its a wonderful comedic homage to the original James Whale films made back in the 1930's. So this is much more than just a parody. The original sets were recreated, in the same location, and the film is shot in black and white which brings back happy memories of Bride of Frankenstein (itself a black comedy).

Mel Brooks was very lucky to have Gene Wilder as leading actor for his best films. In the 1960's and 1970's Wilder was a comedy actor without peer. Effortlessly funny, and here right from his opening scene, at a teaching Hospital he's brilliant. The classic moment in this scene is his growing anger whilst holding a scalpel. Well you can guess what happens... Wilder does it with brilliant comic timing. Seeing the film again recently it struck me that Wilder would have made a great silent comedy star. Evidence of just how good Wilder was in this era, is that he even out performs the late Marty Feldman. The rest of the cast are nearly as good with Cloris Leachman and Peter Boyle both giving marvellous performances.

Gene Wilder also gets writing credits with Brooks as well and between them they produced a great script with a stream a great one-liners:

Frankenstein: Igor, would you give me a hand with the bags?
Igor: [doing a Groucho Marx] Certainly, you take the blonde and I'll take the one in the turban.

The DVD has some great extras, with the commentry by Mel Brooks being a particular highlight. Its both informative and funny. I haven't watched the documentary on the DVD yet. Overall this is a superb disc and a film that should be in everybodies collection.

Young Frankenstein.......2007-07-16

I LOVE this movie!! That's why I had to own it--it's a classic. Funny stuff.

The Mel Brooks Collection (Blazing Saddles / Young Frankenstein / Silent Movie / Robin Hood: Men in Tights / To Be or Not to Be / History of the World, Part 1 / The Twelve Chairs / High Anxiety)

Average customer rating:

Great collection from the greatest Mel
Mel...Mel...Mel
Surprisingly good
mel brooks
Classic Comedy

The Mel Brooks Collection (Blazing Saddles / Young Frankenstein / Silent Movie / Robin Hood: Men in Tights / To Be or Not to Be / History of the World, Part 1 / The Twelve Chairs / High Anxiety)
Starring: Mel Brooks
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000E6ESIK
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Amazon.com

There are plenty of belly laughs in The Mel Brooks Collection, an eight-disc set of most of the director-writer-actor's best-known films. Four of them--Silent Movie, High Anxiety, To Be or Not to Be, and Robin Hood: Men with Tights--are making their debut on DVD, while a fifth, The Twelve Chairs, was briefly available as a non-anamorphic DVD from Image Entertainment (all the DVDs in this set are anamorphically enhanced for widescreen TVs). That means you can sample a 23-year stretch of Brooks's outrageous and affectionate spoofing of everything from movies to popular legends to movies to historical figures to, hey! more movies.

The earliest film, The Twelve Chairs (1970), is the least known, but is one of the funniest, helped greatly by a good story (adapted from a 1920s Russian tale) and the casting of Ron Moody and Frank Langella as treasure hunters. Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles followed in 1974. The former, a spoof of horror films, is easily one of the top two or three funniest movies of all time, and the latter is justly famous for its often-tasteless send-up of Western cliches. Silent Movie (1976) is just what the title describes, with its only word of dialogue spoken from the least-likely source, and High Anxiety (1977) pays tribute to the work of Alfred Hitchcock. History of the World, Part 1 (1981) mocks historical events and epics, and To Be or Not to Be (1983) is a remake of Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 classic of the same name (it's also the only film in the set for which Brooks didn't receive writing and directing credit). By this time, Brooks was more actively taking the leading roles himself (rather than the bit parts), and unfortunately relying less on his topnotch ensemble of recurring players, which included Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, Harvey Korman, and Dom Deluise. But he does use a new ensemble (including Cary Elwes and, in his film debut, Dave Chappelle), for Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), the feature-length spin on the same hero Brooks had spoofed in his short-lived 1975 television series When Things Were Rotten.

