Rating: 
Summary: AN ABSOLUTE HORROR (AND I DON'T MEAN THE FILM!)
Review: "House of Wax" is a remake of "Mysteries of the Wax Museum" - both films are featured on this flipper disc from Warner Brothers. The plots of each film center around a gifted sculptor who, after suffering a terrible deception at the hands of his business associate, becomes psychotic and thereafter dips human subjects in wax to make his mannequins. "House of Wax" has three advantages over its predicessor; first - it was shot in Technicolor (not 2-tone Technicolor), second - it was shot in 3-D (then a relatively new gimmick) and third - it features goul, Vincent Price as the mad sculptor.
There's no kind way of saying this: The transfers on both movies are AN ABSOLUTE HORROR! "House of Wax" is plagued by faded colors, out of focus images, color bleeding, weak and/or undistinguished black and contrast levels and an incredible amount of film grain that makes the entire image very gritty on the eyes. Flesh tones are extremely inconsistent, appearing -for the most part - a overly pinkish mess. Of course, the film is NOT PRESENTED IN 3-D as the cover art and film credits indicate, leaving the usual banality of tossing things at the screen a wasted effort in flat projection. The audio track is mono, strident and poorly balanced.
"Mysteries of the Wax Museum" suffers from heavy age related artifacts, digital compression artifacts, edge enhancement and the inherant short-comings of the two tone color process that, even at its best (which this transfer is no where near) is weak on a spectrum of color. Once again the audio track is mono.
EXTRAS: A theatrical trailer for "House of Wax". Thanks a lot!
BOTTOM LINE: "House of Wax" is one of those super kitsch films that could only have been made in the fifties. But in the deplorable looking transfer we've been given and minus its 3-D appeal, there's really nothing to recommend this disc to anyone but a die hard Vincent Price fan.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Double Bill
Review: "Mystery at the Wax Museum" is indeed not a musty relic of the 20's, but a wonderful film and the better of two great films. Among the many things it has going for it is Glenda Farrell, a wisecracking blonde who rated her own "Torchy Blaine" film series in that era and who is ace as the saucy girl-reporter going with gusto after her story. It also has the exquisitely beautiful Fay Wray as the heroine and a wonderful Lionel Atwill as the demented sculptor. The print looks wonderful and the dialogue is wonderfully sharp and vibrant, being pre-code. Another fascinating aspect is the look at Greenwich Village apartments in the 1920's with their skylights and fireplaces, and other New York City locations. The whole thing is a delight.It's companion "House of Wax" is also a deliciously fun film, worthy of a big bowl of popcorn and a rainy night. Vincent Price is priceless (honk honk) as the disfigured sculptor and truly gives one of his best performances. Some of the horror films in which he appeared were at times unpleasantly sadistic, but here the fun is never overpowered by the menace -- it maintains the thrills and chills without getting gratuitous. Especially delightful is Carolyn Jones, best known as "Morticia" on "The Addams Family," as a golddigger. She's a hoot! This is a great combination. I only wish it was possible to see "House of Wax" in 3-D (as it appeared on the screen) through DVD, because that would make this double bill perfect.
Rating:
Summary: Great Double Bill
Review: "Mystery at the Wax Museum" is indeed not a musty relic of the 20's, but a wonderful film and the better of two great films. Among the many things it has going for it is Glenda Farrell, a wisecracking blonde who rated her own "Torchy Blaine" film series in that era and who is ace as the saucy girl-reporter going with gusto after her story. It also has the exquisitely beautiful Fay Wray as the heroine and a wonderful Lionel Atwill as the demented sculptor. The print looks wonderful and the dialogue is wonderfully sharp and vibrant, being pre-code. Another fascinating aspect is the look at Greenwich Village apartments in the 1920's with their skylights and fireplaces, and other New York City locations. The whole thing is a delight. It's companion "House of Wax" is also a deliciously fun film, worthy of a big bowl of popcorn and a rainy night. Vincent Price is priceless (honk honk) as the disfigured sculptor and truly gives one of his best performances. Some of the horror films in which he appeared were at times unpleasantly sadistic, but here the fun is never overpowered by the menace -- it maintains the thrills and chills without getting gratuitous. Especially delightful is Carolyn Jones, best known as "Morticia" on "The Addams Family," as a golddigger. She's a hoot! This is a great combination. I only wish it was possible to see "House of Wax" in 3-D (as it appeared on the screen) through DVD, because that would make this double bill perfect.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic Horror Flick From The 50's
