Description

For the first time ever, the original The Invisible Man film comes to DVD in this extraordinary Legacy Collection. Included in the collection is the original classic, starring the renowned Claude Rains, and four timeless sequels, featuring such legendary actors as Vincent Price and John Barrymore. These are the landmark films that inspired an entire genre of movies and continue to be major influences on motion pictures to this day. ... Read more

Description

Feature titles include:The Bride of Frankenstein, Frankenstein, The Ghost of Frankenstein, House of Frankenstein, Son of Frankenstein ... Read more

Reviews (112)

AFI top 100 film, Universal's Frankenstein is#1, now on DVD!
Universal Studios made its indelible mark in Hollywood due to its famous mastering of the Horror movie. In 1931 Universals "Frankenstein" changed the film world forever. Even today it remains a very basic classic horror movie. The American Film Institute (AFI) voted it into the top 100 films in the first 100 years of film (1998).

Universal gathered the movie genius' and embarked on adapting Mary Shelly's novel to the screen. James Whale was chosen as the director and the make-up master Jack Pierce to create the giant Frankenstein Monster (played by Boris Karloff).

NOTE: The movie actually had a opening caution film introduction because of its 1931 unspeakable subject matter. People were genuinely scared, horrified but curious to see this film.

Summary: The mad Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) & his hunchback Assistant Fritz (Dwight Frye) are robbing graves for bodys to construct a man to bring back to life. The Dr. still needs a brain to fullfill his inventory. Fritz steals a brain from the local medical school. Unfortunately the only one available is an abnormal one. The Dr. creates his monster being with the abnormal brain unknowingly. Through lightning storms, electrical shocks and unbelievable special effects brings the Monster to life! Now the horror is unleashed.

This is the first in Universal Studio's "Classic Monster Collection" DVD Series. This collection is the very best of their horror movies completely digitally remastered and uncensored. With lots of special features, photos and narratives. A must have DVD collection of classic Hollywood horror films.

It's Still Alive After All These Years
After repeated attempts of securing a Frankenstein, director James Whale hired a middle-aged character actor named William Henry Pratt (stage name: Boris Karloff) who had previously been limited to cameos, stand-ins, and predominantly small eccentric parts to play Frankenstein's monster. Karloff's restrictive age, massive obscurity, and absence of experience may have emerged as hindrances for this newly discovered personality. However, time and popular opinion has obliterated these fears into long lost paranoid hallucinations.

It is Boris Karloff's indisputably iconic and singularly haunting performance as the child-like brute, misunderstood and despised by all, whose only longing and desire is to be loved and cared for by others that continues to be one of cinema's timeless jewels of acting perfection, dramatic magnitude, and note-fully seamless pathos. Karloff's monster, like Anthony Perkin's Norman Bates or Robert De Norio's Travis Bickle, is one of cinema's fortunate accidents of how the exact casting of just the right perfect someone can unbelievably bolster the film. Karloff's casting as the inevitably sympathetic artificial concoction of a mad scientist with a deity complex turned out to be one of many grandiose happy accidents that has allowed this 70 year-old gothic horror film to continue to be copiously admired, internationally beloved, and enthusiastically cherished up to contemporary times.

Frankenstein retains numerous stellar elements including a magnificently captivating early sound ensemble cast including Edward Van Sloan (Doctor Waldman), Mae Clarke (Elizabeth), Frederick Kerr (Baron Frankenstein), Dwight Frye (Fritz), and the unforgettable Colin Clive, the archetypal mad scientist, (Henry Frankenstein), brilliantly provocative Frankenstein make-up by make-up genius Jack Pierce, manically splendid and cleverly articulated German Expressionistic sets ,that place this tale in an indescribable alternate Grimm Fairy Tale reminiscent landscape, James Whales immeasurably eloquent moral consolidation and inventively multi-faceted interpretation of Mary Shelly's tale, and forever crowned with one of cinema's most cunningly virtuoso and unredeemable bravura performances of inarticulate primal indignation and childish rage ever recorded on film by Karloff as the monster.

However due to it's age and Hollywood production values at the time, Frankenstein is not totally absent of problems: lacking of a musical score to countermarch the film's profuse talkativeness, predictably saddled with pedestrian and extremely dated comedic and romantic sub plots, and weakened by an awfully trite comedic conclusion. Despite these blemishes, Frankenstein consummately embodies the finest narrative qualities of the early Universal monster films, contains the simply greatest incarnation of Frakenstein's monster, and stubbornly remains both in ambiance and creative evocativeness the finest film version of the Mary Shelly story.

Talk about staying power!!!

As for Frankenstein's DVD format, it contains a uncannily pristine Pan and Scan
Standard presentation, intriguing Making-Of Documentary, Film Historian Rudy
Behlmer's audio commentary, original theatrical trailer, and much more.

Universally (pun intended) recommended to anyone interested in film classics,
the Universal Monster films, or films of the 1930's. Followed by James Whales
superior sequel The Bride of Frankenstein (1935).