Bonus features are minor. In addition to an HBO featurette on Men in Tights, there's a featurette and interviews on To Be or Not to Be and all the features (Brooks commentary, deleted scenes, interviews, etc.) that were on the original release of Young Frankenstein. Note that while rights issues kept The Producers, Spaceballs, and other films out of this set, 20th Century Fox was able to use Warner Bros.' Blazing Saddles. The features on that disc, however, are the ones that were on the 1997 DVD release, not the 2004 anniversary reissue. Regardless, the set's price for this many films is low, and because it has so many films new to DVD, Brooks fans will want to pick this up faster than they can say... "Frau Blücher!" --David Horiuchi

Description

This 8 disc boxset includes Blazing Saddles, High Anxiety, History of the World Part I, Robinhood Men in Tights, Silent Movie, To Be or Not to Be, Twelve Chairs, Young Frankenstein.

Customer Reviews:

Great collection from the greatest Mel.......2007-09-16

Mel Brooks is to me the most greatest comediant of the last 40 years. From the creation of "Get Smart", till the great Broadway "The Producers", Mel's work has been magnificent. From the collection, I should have changed "Robin Hood" for "Spaceballs". But even this doesn't change my rate. Enjoy an have lots of fun.

Mel...Mel...Mel.......2007-08-29

Includes 8 of Mel Brooks Classics in this Collection. Each Movie is a true classic and is a good addition to anyones DVD Movie collection. We purchased these for our Homeowners Association Library so that we can show them on the weekly movie night by the pool or in the clubhouse. Everyone enjoys them too.

Surprisingly good.......2007-08-14

I acquired this collection in order to acquaint the kids with the Mel Brooks style of humor. His ideas hold up to the test of time remarkably well. We were especially surprised by To Be or Not to Be - a film we were not aware of, and one which every theatre lover will enjoy. Mel is particularly good in this story about a couple of Polish actors surviving the Nazi occupation. In other films, Mel's subversive ironies still sound fresh. Ignore the puerile jokes and the way the pacing drags at times. In the history of cinematic comedy, Mel ranks way up there.

mel brooks.......2007-07-13

I found that some of the scenes were missing from some of the movies...seem like a cheap bootleg copy...very disappointed.

Classic Comedy.......2007-06-15

These movies are non-stop fun. If you like classic, musical style comedy then these are the films for you. I have seen quite a few of the Mel Brooks movies before I bought this set, but what surprised me were the entertainment value of the movies that I hadn't watched before. High Anxiety and To Be or Not to Be are more coherent than the famous Mel Brooks movies and that makes them great films if you want some light comedy. Enjoy!

The Best of Abbott & Costello, Vol. 3 (Abbott & Costello Go to Mars / Abbott & Costello in the Foreign Legion / Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein / Abbott & Costello Meet the Invisible Man / Abbott & Costello Meet the Killer / Comin' Round the Mountain / Lost in Alaska / Mexican Hayride)

Average customer rating:

Hey Abbott!
Great Movies!!!
Classic
Great classic comedy!
FUNNY MOVIES

The Best of Abbott & Costello, Vol. 3 (Abbott & Costello Go to Mars / Abbott & Costello in the Foreign Legion / Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein / Abbott & Costello Meet the Invisible Man / Abbott & Costello Meet the Killer / Comin' Round the Mountain / Lost in Alaska / Mexican Hayride)
Starring: Bud Abbott , Lou Costello , Mari Blanchard , Robert Paige (IV) , and Horace McMahon
Director: Charles Lamont , and Charles Barton
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00023P4O2
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Description

Includes the following movies,
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
Mexican Hayride
Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff
Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion
Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man
Comin' Round the Mountain
Lost in Alaska
Abbott and Costello Go to Mars

Customer Reviews:

Hey Abbott!.......2007-09-02

Abbott and Costello are the best comedy duo, ever. This collection has some of their funnier movies as well as some of their "quieter" ones. Family fun for everyone. It's pure comedy and has non of that "blue" that's so popular with people today. If you want "funny", this is it! Enjoy!

Great Movies!!!.......2007-08-23

Great movies that my kids love. I had forgotten how funny Abbot & Costello are. Highly recommended.

Classic.......2007-08-11

Two DVD's, 8 films. Picture and film quality is as good as technology can make something this old. The balance between the films is uneven, but I guess every movie can't be a gem. A little pricey for what you get, actually. I remember watching these movies as a kid and being absolutely thrilled with them. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein and Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer will have you laughing in the aisles. The other movies have their moments, but don't expect more than an occasional chuckle.