Review: 1953's "House Of Wax" launched the career of horror film star Vincent Price. He would later become the king of classic horror films from the 50's, including House On Haunted Hill, the original The Fly and others. This is a remake of the 30's version, which on DVD, comes as an extra bonus. Vincent Price stars as a wronged artist whose wax figures, stunningly life like, cause a jealous rival to burn down his museum. I may be mistaken but I saw this film a while ago late night but I'm sure that's the plot. The fire also left Vincent Price's character horribly scarred so that he looks like the Phantom Of The Opera. The wronged artist takes his revenge by creating a House Of Wax or Chamber Of Horrors in the style of today's Ripley's Believ It Or Not Museum. Wax figures pose in scenes of dramatic violence taken directly from history - the beheading of the wives of Henry the 8th in Tudor England, the burning of Joan of Arc, the guillotine executiones of the French Revolution, etc and a very impressive Ford's Theatre replica in which John Wilkes Booth shoots Abraham Lincoln. Vincent Price's character is killing his victims and then uses their corpses as wax statues. The heroine of the film picks up on his little scheme since the death of her friend (played by Carolyn Jones who would later play the role of the tv mom Morticia Addams in The Addams Family 1964-1966). Her body became encased in wax as the Joan of Arc statue. The film was originally made for 3-D, the current rage in the movies of the 50's especially for sci-fi films and monster movies. Much of the movie is scary because it's so subtle. The creepy, eerie sense of being alone in a wax museum, where the eyes of the figures watch you is very predominant. Suspense builds and there is a sense of mystery typical of a Gothic novel of the 19th century or an Edgar Allan Poe story. The film is set in 19th century New York City. A great film to watch and suited for fans of the older horror genre. Not exactly Alfred Hitchcock nor Bela Lugosi films but Vincent Price carries the movie with aplomb and this style of horror became his trademark. Five stars all the way. The performances by all the lead actors are well done. The movie is subtle, psychological horror drama with no blood but with a very scary sense of criminal madness. This "artist" is really the kind we don't want to have around these days.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic Horror Flick From The 50's
Review: 1953's "House Of Wax" launched the career of horror film star Vincent Price. He would later become the king of classic horror films from the 50's, including House On Haunted Hill, the original The Fly and others. This is a remake of the 30's version, which on DVD, comes as an extra bonus. Vincent Price stars as a wronged artist whose wax figures, stunningly life like, cause a jealous rival to burn down his museum. I may be mistaken but I saw this film a while ago late night but I'm sure that's the plot. The fire also left Vincent Price's character horribly scarred so that he looks like the Phantom Of The Opera. The wronged artist takes his revenge by creating a House Of Wax or Chamber Of Horrors in the style of today's Ripley's Believ It Or Not Museum. Wax figures pose in scenes of dramatic violence taken directly from history - the beheading of the wives of Henry the 8th in Tudor England, the burning of Joan of Arc, the guillotine executiones of the French Revolution, etc and a very impressive Ford's Theatre replica in which John Wilkes Booth shoots Abraham Lincoln. Vincent Price's character is killing his victims and then uses their corpses as wax statues. The heroine of the film picks up on his little scheme since the death of her friend (played by Carolyn Jones who would later play the role of the tv mom Morticia Addams in The Addams Family 1964-1966). Her body became encased in wax as the Joan of Arc statue. The film was originally made for 3-D, the current rage in the movies of the 50's especially for sci-fi films and monster movies. Much of the movie is scary because it's so subtle. The creepy, eerie sense of being alone in a wax museum, where the eyes of the figures watch you is very predominant. Suspense builds and there is a sense of mystery typical of a Gothic novel of the 19th century or an Edgar Allan Poe story. The film is set in 19th century New York City. A great film to watch and suited for fans of the older horror genre. Not exactly Alfred Hitchcock nor Bela Lugosi films but Vincent Price carries the movie with aplomb and this style of horror became his trademark. Five stars all the way. The performances by all the lead actors are well done. The movie is subtle, psychological horror drama with no blood but with a very scary sense of criminal madness. This "artist" is really the kind we don't want to have around these days.