P.S. Never Give Franky Flower Petals Near a Pond

Excellent
Being born in the 50's and enjoyin the classic Universal Horror Movies in the 60's was a great time for Horror Movies.
The Frankenstien DVD collection is excellent to say the least, especially seeing "House of Frankentstien" again, along with my other favorite, "Son of Frankenstien". It's real nice to see 5 Classic Horror Films on one DVD set. I would highly reccomend this to anyone who remembers the horror movies of the 50's and 60's, and to those who don't? go out and buy this DVD. It puts the new "slice 'em/dice 'em" movies to shame.

It's About Franken' Time!
Look, don't read this, just buy this thing before Universal realizes what they've done! They've opened their rusty old vault doors and let their most prized creations escape into open air! FRANKENSTEIN (dir.James Whale, w/ Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, Boris Karloff, Dwight Frye) is loose! His BRIDE (dir. James Whale again! w/ Colin Clive, Elsa Lanchester, Boris Karloff, Dwight Frye) too! Their hideous SON (Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Basil Rathbone, Lionel Atwill) is also rampaging! If that's not enough, the GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN (Lon Chaney jr., Bela Lugosi, Lionel Atwill, Sir Cedric Hardwicke) now walks among us as well! Yes, this collection has them all, and tosses in the HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney jr., John Carradine, George Zucco, Lionel Atwill) that long overgrown piece of wretched real estate! Hurry, before Universal slams those creaky doors shut once more! If you're a horror nut like yours truly, then this is a nightmare come true! Highest recommendation...

Its alive! ITS ALIVE
What a great collection. I had Frankenstein and the Bride on VHS but getting them again on DVD was great. I have all three legacy collections. The Bride is the best, Frankenstein is the second best, Son is the third, House is the fourth and Ghost is the fifth. I like all five altough its obvious Ghost and House were made for entertainment. I heard they're working on a third Mummy movie. Wonder if they'll release the original Mummy series in a legacy set? I liked the Mummy movies and Van Helsing and I have to wonder what Stephen Sommers next project could be. The Invisible Man? That would be interesting. With his seris also in a legacy set? For now I'm satisfied though (but I hope that does happen) ... Read more

Reviews (112)

THE MOVIE THAT STARTED IT ALL
Director James Whale's classic thriller opened the floodgates for a new genre-horror. In 1931, this film packed quite a wallop. Though it has lost its power to horrify,"Frankenstien" survives as a beatufilly crafted, elegant film that put's most modern horror film's to shame. Boris Karloff's performance as the Monster is among the greatest performances in screen history. Colin Clive is also perfect as the nerve frayed Henry Frankenstien, the monster maker. The direction, sets and photography still hold up after all of these years. The new DVD edition is well worth latching onto; the film has never looked better, and the documentary by David Skal is worth the price of the DVD alone. A great film, and a must have for any serious film collector.

Finally, "it's alive" on DVD !!
I don't know what I could possibly add to all of the previous glowing reviews other than my patience for this release has paid off! I can only hope Universal home video goes forward in releasing the other classic monsters with such a definitive respectful treatment.

Whale and Karloff: Perfect Together!
Nowhere close to Shelley's novel but it makes no difference! Eerie, eccentric and atmospheric, this classic offers nothing but top drawer! Whale's vision is impeccable; sets are moody and gripping, but it is Karloff who mesmerizes with a performance that is a work of art in a role that allows no dialogue but punishing make-up and costuming. Even the distinguished DeNiro didn't come close to the pathos, confusion, sadness and panic of Boris Karloff's elegant and ageless performance. It gets better and better with each viewing.

More than I expected.
Surprisingly enough, I had never seen this movie to its entirety. I remember one time watching it on network tv and it was ugly and the sound was blotchy. So imagine my suprise when I found the DVD clear and beautiful. I was very pleased with the DVD! They did a good job at cleaning up the video and audio. I especially loved the "Special Features" that are the hallmark of DVDs. I would suggest this DVD to any audiophile!

Classic Film, but commentary is disappointing
5 stars just because it's worth having this classic on disc. But this great film deserves a better treatment than this DVD release. The accompanying audio comentary is pointless...it dwells more on cast biographies, literary history and trite observations, rather than discussing the movie we're watching, and the fine little touches that make it a classic. From Whale's comic touches like the pathetic Fritz with his foot-high walking stick pausing on the steps to pull up his socks, to the "Caligari"-inspired sets and the poorly-painted sky backdrop, there is plenty of interesting material on the screen on which to comment. ... Read more

Description

A dark, gothic, one-of-a-kind macabre comedy. Directed by James Whale, subject of the acclaimed "Gods and Monsters," "The Old Dark House" tells the story of three weary travelers who find shelter in a mysterious Welsh manor, soon find themselves in the unwelcoming company of the psychotic Femm family--and never will they be the same! ... Read more

Reviews (34)