Great classic comedy!.......2007-06-27

I used to watch these guys every Sunday morning when I was a kid. When I seen they finally came onto DVD and especially 8 episodes per volume, you just can't go wrong for the price. In my opinion, they were the best comedy duo there ever was. Some of their best movies exist within this volume including my favorite, Abbott & Costello meet Frankenstein. I ordered via standard shipping and received them within a weeks time, packaged nicely, and in great condition. If you love classic, clean comedy, then this is for you.

FUNNY MOVIES .......2007-06-06

WORTH THE MONEY
I LOVE THIS DVD, BRINGS BACK LAUGHTER AND MEMORYS AND YOU NEVER GET BORED WITH IT,

Frankenstein (75th Anniversary Edition) (Universal Legacy Series)

Average customer rating:

STILL HOLDS IT'S OWN! KARLOFF IS AMAZING!
Still impressive
Can a 75 Year Old Black And White Film Still Entertain? Yes!!!!
Warning Against Weird Science
Frankenstein (1931)

Frankenstein (75th Anniversary Edition) (Universal Legacy Series)
Starring: Colin Clive , Mae Clarke , John Boles , Boris Karloff , and Edward Van Sloan
Director: James Whale
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000GPIPT2
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Amazon.com essential video

"It's alive! Alive!" shouts Colin Clive's triumphant Dr. Frankenstein as electricity buzzes over the hulking body of a revived corpse. "In the name of God now I know what it's like to be God!" For years unheard, this line has been restored, along with the legendary scene of the childlike monster tossing a little girl into a lake, in James Whale's Frankenstein, one of the most famous and influential horror movies ever made. Coming off the tremendous success of Dracula, Universal assigned sophomore director Whale to helm an adaptation of Mary Shelley's famous novel with Bela Lugosi as the monster. When Lugosi declined the role, Whale cast the largely unknown character actor Boris Karloff and together with makeup designer Jack Pierce they created the most memorable monster in movie history: a towering, lumbering creature with sunken eyes, a flat head, and a jagged scar running down his forehead. Whale and Karloff made this mute, misunderstood brute, who has the brain of a madman (the most obvious of the many liberties taken with Shelley's story), the most pitiable freak of nature to stumble across the screen. Clive's Dr. Frankenstein is intense and twitchy and Dwight Frye set the standard for mad-scientist sidekicks as the wild-eyed hunchback assistant. Whale's later films, notably the spooky spoof The Old Dark House and the deliriously stylized sequel The Bride of Frankenstein, display a surer cinematic hand than seen here and add a subversive twist of black comedy, but given the restraints of early sound films, Whale breaks the film free from static stillness and adorns it with striking design and expressionist flourishes. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

STILL HOLDS IT'S OWN! KARLOFF IS AMAZING!.......2007-08-17

One of the greatest horror movies ever made! I know Dracula came out first, but that is a much more subtle horror film than the "maniac monster on the loose" of "Frankenstein"! This film gives us the definitive Mad Doctor,Evil Assistant and Monster! Clive,Frye and Sloan give brilliant performances, but it is Karloff's genius performance that has kept this movie in the top 100 all time greatest films for eternity! Playing his part of the misunderstood undead being with pathos added so much to this picture, that can not be summed up in words. It is just a marvelous performance! I love the sequel "The Bride Of Frankenstein" but this one is better IMHO. I wanted my 500th review to be special and this film changed my life! I was a monster kid from the first time I saw this movie. The film has been released on DVD 3 times and this review is for the 75th anniversay edition. The DVD transfer is excellent, but not perfect. I didn't think the audio was anything special, but what can you expect for a film celebrating 75 years! If you don't own any versions, buy the 75th anniversary edition, Otherwise wait for HD! Unless you a monster nut like me and buy it 4 times! once on VHS and 3 times on DVD!

Still impressive.......2007-08-08

James Whale's film, based on Mary Shelley's classic novel "Frankenstein," was produced at Universal in 1931 as a follow-up to the immensely successful "Dracula." Even more than the Bela Lugosi shocker, Frankenstein created a sensation in its day, terrifying audiences in ways that no film had done before. Now, of course, "Frankenstein" is so tame it could even be recommended viewing for children, a group that would have been warned to avoid the film in its original release, although the scene (once deleted, but now restored) in which the Monster throws a little girl into a pond, may give them a nightmare or two.

