Frankenstein

Rating:
Summary: Its Still Alive and well
Review: What can be said about this classic that im sure everyone reading this has seen at least once? The transfer to DVD is very impressive and the extras are quite entertaining and informative.
The DVD version includes a couple of scenes that were deleted in some parts of the world, which is explained in the bonus Frankenstein Files. If you like gothic horror at its best, this is one for you.

Rating:
Summary: Although similar, it is not the book
Review: This is a great movie, but if you are looking for the best screen adaptation, this is not the movie for you. This was created in the 1930s and was geared more for the horror aspect. The film even begins with a word from the producers warning people that what they may see will frighten them. Our levels of tolerance have changed quite a bit since then.

Some of the differences seem cosmetic like Dr. Frankenstein's name in the movie is Henry rather than Viktor as in the book (but, Universal Studios does keep this consistent throughout its movies). Oddly enough, Dr. Frankenstein's friend is named Victor here, but Henry in the book.

The dementia of Dr. Frankenstein is debatable in the book, but you can't doubt, with Colin Clive's performance, that the doctor is mad. When he is "convinced" to kill the Monster, you get the feeling that he really can't go through with it.

The Monster's rampage does not seem as malevolent as you would suspect. In the movie, there is no hint of a wish kill for revenge's sake. Here, the monster either kills accidentally, or kills for self-preservation. The Monster does go to Frankenstein's wedding, but does not kill anyone. The film will end shortly after. From reading the book, you will know that there is a lot not covered.

Boris Karloff's performance is well worth the time (a little over an hour actually) to watch this movie. Only he can convincingly show you the re-animated corpse come to life.

Just to see the movie that took the Frankenstein mythos to greater heights, get this movie. It is an enjoyable film. Although not the first movie adapted from the book, it is the best known. If you want to see a film adaptation of the book, I would recommend Kenneth Brannagh's movie.

Rating:
Summary: Justifiably famous
Review: This seminal horror film features many elements that would later become cliches (ie, rioting villagers with torches, burning windmills, insane dwarf assistants). Although nearly unrecognizable beneath what is arguably the most famous make-up job of all time, Boris Karloff managed to give such a distinctive performance that it made a star of him. His monster remains touching even today. The face-off between him and his creator, Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive), in the abandoned windmill is still frightening. Nobody who has any affection for old movies and the horror genre can fail to enjoy the world that this film presents, with its dark graveyards, forboding castles, and shadow-haunted mountains, all presented in glorious black and white.

Rating:
Summary: My Favourite Film!
Review: The definitive version. This has never been bettered, no matter how much revisionists like Kenneth Branagh claim to be going back to the original story. Mary Shelley's book is mainly one of atmosphere, and this atmosphere is captured perfectly here, with Frankenstein's mood from optimism, to horror, to desperation, and finally resignation reflected in the haunted features of Colin Clive. That the following films in the series concentrated on the monster and on Karloff was largely due to the public's overwhelmingly positive reaction to Karloff's portrayal, but the star of this first film is Colin Clive. That is not to denigrate Karloff's performance, which is at times sensitive, menacing, and child-like. The Creature's experiences take him along the same path of emotions as experienced by Frankenstein himself, from optimism to resignation, and to convey those emotions under so much make-up is testament to Karloff's acting skills. The sets are beautiful, from the silhouetted hilltop scenes, ancient castles, and of course the laboratory. The lab set was designed so beautifully for black and white (as the lovingly made spoof version in Young Frankenstein evidences) and is every young boy's dream chemistry set and electrical lab. The lack of music seems unusual these days, but it was still only a few years after the first talkies and incidental music has not established itself. I find it quite refreshing not to have sentimental music during the scene with the little girl, nor dramatic horns and strings during the final scenes. The DVD has an expert's commentary which is well-informed, but rather blandly read. Nevertheless the DVD is re-mastered well with a clear print highlighting the excellent contrasts achieved by clever set design and lighting. An essential part of any movie buff's collection.

Rating:
Summary: I was just a regular "Frankie" fan...
Review: I've always enjoyed this version of Frankenstein, mostly due to Boris Karloff's look and portrayal of the creature. This DVD offers a good look at him, too, since this is a nice, clean transfer of the film. This presentation also is the uncut version of the film, and a couple of those reinstated scenes are the only portions of the film that don't look pristine.

The disc contains a commentary by film historian Rudy Behlmer, and like most commentaries by historians, crams a lot of information into a short period of time. Commentaries by historians can be quite different from those by the filmmakers because they are looking at it from a different perspective. They also tend to be a little dry and come off as being scripted, but that's OK because of the amount of information they provide. This commentary is no different and was quite informative. There is one peculiarity, however. Near the end of the film when the angry villagers are torching the windmill, Behlmer's commentary repeats a couple of sentences back-to-back. Since they are read with exactly the same inflection, it seems more a mistake in the production process than Behlmer accidentally saying the same thing twice.

