Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Rating:
Summary: DREW'S GRANDFATHER GOES MAD
Review: Robert Louis Stevenson cranked out finely plotted, freshly original stories like clockwork. He was the Stephen King of his time and, like King, excelled at horror. John Barrymore was perhaps the most famous stage performer of his time. Known more today as Drew's grandfather and at the end of his short life, a sad alcoholic reflection of his former charisma. In this terrific 1920 version of "DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE," Barrymore's early brilliance is showcased in this first great American horror film that holds its own in the 21st century. In fact, it even has an enhanced, eerie period feel that amps up the dangerous and ill-fated experiment by the curios doctor who discoverz the shadow side of civilization and self. The Mont Alto Orchestra delivers a fine score and the DVD bonus material features a rare 1909 audio recording of the transformation scene, a 1925 one-reel parody starring a goofy Stan Laurel, an excerpt from a rival 1920 version and more.

Rating:
Summary: A good silent movie
Review: This film was originally done in 1920 with John Barrymore (one of the classic monster actors) in this adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic. It is a silent movie, but this production by Kino Video is well put together.

Many silent films that have been converted to video bring with them the hiss and pop of the old movies. They also bring in the various elements that keep you from having a clear picture of the action. This is not one of those. There is no hiss. The music of the organ is very clear and fits the movie. You still have the floating element, but just enough to give you the feel of an old movie. Some of the backgrounds for the words don't seem to be consistent, but the story is not hampered at all.

The transformation from Jekyll to Hyde is on screen. It may seem too easy in the day of the "Terminator" movies, but back then, this was cutting edge.

At the end of this edition is an old nickelodeon version done in 1911. It does seem choppy (and the notes before the movie explain why), but it is still an interesting story. There is also an excerpt from the 1920 silent film by a competitor company. When you watch the transformation scene here, you will appreciate the one with John Barrymore.

For horror fans who love watching the terror staples, here is another must-see.

Rating:
Summary: A good silent movie
Review: This film was originally done in 1920 with John Barrymore (one of the classic monster actors) in this adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic. It is a silent movie, but this production by Kino Video is well put together.

Many silent films that have been converted to video bring with them the hiss and pop of the old movies. They also bring in the various elements that keep you from having a clear picture of the action. This is not one of those. There is no hiss. The music of the organ is very clear and fits the movie. You still have the floating element, but just enough to give you the feel of an old movie. Some of the backgrounds for the words don't seem to be consistent, but the story is not hampered at all.

The transformation from Jekyll to Hyde is on screen. It may seem too easy in the day of the "Terminator" movies, but back then, this was cutting edge.

At the end of this edition is an old nickelodeon version done in 1911. It does seem choppy (and the notes before the movie explain why), but it is still an interesting story. There is also an excerpt from the 1920 silent film by a competitor company. When you watch the transformation scene here, you will appreciate the one with John Barrymore.

For horror fans who love watching the terror staples, here is another must-see.

Rating:
Summary: Like,Gag Me With A Toxic Image Enhancing Elixir!
Review: Well....let's start with the 3 stars. John Barrymore for all his hamminess,was an actor of his time. ( i.e. "everybody looks hammy",there was no sound to emote a characters feelings in the silent era. ). Even Lon Chaney Sr. was a victim of scenery chewing. So,you have to see beyond that,first and foremost. The fact that this version of "Dr.Jekyll" uses the new process that eliminates all the silent film flaws,such as unscripted black outs,and cartoony movements,is a big bonus. It's a good movie,though a bit long winded,at times,by today's standards.

And now the bad bits,or where the missing 2 stars went:

1) The title cards are not complete originals,they go from decorative,to semi-decorative,to added in at a much later date.

2)The "music" score for this version is an absolute joke. A monkey on a caliope would've scored it better. Half of the music is nowhere near correct for the scenes.( Try to imagine a wind up jewelery box,playing during one of Dr.Jekyll's murderous rages.).I've heard a live organ accompaniment to this film,and this DVD version,isn't it.

3) The "extras" are nothing more than a "feeble" interactive quiz,a picture of a lobby posters,and a "trailer". ( Although I'm not sure they had film trailers in the 1920's.)

If you MUST have this film,the price is right,but by all means turn down the sound and put on your own choice of "scarey music"....or a collection of music boxes if you like it that way.