"Frankenstein" is no longer frightening, but it remains impressive, and its story of a scientist who dared to imitate God is as timely as ever. Even now, in this age of computer generated special effects, Jack Pierce's stunning makeup has never been equaled or duplicated. When Boris Karloff makes his first entrance as the Monster, he still inspires awe rather than snickers. Kenneth Strickfaden's striking laboratory sets are still a sight to behold, and were used again in Mel Brooks' send-up, "Young Frankenstein," 43 years later.

But it is the performances that really transcend time. Colin Clive as the nerve frayed doctor is outstanding, as is Dwight Frye as his hunchbacked assistant Fritz (often mistakenly referred to as Ygor, the role played by Lugosi in the second sequel, 1939's "Son of Frankenstein"). Best of all is Karloff in his star-making portrayal of the Monster. It would have been easy to play the role as a lumbering idiot, but Karloff's humanity comes through to make this soulless creature an object of sympathy instead of horror.

One of the most important and influential films in cinema history, "Frankenstein" is essential viewing.

Brian W. Fairbanks

Can a 75 Year Old Black And White Film Still Entertain? Yes!!!!.......2007-07-26

Though the original FRANKENSTEIN is not particularly scary to a modern viewer and is more inspired by Mary Shelley's groundbreaking gothic novel than true to it this classic film is still very worth seeing. Boris Karloff has no dialogue beyond a growl as the monster yet with marvelous makeup and expressive eyes we actually find sympathy with Frankenstein's poor addled creation. Karloff's portrayal and its clones are the monster we envision when we hear the word Frankenstein. The scene with Maria (the little girl playing with the daisies) is restored to what director Whale originally intended and in this context we see the incident as a pathetic accident rather than just a mindless killing. I kept waiting for the scene with the monster and the blind man but that occurs in the also worthy sequel BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. This is a short film of a little more than an hour and a must see for anyone interested in the history of film or the horror genre.

Warning Against Weird Science.......2007-06-26

This 'Revised Version' film begins with a burial. The grave is filled in. Two men dig up the coffin in the now empty graveyard. Then they cut down a hanged man; but this body is useless. A medical school compares the brains of an intelligent man to a foul criminal. Will the servant pick the right brain for Dr. Henry Frankenstein? Is he testing the boundaries of science and sanity? Frankenstein's fiancee worries about Henry. His teacher Dr. Waldman explains the problem with Henry - he wants to experiment on humans! Is this excessive optimism of megalomania? [There is no explanation why a new brain is needed for a body. Unless its for dramatic purposes.] The visitors arrive unexpectedly. "Crazy am I? We'll see tonight." Frankenstein discovered a new ray that gives life! The storm will generate enough electricity to power the experiment. "Its alive!"

Herr Vogel the Burgomeister visits Baron Frankenstein to ask about the scheduled marriage. Why is Henry waiting? The teacher warns Henry about what can happen. The monster makes a dramatic entrance. [They used short sleeves to suggest extra long arms.] The monster has a fear of flames. Fritz teases the monster one time too many. The plan to kill the monster fails. Dr. Waldman's plan to terminate the monster fails. So now the monster runs loose! Meanwhile the preparations for the marriage creates happiness in the village. Young Maria meets the monster, things go terribly wrong! Henry's bride has a premonition that something will go wrong. The monster is near. Maria's father asks for justice. The villagers go out to search for the monster. [They are not armed! How will they stop the monster?] Herr Frankenstein finds the monster. Will the villagers get there in time? The monster seeks refuge in an old windmill. The villagers add lighting. [The unnamed actor give life to the monster's death.] There seems like a happy ending for the Frankensteins.

The story of a man-made monster terrorizing the country must have resonated with people during the Great Depression. A number of sequels were filmed with other monsters: vampires, and wolfmen. Then they ended by 1945. Future horror films would use other creatures.

Frankenstein (1931).......2007-06-20

One of the greatest horror films of all time, James Whale's "Frankenstein" veers broadly from Mary Shelley's original story while retaining its specifically tragic aspect. The ghoul-faced Karloff, without a word of dialogue here, gives a lumbering performance that is both creepy and achingly sympathetic--especially in the famous scene with a young girl (Marilyn Harris) picking a flower for him. Herman Rosse's fabulous sets and Whale's meticulous handling of atmosphere and the monster's appearance elevate this eerie study of alienation and scientific hubris far above the campier creature features that followed. Juice up your neck bolts for "Frankenstein." Universal's reissue of this monster classic brings horror fans more background information on the making of the movie, and rare interviews with its cast. The new documentary "Karloff: The Gentle Monster" pays tribute to the actor whose forty year screen career was made by this monster. A must-see for serious Frankenphiles, and a title worthy of revisiting.