Rating: 
Summary: Vincent Price loses face in House of Wax
Review: A 3-D movie directed by a one-eyed director. The fact that House of Wax still works despite some of the gimmicks (the ball in the face sequence)is a credit to its production crew and cast. While I'm not so sure that Andre De Toth came up with the idea for the sequence with the rubber ball in the audience's lap. If he did, then it's one of his few lapses in judgement in this fine thriller. A remake of Mystery of the Wax Museum (the gimmick with Mystery was the fact that it was one of the first films shot in technicolor's two strip process), here Vincent Price takes on the role of the artist/murderer and owner of the wax museum. While this isn't the best horror film to emerge from the 50's (or the best 3-D movie for that matter--that honor belongs to Hitchcock's subtle and powerful adaption of Dial "M" for Murder), it's still a pretty nifty thriller. Vincent Price's performance carries even the weakest part of the picture. The end sequence is still pretty powerful although it would have worked much better if Warner had chosen to offer us the choice of a 3-D version. The transfer is solid if unspectacular. The colors have faded a bit due to the age of the negative. The image is also occasionally soft. The sound is in mono and sounds fairly good although I have only the memory of the previous video version to compare it to (that's long gone). The double bill is an interesting gambit; essentially you're offered the same film twice. It's interesting to compare and contrast the two films. While House is the superior choice (it's aged a bit better and Price is letter perfect in his role), it's nice to have Mystery as well.
Rating:
Summary: Great (Vincent) Price!
Review: A maligned character you love to hate; kinda flows with Phantom of the Opera in a way. Horror flick, with style, unlike many Grade B movies. It's a hit, see it!
Rating:
Summary: OLD-FASHIONED CHILLS AND THRILLS....
Review: Five stars don't do this DVD justice. It's more than I hoped for. "House of Wax" is a wonderful time capsule of what going to the movies were about in the 50's. Technicolor and 3-D. The print is gorgeous on this disc and the sound is great---allowing the "terror music" full impact. A remake of 1933's "Mystery of the Wax Museum" (also included on the flip side), it's a full-blooded chiller done right. Never a dull moment. When an unscrupulous partner burns his prized wax collection for the insurance money, Prof.Jarrod (Vincent Price) survives and seeks revenge to recreate his creations. Set in turn-of-the-century New York, the gaslit streets never looked so sinister as a horribly burned black-cloaked man wrecks murderous mayhem and stalks the heroine Sue Allen (Phyllis Kirk) whom Jarrod wants for his wax recreation of Marie Antoinette. The men are one in the same, of course, as Jarrod has used his considerable skill to fashion a new face of wax and assembled an equally skilled crew of ex-cons to aid him in rebuilding his collection in a new show place called the "House of Wax". Charles Bronson is featured in an early role as a mute assistant to Jarrod and Carloyn Jones is memorable as Cathy, Sue's roommate, who falls victim to Jarrod and becomes his "Joan of Arc". Jones is delightful and shows the comic skill she would use later as Morticia Adams in TV's "The Addams Family". But of course, it's Price's show all the way. You can see why he was a natural for horror films...honing his florid style as Jarrod. The famous 3-D effects show through with the action aimed straight at the camera and that paddle ball man. But of some interest also is the "Intermission" that pops up on screen. This was never in any print of "House of Wax" I've ever seen. I loved it. But it's "Mystery of the Wax Museum" that I found a treat also. The print is remarkable---a few scratches here and there but overall a truly excellent print. I had never seen it before, it's been so rare. "House of Wax" follows it faithfully with only a few minor changes. Lionel Atwill and a lovely Fay Wray enact the mad wax artist and potential Marie Antoinette. It's in a clever early Technicolor process and features wonderful, cavernous sets and some racy dialogue like Glenda Farrell (as an aggressive reporter) asking a cop, "How's your sex life?" Just a hoot. Enjoy them both--"House of Wax" and "Mystery of the Wax Museum". A fabulous DVD package.
Rating:
Summary: Priceless Price!
Review: For Vincent Price fans, the House of Wax is a must. It is an excellent remake of Mystery of the Wax Museum. Price was often referred to as the Modern Master of Horror, and this film gives credibility to that, along with Pit and the Pendulum, Theater of Blood and the Abominable Dr. Phibes. The color was good for 1953, even with the 3-D additive. Price plays his role with passion and shows his versatility by going from the suave, laid back wax artist to the cold, calculating killer who is obsessed with recapturing his old glory, even though his hands have been rendered useless by the fire and he must embalm actual human beings in wax to make them look authentic. See Vincent Price in top form in the House of Wax.
