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

Rating:
Summary: What a great set!
Review: All I can say is Wow! I was so pleased to see all of these offered in one DVD collection that I bought it as soon as I found out that it was available. But the best surprise was yet to come. When I began watching these movies, I was amazed at how great they looked. It was as if I were seeing them for the first time. I also had forgotten how well filmed they were. The cinematography is wonderful. I can't wait to get the others in the series.

Rating:
Summary: Disputing the "superiority" of film 2
Review: I do not feel Bride of Frankenstein (on this dvd) is really a better film than Frankenstein (ditto). What's better about film 2? Nothing. It's actually way more improbable than film one (with more monsters in a contrived siutuation), as the original had a certain surprising believability to it. Also, where is Dr. Frankenstein's old cootish baron of a father in BOF? And it is really dumb that the monster in film 2 actually manages to survive the burning windmill climax of the first picture. THat fabulous film one sequence is put into pointlessness in BOF. Other problems abound in the newer film. The actress playing bride Elizabeth in film 2 is different and in no way calls to mind the lady playing her from film one. The original film was obviously meant to be totally self-contained, there was no room for a sequel like this. I prefer film one.

Rating:
Summary: Best Money You'll Ever Spend!
Review: This review is primarily about Bride of Frankenstein, which is the Best. Movie. Ever.! For the price of this set, it's worth the money alone just for the original Frankenstein and Bride. In addition, though, there are some great extras, esp. the making of the bride, which will add to your enjoyment and appreciation of this great movie.

Possible spoilers ahead, but even if you read this review and haven't seen The Bride of Frankenstein, I don't think this could possibly ruin the experience for you!

First of all, I can't believe I lived 42 years without ever having seen Bride or the original Frankenstein. I watched them both on TMC a couple of months ago, and have watched Bride 4 times since then! THIS MOVIE HAS IT ALL! Watch Frankenstein, then Bride, then "Making of Bride" on this DVD, then Bride again. You will be hooked for life!

Bride has humor, camp, scariness, sly social commentary, great music, amazing special effects, and such a heart-wrenching performance by Boris Karloff that he will make you cry. Finally ... ELSA LANCHESTER! When I watched this movie the first time, I didn't realize it would end so soon after she appears as the Bride. I loved the bride, with her twitchy head and hissing! I wish there was more of her in this movie, but I guess James Whale knew what he was doing when he ended it when he did. The moment when the monster is holding the bride's hand and he looks so happy then his eyes turn sad as he shakes his head "no" while Elsa is rejecting him will just break your heart. In that split second, Boris conveyed so much in that slight change of the look in his eyes. Amazing!

Colin Clive is GREAT! Loved him in the first Frankenstein, love him even more here! In Bride he is all wigged out and on the edge after creating his monster. Dr. Praetorius, who basically forces Dr. Frankenstein to make another monster, is just the campiest, maddest scientist you'd ever want to see! His little people in jars are an amazing special effect, considering this was 1935 when this movie was made! Some people complain about the little people, but I just enjoy them for the weirdness that they are and the cool special effects for the era!

Another hoot is the opening sequence with Elsa Lanchester playing Mary Shelley. This "prologue" serves as an introduction to the Bride (it's a very brief recap of the original Frankenstein) in case the viewer hasn't seen Frankenstein or, perhaps for 1935's time, because it had been 4 years since viewers last saw Frankenstein. So for you Elsa fans, you get to see a little bit more of her up front in the movie! (Elsa rocks in ANYTHING she does!) And for more campiness, check out the guy playing Lord Byron ... so much makeup and so flamboyant in his speech and mannerisms! This prologue is another portion of the movie I've read people complain about, but I just love it!

Every second of The Bride of is pure gem. If you've never seen it, please PLEASE see it! It really is THAT GREAT! As is the original Frankenstein. This collection is AMAZING and at such a great price, I can hardly believe it's for real!