The remainder of the disc is rounded out by the requisite filmographies, a fine documentary (The Frankenstein Files) and an oddity entitled "Boo!" The only apparent reason for the inclusion of this piece, besides its rarity, is because it contains clips of Frankenstein. It's a "comedic" short that consists of a narrator cracking-wise over clips of Frankenstein and Nosferatu (referred to as Dracula). Maybe it was funny in its day. The documentary is pretty nice, however. While it sometimes covers the same territory as the commentary, it offers insights into the creature's makeup (courtesy of Rick Baker) and interesting bits about casting and the rest of the production (courtesy of Behlmer and other historians).

This collection could have been pieced together from odds and ends, with the "Boo" segment being the "abnormality" that derailed the creation, but instead this disc provided me with what I was looking for-- a better appreciation for a classic film.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: Yes, the plot departs from Mary Shelley's novel, and the development of the Frankenstein character is nothing like what it could have been later... but the depiction is brilliant. Frankenstein, seeking power over life and death, is brilliantly acted, and captures the essence of the theme within the boundaries of early 1930s filmography and sound.

This superb film belongs on the shelf of anyone who enjoys a look at the dark side of human nature, and motivation gone awry.

Rating:
Summary: The original is stupendous!
Review: Forget all the other versions of Frankenstein. This, i.e., Frankenstein VHS ~ Colin Clive, is the one to watch. Karloff is amazing as the monster and Colin Clive is truly insane as Dr. Frankenstein when he yells "It's alive! Alive!" ;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!" . Clive is so insane in his role that it is quite disturbing to watch him on the screen. Karloff here creates a legendary part for which there have been many pretenders but not any contenders. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect Ambiance with Outstanding Karloff Performance
Review: Even after 70 years, few horror movies match the spooky ambiance of James Whale's original FRANEKENSTEIN. And few actors who have since tackled the role of the Monster have been able to invoke the same ambivalence of feeling that the master of the macabre, Boris Karloff, can stir up from in audience. Indeed, Karloff's sympathetic yet horrifying performance alone makes this film worth watching (again and again!), but add to it the gothic sets and Whale's interesting direction, and you have that nearly perfect spine-chilling mood for which all horror aficionados search--and all without graphic gore. Though this film does not precisely follow the novel by Mary Shelly on which it is based, no other film version of the theme matches this one. The DVD not only includes includes the infamous girl-at-the-lake scene, but the previously distorted line of dialogue--"Now I know what it feels like to be God!"--is also restored! (One of Whale's best films, he actually outdoes himself in the sequel, THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN.)

Rating:
Summary: Of lightning, graveyards, and forbidden knowledge.
Review: This classic horror film introduced the nameless creature with the trademark flattop and neck bolts. The monster became forever confused with Dr. Frankenstein, his mad creator. Boris Karloff wears the fright makeup for the first time, James Whale directs from a unique perspective, and Dwight Frye gives one of his best performances as Fritz the twisted dwarf. The creaky production values add to the appeal of the film. It's like the crinkled pages of an ancient book that unfold a tale of dreadful death. The old story of tampering in God's domain of life and death is the rock on which the imitations and sequels stand. A memorable scene is the first time we see the living creature. The monster backs into the room and turns slowly to the camera. The camera cuts to three ever-tighter headshots, focusing on Karloff's haunted eyes. The creature gestures pitifully in a plea for help. Karloff's three-dimensional performance combines the menace of the monster and the human spirit within. Colin Clive is edgy as the visionary doctor teetering on the brink of insanity. On a fateful night, as he is about to extract the great ray of life itself from the lightning raging above his dark mountain retreat, visitors knock on the door. As an annoyed housewife, he mutters, "Of all times for somebody to come!" James Whale at his best. The restored version includes the controversial scene of the monster tossing the child into the lake to see if she floats. She doesn't. Angry, torch-carrying villagers pursue the killer through the grim countryside, and a great movie cliche is born. No collection of classic horror films is complete without this one. Well...we warned you! ;-)

Rating:
Summary: It's alive!
Review: "I think it will thrill you. It may shock you. It might even horrify you. So if any of you feel to subject your nerves to such a strain, now's your chance to, well, we've warned you." Those are some of the opening words spoken in the opening monologue to Frankenstein, a great movie, and one of the AFI 100. The film's shooting was hard, because originally Robert Florey would direct it, and Bela Lugosi would star. And not only is it a great movie, but included on the DVD is a great documentary. I learned so much from it, I wrote an essay on the film. Such famous lines in the film include, "Have you never wanted to do anything that was dangerous?" "Grrr!" "It's alive!" "Oh in the name of god, Now I know what it feels like to be god!" Next to "Dracula," this is the greatest horror movie ever made.