Rating:
Summary: A twofer worth picking up
Review: God bless Vincent Price. If I made a short list of the individuals most influential in shaping the American horror film genre, this actor would sit near the top. His filmography alone testifies to his massive influence on the genre: "House of Wax," "Tomb of Ligeia," "The Oblong Box," "The Masque of the Red Death," "The Haunted Palace," "Pit and the Pendulum," "House of Usher," "The Tingler," "House on Haunted Hill," "The Fly," "Return of the Fly," "Tales of Terror," "Diary of a Madman," "Scream and Scream Again," "Cry of the Banshee," and "The Abominable Dr. Phibes." These are only a sampling; I could go on and on with the great and not so great horror movies containing the indomitable Vincent Price. His physical presence, his ability to transform his face into horrific countenances, and that memorable voice all combined to deliver thrills and chills to millions of viewers. I recall hearing that Price often felt his horror films typecast him, that desperately yearned to become a serious actor in serious roles. It's unfortunate he felt that way, but he should have taken comfort in the fact that the horror medium would not be as important as it is today without him.
Take "House of Wax," for example. Fans consider director Andre De Toth's 3-D remake of Michael Curtiz's 1933 film "Mystery of the Wax Museum" Price's best horror film performance. It's difficult to disagree. Price plays the sensitive sculptor Professor Henry Jarrod, a man more at home constructing elaborate wax mannequins than dealing with people. When his business partner Matthew Burke (Roy Roberts) sets the museum on fire in order to collect insurance money, the conflagration scars Jarrod's body and mind. He returns years later in an elaborate mask to rebuild his museum, a museum that becomes a raging success with the public thanks to the sordid and sensationalistic sculptures of infamous criminals, but this time he murders and steals bodies from the morgue to use as building materials. With the help of his morose assistant Igor (Charles Bronson), Jarrod terrorizes Sue Allen (Phyllis Kirk) because she resembles his greatest work of art, Marie Antoinette, and because she learns his horrible secret. "House of Wax" becomes a race against time as Sue's boyfriend and the police work speedily to uncover the sculptor's true identity as well as rescue Allen from a fate worse than death. To say Price's performance in "House of Wax" is sublime is an understatement.
Even better, the other side of this DVD contains Michael Curtiz's "Mystery of the Wax Museum," a film that achieves great success in its own way. Made in 1933 but lost for some thirty years, Curtiz's movie introduces us to Ivan Igor (Lionel Atwill), a wax sculptor whose benefactor torches the museum in order to collect insurance money. Igor reemerges in New York years later to rebuild a new museum, and it isn't too long afterwards that Joan Gale's body disappears from the morgue. The missing body piques the interest of a smart aleck reporter by the name of Florence Dempsey (Glenda Farrell), who needs a front-page blockbuster if she wants to keep her job. Her investigation soon turns up Igor's museum, and she also discovers that her roommate Charlotte Duncan's (Fay Wray) boyfriend works with the tempestuous artist. Before you know it, Igor abducts Charlotte in order to create a new Marie Antoinette statue. It's up to Dempsey, Duncan's boyfriend, and the police to sort everything out. By watching Curtiz's film, it is possible to see how many scenes De Toth lifted, shot for shot, for his 3-D remake. I find it difficult to say which version is better.
"House of Wax" has a lot going for it. Price is amazing and riveting as the damaged sculptor. He puts so much into the performance that the viewer finds it difficult to condemn his scurrilous actions. Look for a young Carolyn Jones as Sue Allen's gold digging friend Cathy Gray, who ends up on display in Jarrod's new museum, as well as an even younger Charles Bronson as the brooding and lumpy Igor. Sadly the DVD format prevents us from watching the film in 3-D, but it's not hard to notice which scenes would have leaped off the screen. That sequence with the barker and the paddleball outside the museum must have looked absolutely fantastic on the big screen. Whereas Price stole the show in the remake, it's Glenda Farrell's world in "Mystery of the Wax Museum." As good as Lionel Atwill is as the unbalanced sculptor, he pales in comparison to the mouthy Farrell. Fay Wray doesn't even try to keep up with this wonderful gal. Farrell's Florence gets all the best lines, most of the screen time, and she's pretty darn beautiful in a sort of in your face way. Curtiz filmed "Mystery of the Wax Museum" in an early, experimental Technicolor format that reminds me all those films Ted Turner worked his nefarious magic on a few years back.
Regrettably, there are few extras for either film. "House of Wax" comes with a rather melodramatic trailer and footage from the film's big screen premiere. "Mystery of the Wax Museum" gets nothing in the way of extras, a big disappointment when one considers the early Technicolor treatment and the fact that the movie disappeared for three decades. Couldn't someone throw in a documentary about these two items somewhere on the disc? How about a documentary concerning "House of Wax" and its influence on the 3-D craze? Oh well, it's not the end of the world. Both films are great fun to watch and that's all the matters ultimately.
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