Frankenstein - The Legacy Collection (Frankenstein / Bride of / Son of / Ghost of / House of)

Average customer rating:

Now I know what it feels like to be god
Any fan of Frankenstein must have.
Frankenstein - The Legacy Collection
Frankenstein - The LEgacy Collection
Excellent Collection of Hollywood's Best of the Early Monster Movies!

Frankenstein - The Legacy Collection (Frankenstein / Bride of / Son of / Ghost of / House of)
Starring: Pauline Moore , and Edward Van Sloan
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001CNRLQ
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Description

Feature titles include: The Bride of Frankenstein, Frankenstein, The Ghost of Frankenstein, House of Frankenstein, Son of Frankenstein

Customer Reviews:

Now I know what it feels like to be god.......2007-09-03

On the heels of the great success of Todd Browning's Dracula, star Bela Lugosi was offered the role of Frankenstein's Monster in the screen adaptation of Mary Shelley's infamous novel. Lugosi turned the role down, and Boris Karloff took it. The rest is history. Karloff created one of the most memorable screen monsters of all time, and inspired a million nightmares.

Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive in an inspired performance) along with his assistant Fritz (Dwight Frye: Dracula's Renfield) digs up corpses and assembles them into a gangling creature, which is then brought to life in the lab. Everyone remembers the famous line: "It's alive. It's alive!... IT'S ALIVE!"

The monster, of course, gets free and terrorizes the village. The monster causes mayhem, and the good Dr. is chastened for playing god. Those are the bare bones of the story. But underneath is something much greater.

Karloff manages to bring a human quality to the monster. He imbues it with innocence, a child-like nature that makes the tale nearly heartbreaking. Yes, the monster kills. But it doesn't want to. In the most famous scene Karloff drowns a little girl by throwing her into a lake. It is not his aim to murder the child. She was teaching him to throw pretty flowers into the water, and watch as they float. He tries to emulate her action with another pretty object ( the little girl). It goes horribly wrong, and we can see the Monster's despair at his mistake.

The point of Frankenstein is empathy. Anyone who cannot summon at least a little empathy (and sympathy) for the creature is inhumane.

The film has an eerie texture, and is perfect in nearly every shot. Director James Whale (who would also helm Bride of Frankenstein found the perfect tone for the film. The performances by Karloff, Clive, Frye, and Mae Clark (as Frankenstein's fiance) are superb.

The lack of soundtrack music seems odd to modern ears. Yet, it was standard at the time for movies to only have music over the credits, and not in the main body of the work.

This film is beautiful, and creepy. It will remain a classic forever. It was followed by several sequels. They Are:

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Son of Frankenstein (1939)
Ghost of Frankenstein, The (1942)
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)
House of Frankenstein (1944)
House of Dracula (1945)
Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

There have also been many re-makes (or re-imaginings) of Frankenstein. Among them:

Flesh for Frankenstein
Frankenstein Unbound
Frankenhooker
Frankenweenie
Young Frankenstein
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

And many more.

Frankenstein is one of the greatest horror movies ever made. No true film lover should miss it.

Any fan of Frankenstein must have........2007-08-23

My son collects these movies. He really enjoys watching them and follows the trivia too.

Frankenstein - The Legacy Collection.......2007-07-07

Very good value. I bought this collection to be playing throughout my house for my annual Hallowe'en party. It definitely sets the right kind of mood and creates an appropriate atmosphere plus these are some of the films I saw as a child. Brings back lots of warm family memories.

Frankenstein - The LEgacy Collection.......2007-07-05

The DVD was great to view; almost like it was produced recently instead of many years ago. Very enjoyable movies.

Excellent Collection of Hollywood's Best of the Early Monster Movies!.......2007-05-19

Fans of the original Frankenstein monster are in for a real treat here as this low-priced collection of no less than 5 movies featuring the monster that everyone loves has had both the picture and sound quality restored admirably well given the undoubtedly poor condition of the old deteriorated master tapes.

