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Summary: No horror film fan should be without these films!
Review: This is a fantastic bundle! These movies are eternal!! Each movie has been restored and looks great on DVD! I was amazed at how well they restored them. The only one that looks a little weathered is Dracula. But, it kind of adds to the film, since it was made in 1931 and the original. Maybe I'm just nostalgic! The editorials really give you a feel of what the creators were trying to accomplish back then and the impact that it had on the public. You will watch these films over and over.
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Summary: What more could you ask for?
Review: This is a superb collection of the old classics. These were the first DVDs I've bothered to purchase.Do not miss any of the bonus information on these CDs. There is a lot of historical and technical data about how these movies were made. Hopefully Universal, and some of the other houses, will package up some more of these in subsequent volumes.
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Summary: Superb box-set!
Review: This is a superb collection of the Ultra-Classic vintage monster films by Universal Studios, and at a VERY affordable price! .... Each DVD is a good picture (with the exception of Dracula), and is presented in 1.33:1 format. The mpeg2 is in great condition and the sound is good too. There is plenty of extras on each DVD as well, such as a commentary and a "making-of" featurette. My only complaint is the lousy version of the 1943 "Phantom of the Opera" as opposed to the original silent 1925 Lon Chaney version, which is FAR FAR superior! Either include the silent version instead, or else leave out the weak Claude Rains version altogether next time. Otherwise, this collection is superb! ...Buy it today!
Rating: 
Summary: It's a very good collection
Review: This is a very good collection if you like classic monsters.All of the movies come with a trailer bisides The Invisable Man.There aren't a lot of scracthes on the movies.If you have a dvd player I think you should get the dvd collection insted.Over all I like this collection a lot.
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Summary: You Need This
Review: This is better than 12 hours of classic monster movies! But it is costly. If you are a fan of the classic monster movies, you want to add this to your collection. You want to know whether or not this boxed set is worth the money, yes? YES!!! A resounding YES. If you're a fan of classic monster movies, or know someone who is, you must have this collection! Yes, it's pricey. But worth every last penny!
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Summary: One replacement would make this MORE than 5 stars!
Review: This is the ultimate set. I plan on watching each DVD thru October with my son for Halloween (he loves the Creature). The only flaw is the 1943 version of The Phamtom of the Opera cannot compare to the LON CHANEY 1925/29 Classic! If the set included that version it would be more than 5 stars. I understand that Universal MCA felt a talkie may be more desirable to the general public but CHANEY's portail of the Phantom will never & has never been topped! So buy this set & the 1925/29 Phantom. (I list it as 1925/29 because changes were made for the 29 re-release. The MCA laser disc had both versions. Scenes in both versions were shot in 1925 but the DVD is the 1929 version). RS
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Summary: At Last!
Review: Universal have finally released the Monsters! These eight discs represent some of the finest monster movies of all time. Each disc has been lovingly restored (some have been restored more than others) and each disc includes a fascinating documentary along with a feature commentary from a film historian and a picture gallery not to mention the movie's trailer. Universal have done some of their finest work on these discs and I only hope they do not stop here as there are many, many more classic monsters movies such as "Island Of The Lost Souls", "Murders In The Rue Morgue", "The Raven", and the rest of the Dracula, Frankenstein, Mummy, and Invisible Man series' left to be released. Until then enjoy these discs for what they are. The best representation of these classic monster movies ever released.
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Summary: Universal's BEST "Classic Monster Collection" now on DVD!
Review: Universal Studios the Master of the Horror movie has masterfully restored & remastered EIGHT of the their BEST in the "CLASSIC MONSTER COLLECTION! Seven Black & White and One Technicolor (The 1943 "Phantom of the Opera") are presented in OUTSTANDING Clarity and Sound. The entire set is preserved in the actual theatrical FULL Screen format (4:3 aspect ratio-tv). Each of these 8 movies have extensive extra features including; background featurettes, commentary by film historians and a Picture montage of original lobby posters & publicity photos. This is an absolute must have for your DVD Home Theatre library!!! The Universal Studios of the 1930's revolutionized special effects and the horror movie under the helm of Carl Laemmle Jr., Director James Whale and make-up genius Jack Pierce. Universal also had one of the greatest stable of stars many to play in reoccurring roles; Boris Karloff - Frankenstein (1931), The Mummy (1932) & Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Bela Lugosi - Dracula (1931) & The Wolfman (1941). Claude Rains - The Invisible Man (1933 - Karloff was replaced by Rains due to contractual disputes), The Wolfman (1941) & The Phantom of the Opera (1943 - in fabulous TECHNICOLOR). Dwight Frye (the mad assistant) - Frankenstein, Dracula, The Invisible Man & The Bride of Frankenstein. Una O'Connor (the hysterical screamer) - Frankenstein, The Invisible Man & The Bride of Frankenstein. Edward Van Sloan (The Scientist/Doctor) - Frankenstein, Dracula & The Mummy. Lon Chaney Jr. - became The Wolman (1941). Summary:Dracula (1931) established Carl Laemmle Jr. & Universal as the King of the Horror Picture while Bela Lugosi became the undisputed KING of the Vampires. Provided in 3 versions - Original, New Musical Score & Spanish Version filmed with all Spanish cast (see my review). Frankenstein (1931) established James Whale as the Master Director of Horror (also did, The Invisible Man & The Bride Of Frankenstein). Boris Karloff became a Super star playing "The Monster". (AFI top 100 film - see my review) The Mummy (1932) has Karloff playing in the lead role as a cursed Eygptian Priest returning from the dead after 2500 years. The Invisible Man (1933) establishes Claude Rains as a star with his voice. Playing a manical chemist who discovers invisibility with insanity is only seen at the very end of the picture. ( Outstanding special effects). The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) - Karloff in an encore role with a wife. (Considered to be the Best Frankenstein of the series). The Wolfman (1941) - establishes Lon Chaney Jr. as a superstar. He is bitten by a werewolf and begins a cursed nightmare. Phantom of the Opera (1943 - in Technicolor) has Rains in the lead role of the tormented manical violinist who loves a young upcoming opera singer. The Creature of the Black Lagoon (1954) Outstanding underwater photography. Is a cult classic of a gillman fall s for girl. "Beauty & the Beast" storyline. This is a great collection and a must for the classic collector. Enjoy.
