Rating: 
Summary: What a great collection!
Review: It's rare to have such a collection of real, honest-to-God classics, in this case from the Universal horror vaults of the 1930s. (Most "collections", as you doubtless know, are usually Grade B to Z flicks thrown together by genre or stars' names). But this really IS a classic collection.
Sure, the Claude Rains 1943 version of "Phantom of the Opera" is relative crap, as most horror fans agree: too much opera, too little phantom (and can't compare to the Lon Chaney 1925 silent version, or even the maligned 1962 version with Herbert Lom that nobody even remembers!) But the '43 version, included in this collection, is the only inadequate entry.
Dont be put-off by the price: this is a STEAL given the contents, even if they're out-of-stock and you have to go to one of the off-vendors.
Rating:
Summary: WHY ARE YOU READING THIS?
Review: Stop wasting your time here, buy this DVD, and plant yourself in front of the tube for awhile. You won't be disappointed. Well, go on, get moving......
Rating:
Summary: If you're into the classics....you'll love these!!
Review: These movies are what I grew up on! If you enjoy movies with more acting from the actors and less special effects, these will not disappoint!! Great for a Saturday night home alone with a full moon on the rise.... :-)
Rating:
Summary: If you're into the classics....you'll love these!!
Review: These movies are what I grew up on! If you enjoy movies with more acting from the actors and less special effects, these will not disappoint!! Great for a Saturday night home alone with a full moon on the rise.... :-)
Rating:
Summary: The definition of the term "Classic."
Review: This box set is truly amazing, and worth the purchase price. Each of these is the somewhat "definitive" version of the Universal "monster stable," before camp took over. (The main exception to this is "Phantom of the Opera." The Lon Chaney version of the phantom is much more resonate, and remains the archetype. Claude Rains version is a little lackluster.) Each DVD is packed with features, including a special documentary for each monster type per disk. The well informed host takes you through the creation of the character from original novel, to stage play to silent film, and in many cases to the life beyond Universal. There are references to Edison's "Frankenstein" silent film as well as the German "Nosferatu." I really enjoyed the information on the creation of the monsters appearance, and the various stages they went through. While all of the films are excellent, the real standout of this collection is the "Dracula" DVD. Containing both the English and Spanish versions of the film (made simultaneously, using the same sets with different actors. The English crew would set off and the Spanish crew would film their shots.) It also has a really lovely second sound track, composed by Philip Glass. It adds a new dimension to the film. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: The definition of the term "Classic."
Review: This box set is truly amazing, and worth the purchase price. Each of these is the somewhat "definitive" version of the Universal "monster stable," before camp took over. (The main exception to this is "Phantom of the Opera." The Lon Chaney version of the phantom is much more resonate, and remains the archetype. Claude Rains version is a little lackluster.) Each DVD is packed with features, including a special documentary for each monster type per disk. The well informed host takes you through the creation of the character from original novel, to stage play to silent film, and in many cases to the life beyond Universal. There are references to Edison's "Frankenstein" silent film as well as the German "Nosferatu." I really enjoyed the information on the creation of the monsters appearance, and the various stages they went through. While all of the films are excellent, the real standout of this collection is the "Dracula" DVD. Containing both the English and Spanish versions of the film (made simultaneously, using the same sets with different actors. The English crew would set off and the Spanish crew would film their shots.) It also has a really lovely second sound track, composed by Philip Glass. It adds a new dimension to the film. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: An Essential Collection
Review: This box set is truly worth every penny it costs: a collection of eight iconographical titles in the "Universal Horror" pantheon from the 1930s and 1940s. The titles are DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY, THE INVISIBLE MAN, THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE WOLFMAN, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON. Each DVD comes in a plastic case sporting original poster art, and all eight are neatly packaged in a single box for easy organization. Each of the titles have been significantly restored, and although the bonus features vary a bit from disk to disk each disk has a short documentary and interesting critical audio track. The "Jewel In The Crown" of the set is DRACULA. While critical response to the film varies, the DVD includes both the Bella Lugosi and the so-called "Spanish" Dracula, as well as the option to play the Lugosi version with or without the recent Philip Glass soundtrack as well as memorable bonus material. The weak link the collection is THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA; the Claude Rains remake isn't a patch on the original, and it is a pity that the silent Lon Chaney version was not offered instead. Still, the Rains version has its charms, and it far surpasses later film versions of the same title. While each of the DVDs included can be purchased separately, those wishing to have all these titles will find the box set more cost-effective. Sure to delight fans of Universal horror classics and fans of classic film in general; strongly recommended as an essential.
Rating:
Summary: An Essential Collection
Review: This box set is truly worth every penny it costs: a collection of eight iconographical titles in the "Universal Horror" pantheon from the 1930s and 1940s. The titles are DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY, THE INVISIBLE MAN, THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE WOLFMAN, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON. Each DVD comes in a plastic case sporting original poster art, and all eight are neatly packaged in a single box for easy organization. Each of the titles have been significantly restored, and although the bonus features vary a bit from disk to disk each disk has a short documentary and interesting critical audio track. The "Jewel In The Crown" of the set is DRACULA. While critical response to the film varies, the DVD includes both the Bella Lugosi and the so-called "Spanish" Dracula, as well as the option to play the Lugosi version with or without the recent Philip Glass soundtrack as well as memorable bonus material. The weak link the collection is THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA; the Claude Rains remake isn't a patch on the original, and it is a pity that the silent Lon Chaney version was not offered instead. Still, the Rains version has its charms, and it far surpasses later film versions of the same title. While each of the DVDs included can be purchased separately, those wishing to have all these titles will find the box set more cost-effective. Sure to delight fans of Universal horror classics and fans of classic film in general; strongly recommended as an essential.
Rating:
Summary: Classic Monster Collections
Review: This collection is great. I had such a wonderful time viewing these movies. After so many years, it was like seeing them again for the first time. I am so happy that I made this purchase. The extras on the DVDs are real interesting and the picture quality is great. I intend to spend many more hours viewing these wonderful old timeless films.
Rating:
Summary: Classic Monster Collections
Review: This collection is great. I had such a wonderful time viewing these movies. After so many years, it was like seeing them again for the first time. I am so happy that I made this purchase. The extras on the DVDs are real interesting and the picture quality is great. I intend to spend many more hours viewing these wonderful old timeless films.
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