To me, "Frankenstein" is the best of the lot for so many reasons including the great direction of James Whale and the excellent acting of Colin Clive and especially of Boris Karloff. Karloff's work in making an audience feel so much pity for what was supposed to be a monster has only been bettered by Merian C. Cooper making us feel sorry for essentially a mechanical puppet in King Kong. The movie with its brilliant acting and strong moral theme of the repercussions whenever man decides to play God make this a movie to transcend the years and rightfully stake its claim as one of the best movies ever made.

I know a lot of people like "Bride of Frankenstein" better but to me, "Frankenstein" is still the better movie overall. It's interesting to note that James Whale wasn't in favour of doing this sequel but faced with the prospect of someone else doing it anyway, he decided to take a stab and despite his attempts to spoof the original movie with comic relief in the form of the old housekeeper for example, the movie is still a very good one with some very touching scenes. I personally enjoy the heart wrenching scene with the poor old blind man in the wooden cabin which clearly shows that the truly blind are those that cannot look beyond the grotesque appearance of the monster to see his tender side but instead attack and seek to destroy what they don't understand. I didn't like the Dr. Praetorius character and overall, Colin Clive and the others don't quite pull off as great an acting job as they had done in the first movie. Still, "Bride of Frankenstein" makes a worthy sequel to the classic movie. Unfortunately, it all starts to go downhill from here and hence provides fodder for countless parodies over the years culminating in perhaps the best parody in Gene Wilder's "Young Frankenstein". From "Son of Frankenstein" down to "House of Frankenstein" it was clear that everything that made the first two films classics had been lost and it had become a case of milking the franchise for all that they could get.

What's also good about this Legacy Collection is the special features which includes an extremely humorous short film called "Boo!" and the insightful documentaries: "She's Alive!" and "The Frankenstein Files". In conclusion, this is indeed a great value for money dvd collection and is a must have for students of early cinema and monster lovers as well.

Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

A tongue-in-cheek classic
Great transfer quality
A Total Waste
heart stopping action and fun!
A classical monster reunion

Van Helsing [HD DVD]
Starring: Hugh Jackman , Kate Beckinsale , Richard Roxburgh , David Wenham , and Shuler Hensley
Director: Stephen Sommers
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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ASIN: B000E1ZK50
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Customer Reviews:

A tongue-in-cheek classic.......2007-09-05

Ignore the naysayers here and watch this movie on a big screen, with a good surround sound system cranked up nice and loud. This is a full-on modern cinematic rollercoaster ride, made purely for fun, and it delivers in spades.
Essentially a melange of Dracula, Frankenstein, and James Bond, with occasional soupcons of various and sundry genre touches, Van Helsing is a feast for the eyes and ears, and damn funny to boot. I came in expecting nothing, and was well and truly blown away. The effects are flawless, the story quite hilarious, and the overall tone suggests Raiders of the Lost Ark of Transylvania. Jackman and Beckinsale are tailor-made and work well together. Roxburgh gives one of the most hilarious villain performances in screen history, perfectly over the top; his moments alone are worth seeing the film for. I rarely watch recent movies more than once; I've seen this four times in a year and it keeps getting more impressive with each viewing.
This is a superb piece of craftsmanship that never takes itself too seriously, and delivers massive doses of fun and many thrilling moments. A better flick for a cold and snowy Saturday's eve would be hard to find.
Give it some time; Van Helsing will be a cult classic yet.

Great transfer quality.......2007-08-09

I really enjoyed this movie when I saw it in the theater, so I looked forward to the DVD release. The DVD transfer was a big disappointment since the dark scenes came out grayish and pixelated. A good portion of this movie takes place at night because of Dracula and the werewolf, but the bad transfer was particularly noticeable in the beginning during the Jekyll & Hyde scene. When I found out that this title is available on HD-DVD, I decided to get it right away, and I was not disappointed. The transfer was way better and you could appreciate the dark scenes the way they were intended. The great thing about high definition movies is that the colors are more vivid and black in particular has more depth, which gives the image on screen more contrast and clarity. It is true as well in this movie. If you enjoyed this movie, the only way to appreciate it on video is through HD-DVD.