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Summary: Look at all you get - PLUS MORE!
Review: What a wonderful treasure to have all of the best loved horror films of all time in one box set and now available on DVD. All films have been digitalized for superior sound and picture quality, and each contain original trailers (except The Invisible Man), web links, production photos, and best of all feature commentaries by film historians about moments during the film or interesting facts about production or moments during certain scenes. Also included are Documentaries about the behind-the-scenes insight, including interviews with well-known actors, actresses, and film historians about the evolutions of these classic films. Here is the rundown: DRACULA: The original vampire classic starring Bela Lugosi as the undead Count Dracula who travels from Transylvania to England in search of new blood. Bela Lugosi's most memorable role, and great supporting performances by Dwight Frye as Renfield, and Edward Van Sloan as Professor Van Helsing make the film all the more frightening and compelling. FRANKENSTEIN: Regarded by many film critics as "The Most Frightening Motion Picture of All Time". Perhaps it still is today. Colin Clive is the ultimate mad scientist who creates a man-made creature who eventually wreaks havoc on his creator. With Boris Karloff's star-making performance and masterful direction by James Whale, this all-time great takes on greater classicality with each viewing. THE MUMMY: Archaelogists awaken a 3,700 year old Mummy who comes alive in the form of an Egyptian Priest, mistaking a beautiful young girl (Zita Johann) for his long-lost princess. Karloff's frightening and spectacular performance cannot diminish the films' eerie atmosphere and unique blend of horror and romance. THE INVISIBLE MAN: Based on H.G. Wells' novel, Claude Rains is a mad scientist who experiments with a serum that renders him invisible and slowly deteriorates his mind to acts of insanity. Brilliantly brought to the screen by James Whale, with top-notch special effects, this one is highly recommended. THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN: Sequel to James Whale's original FRANKENSTEIN film is regarded by many as one of the very few sequels that surpass its' original. Such is certainly an understatement with this film in with the Monster is BACK, is able to speak, and demands a mate. Ernest Thesiger's inimitable Dr. Pretorius, and Elsa Lanchester's Bride are only a few examples of why this film is so great. One to be watched time and time again. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: Technicolor remake of the 1925 Lon Chaney silent is lavish and splendidly blessed with great performances by Claude Rains as the Phantom, and all others including Susanna Foster, Nelson Eddy, Edgar Barrier, and many others. A little too much opera, and not enough Phantom, but enjoyable nonetheless. CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON: The horror/sci-fi hit of the 1950's that first gave people reasons to stay out of the water. A team of scientists are en route to the Amazon in search of a rare fossil, but soon get more than they bargained for when their expedition is threatened by a deadly half-man/half-fish creature. Originally released in 3D, but it's still good without it. Chilling music by Joseph Gershenson, and great underwater photography combined with great make-up, direction, and acting make it all work. THE WOLF MAN: Lon Chaney, Jr. is bitten by a werewolf, and every night when the full moon rises big trouble in the form of a hairy man/beast is right around the corner. Wonderful set designs, foggy atmosphere, and a superb all-star cast including Claude Rains, Ralph Bellamy, Evelyn Ankers, Patric Knowles, Bela Lugosi, Warren William, and Maria Ouspenskaya highlight this truly classic monster film. I can only hope that Universal will continue to release the other favorites in future box sets, such as ISLAND OF LOST SOULS, DRACULA'S DAUGHTER, THE BLACK CAT, or whatever else is out there. The list is endless. But it now - it's worth every penny.
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Summary: a must have for the collector
Review: Where to start ... If you are a fan of the Universal monster classics, this is the starting point for expansion of these kinds of films in your DVD collection. I received the 8-pack as a Christmas present and it's one of the best gifts I ever received. All the films in this collection are perfectly restored and there are special documentaries on the making of each film included on each DVD. I already owned most of these films on VHS, but it is well worth upgrading to DVD. The restored version of "Frankenstein," for instance, not only contains the scene where the monster tosses little Maria into the lake, but the dialogue where Henry Frankenstein declares that he knows what it feels like to be God is restored, as well. The clarity of all the films is stunning. The "Phantom of the Opera" with Claude Rains, while it doesn't compare to the 1925 Lon Chaney version, is still a pretty good shocker. There could have been a little less singing in it, but it does contain a fine performance by Rains, nonetheless. I do wish "The Creature From the Black Lagoon" was offered in 3-D, but it still remains a fine film without the effect. "The Invisible Man" is one of my favorites of the collection and it never looked better. Rains is superb as the manaical scientist who goes insane along with being invisible after experimenting with a radical drug. "The Mummy" is great. Boris Karloff is superb as the revived Egyptian priest Im-Ho-Tep. Fans of the new Mummy films should see the original with Karloff to be surprised by the source of the original concept. My very favorite film is "The Bride of Frankenstein." This is not only the greatest horror film of all time, it's one of the best movies of all time, period. An exciting score, lots of monster action, crazed scientists ... this one contains it all. "The Wolf Man" and "Dracula" round out the rest of the films offered here to make it the best monster movie DVD collection ever.
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