A Total Waste .......2007-08-03

I have several older movies I sometimes plug into at night as a sleep aid , but this film won't even make it into my snoozer stash. It's too loud and intrusive to fall asleep on. An absolute waste. The one star is for Kate Beckinsale , she had the only fake accent that didn't grate on my last nerve. The special features promise a movie that must have been sent to an alternate universe. Why do I have a copy ? I got it for Christmas. I'm glad it tanked at the box office , a sequel is just too horrid to consider.

heart stopping action and fun!.......2007-07-17

many movie critics and movie goers really trashed this movie, but i went openi anng weekend and saw it for my birthday,and loved it!. stephen sommers always makes great action and special effects movies and this one was no different. everyone talked about how dumb it was,excuse me! its a special effects/fantasy/adventure summer movie not a serious dramatic film did people forget that?. it was fun,period!. the effects were great,from the sexy,scary crazy brides of dracula,to the seen of anna valerious descending up to heaven. looooved dracula, richard roxburgh played him as sexy arrogant over the top dracula, personally the best dracula yet!. the brides were great too,rather than stand around looking beautiful and wait for leftovers from drac they got out there and caused some trouble themselves!. the masquerade ball scenes were incredible!, buy the dvd and watch the making of this elaborate scene. draculas castle and the secret mirror entrance was cool, the werewolf was pretty cool,,more realistic and scarrier than most i have seen.the action scenes were a bit intense in that it never ends,yes i even thibk stephen s. could have cut back on some of it!, and some of it really,really was unrealistic,but it was an action movie and you do get you moneys worth here!. i would have preffered alittle less action and more dialog and that he delved deeper into van helsings past and his connection with dracula. all in all it is fun and a much better movie than everyone was saying about it. so buy it, get the popcorn ,turn off the lights, and get ready for some heartpounding relentless action! and enjoy!!!.

A classical monster reunion.......2007-06-25

All the greats, Dracula, Frankenstein, Werewolve, even Jecke & Hyde make an appearance in this film. The movie is dark and sometimes the plot seems a little thing, or the director introduced something but never returned to it. The movie is good basic entertainment, if you are looking for a high-grade movie or classic, you should probably look elsewhere. This was great for entertainment, but I didn't add it to my library.

Average customer rating:

Best of Abbott and Costello
Recommend to any fan of original Frankenstein/Dracula movies.
Fun with kids...
THE BEST HORROR COMEDY EVER!
Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein

Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein
Starring: Bud Abbott , Lou Costello , Lon Chaney Jr. , Bela Lugosi , and Glenn Strange
Director: Charles Barton
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0783233582
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Amazon.com

Universal Pictures made a great deal of money from its monster movies in the 1930s. In the early '40s, the burlesque team of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello kept the studio's coffers full. When the two franchises were combined in 1948, the result was another windfall--despite the apparent oil-and-water mix of subject matter. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein was the first of these summit meetings, although the title is a misnomer. Actually, Bud and Lou bump into most of the Universal heavy-hitters, including Count Dracula (played by Béla Lugosi himself), the Wolfman (Lon Chaney Jr.), and the Frankenstein monster (veteran monster Glenn Strange). There's even a token appearance by the Invisible Man, whose disembodied voice is recognizable as that of Vincent Price. Sure enough, the film is funny, especially since it gives the portly Costello multiple opportunities to do his wide-eyed, quivering scaredy-cat routine. Audiences ate it up, and in future installments Bud and Lou would run into Boris Karloff, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Invisible Man, and the Mummy. But the first was the best. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Best of Abbott and Costello.......2007-09-04

This is the best Abbott and Costello movie there is. The loose plot and the appearance of Bela Lugosi as Dracula only highlight the talents of these two comedians.

Recommend to any fan of original Frankenstein/Dracula movies........2007-08-23

My 8 year old thinks this video is great. He's a big fan of the old Frankenstein/Dracula/Invisible Man/Mummy collection movies. He loves the comedy on Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein.

Fun with kids..........2007-07-09

I bought these to introduce my daughter to slapstick comedy. No one does it better than Abbott & Costello. These movies were always on in my grandmother's house, and they still crack me up. The first time we watched them, my daughter was a little frightened until I explained that they were just people dressed up and pretending to be scary and now she loves them! I plan to start a new Halloween tradition to watch them each year (with popcorn of course) with our family after trick or treating :)

THE BEST HORROR COMEDY EVER! .......2007-06-29

It's funny how most of the Abbott & Costello horror comedies are not very good,yet this one works so well! This is a classic that I watch on Halloween just to prime me up for some great horror films.

Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein.......2007-06-21

Timeless classic blends comedy and monster movie, resulting in something spooky enough to excite kids without causing sleepless nights. The best A&C vehicle by far, its great to have Lugosi and Chaney on hand. A fast, funny scarefest that viewers of all ages should love.

The Wolf Man - The Legacy Collection (The Wolf Man / Werewolf of London / Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man / She-Wolf of London)

Average customer rating:

Not the best Universal classic horror
Multi-disc set a Disaster!
My Favorite Horror Movies
Or as I like to call it: Larry Talbot's Hairy Mess
The original "The Wolf Man"

The Wolf Man - The Legacy Collection (The Wolf Man / Werewolf of London / Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man / She-Wolf of London)
Starring: Claude Rains , Warren William , Ralph Bellamy , Patric Knowles , and Bela Lugosi
Director: George Waggner , Stuart Walker , and Roy William Neill
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001CNRNE
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Description

Feature titles include: Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, She-Wolf of London, Werewolf of London, The Wolf Man

Customer Reviews:

Not the best Universal classic horror.......2007-09-11

The Wolf Man, in my own personal opinion, is not as good as many of the other classic Universal horror films. It's not for lack of trying. The cast is exemplary, including horror greats Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi and Claude Rains. The story, music, ambiance and mood are all excellent. The problems lie in a few inconsistencies as well as the Wolf Man himself. First, yes, Jack Pierce's makeup is good for 1941, but the design of the Wolf Man is not. Lon Chaney, changed, looks more like a "werepoodle" than a werewolf. Or, if you rather, the werewolf looks much more like the "bear man" from Island of Dr. Moreau than anything even remotely resembling a wolf. Other problems with the film include the oddity that the police captain, looking at a footprint more than twice the size of a full-grown man's, concludes that it's a wolf print. A wolf that leaves a print that big would be the size of a horse, though no one notices anything odd about it. Another inconsistency lies in the fact that when the Gypsy, played by Lugosi, changes into the werewolf, he actually becomes a wolf and not an extra-furry man; however when Chaney changes into the werewolf he does not become a wolf but the aforementioned bear-werepoodle-man thing. Why didn't he just turn into a wolf too? The movie would have been much more effective (and creepier) had this been the case. Yet another (and this is the only other one I'll mention--I promise) was the horrendous decision to have Claude Rains play Lon Chaney's father! Rains looks YOUNGER than Chaney!! The flow of the film is also impeded by a far too abrupt conclusion. Also problematic is that the main character, played by Chaney, is pretty hard to sympathize with. He's portrayed as a smarmy twerp who immediately upon entering the castle he'll inherit sets his sights on breaking up a couple to be married!

Multi-disc set a Disaster!.......2007-08-16

I received the first shipment of this set and both discs were loose and rattling around inside the case. Upon inspection, the play side of each disc was marred by scratches and abrasions. After informing customer service of this problem, I was sent a replacement set which had the same issues as the first set. I sent both sets back and requested a refund, not wanting to pay "retail" price for scratchy DVDs. Whomever packages these Universal multiple disc sets needs to be more careful in making sure the DVDs are secure inside their cases. I was quite disappointed by this poor quality.

My Favorite Horror Movies.......2007-08-09

I am just a kid but still I was a fan of Universal Studios Monster movies ever since I was in Preschool. I went to a Hollywood video one day, and found Dracula, The Wolfman, Frankenstien and almost all the rest! Over the years, I found I had a liking for The Wolfman and the Creature of the Black Lagoon. Then on my 7th or 8th birthday, I unwrapped my on copy of the Wolfman Legacy Collection. The first thing I would like to say is that I liked Frankenstien meets The Wolfman and the interview with the director of Van Helsing. What I did not like was "The She-Wolf in London" because it was about a lady that thought she was a werewolf but really wasn't. Well, thats about it. If anyones interested, If I get any other Legacy Collection I will probaly write a review on that one. Anyways, Bon Voyage!!! :)

Or as I like to call it: Larry Talbot's Hairy Mess.......2007-07-22

The Wolf Man is a horror classic and it gets the Legacy treatment by including three other horror oldies, one of which interestingly predates