James Whale has a stellar cast but a second rate horror film
"The Old Dark House" is a bit disappointing simply because with all the talent collected on both sides of the camera you would expect an absolute classic horror film. This 1932 film is directed by James Whale based on the novel by J. B. Priestley. In front of the camera are Boris Karloff, Melyvn Douglas, Charles Laughton, Gloria Stuart, Lilian Bond, Ernest Thesiger and Raymond Massey. During a raging storm in the Welsh mountains, Philip Waverton (Massey), his wife Margaret (Stuart) and Roger Penderel (Douglas) seek refuge in an old house. Inside are Horace Femm (Thesiger), an eccentric atheist; his sister Rebecca (Eva Moore), a religious fanatic; and Morgan (Karloff), their mute hulking butler, who has a tendency to get homicidal when he becomes drunk. Two other weary travelers, Sir William Porterhouse (Laughton) and Gladys DuCane (Bond) are stuck for the night as well. Morgan gets drunk and attacks Margaret and things continue to escalate until the butler frees Saul (Brember Wills), a pyromaniac locked up in a remote wing of the house. The set up is a bit forced, as this is probably the oddest group of people thrown together during a storm you will ever see in a film and while the second half is suspenseful as things get out of hand the finale is rather unsatisfying. "The Old Dark House" is the first film in which Karloff gets top billing and it was the first American film for both Laughton and Massey.

Have A Potato !
Out of the four classic 'horror' films James Whale directed for Universal ('Frankenstein', 'The Invisble Man', and 'Bride of Frankenstein' being the others) this movie is certainly the odd one out. There are no monsters and no mad scientists, just a collection of extremely strange characters. For once Boris Karloff is upstaged not by one, but two of his fellow cast members. Ernest Thesiger gives a wonderfully weird performance throughout and larger than life Charles Laughton dominates every scene he appears in. Because of the lack of any 'monster' and the fact that virtually the whole film takes place inside the house, it is the dialogue and characters that make this film so truly memorable. If you've heard that 'The Old Dark House' was a 'lost' film then you needn't worry about picture or sound quality. The film's restoration work has produced a very good quality print. Unusually for me, I watched this film 3 or 4 times within a week of receiving it, not least because of the great commentaries provided by James Curtis and especially Gloria Stuart. 'The Old Dark House' certainly demands multiple viewings, which is the best praise I can give it.

Perfect for a late-night movie fest
This movie reminds me of all the fun movies that were on the local Chiller Theater when I was growing up. Terrific thrills and chills in an old-fashioned manner. James Whales, best known for Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein, directed and his touches are visible, from intelligent dialogue to the chaotic action scenes.

A wind-blown Gloria Stuart is awesome to behold as a damsel in distress. Well cast and well acted, this is one of the classics.

Nice!
This was an interesting film to watch, although I admit, a bit campy at times; nevertheless, the acting is quite good, and I especially liked the character of "Saul," at the end, he's a riot! (Especially when he laughs uncontrollably like a madman.)

Boris Karloff was excellent in this film as well.

thesiger's oscar worthy performance.
thesiger steals everything but the sets (as he also did in bride). he should have at least gotten an acadamy nomination for one of the two films.
whale's delightfully sardonic humour shines throughout the film.
a masterpiece all the way through. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Excellent Adaptation of a Theatrical Landmark
Jerome Kern's and Oscar Hammerstein's SHOWBOAT is a landmark Broadway musical. It was brought to the screen in 1936 by Universal Studios with most of it's drama, joy, and heartbreak intact. James Whale (BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE INVISIBLE MAN) might seem an odd choice for this project, yet his direction hits the mark: realistic and gritty when it needs to be, stylized and theatrical when it can afford to be. The film is blessed with a magnificent cast, most of whom had previously played their roles on stage: Irene Dunne played Magnolia in the 1927 touring company, Allan Jones appeared as Ravenal in summer stock, and Paul Robeson starred as Joe in the 1928 London production and then again in the 1932 Broadway revival. Charles Winninger, Helen Morgan, and the underrated Sammy White starred in the 1927 and 1932 Broadway productions and understand their characters thoroughly. White's eccentric dancing is hilarious and Morgan's turn as the tragic Julie may well have you fighting back tears. While some favorite songs are missing, three were written specifically for the movie; one of them,"I Have The Room Above Her," found it's way into the recent Broadway revival directed by Harold Prince. SHOWBOAT isn't perfect: Hammerstein's screenplay unnecessarily alters the final section of the story, and Irene Dunne's performance in blackface of "Gallivantin' Around" might possibly offend some in this day and age. But SHOWBOAT has so much to delight and engage the viewer that these minor flaws can, and should, be overlooked. By the way, keep an eye open for Eddie "Rochester" Anderson in the opening scenes.

DEFINITIVE FILM VERSION.
This middle version of SHOW BOAT is the most authentic. Although the 1951 M-G-M version is mighty pretty to look at in its ravishing Technicolor, this version is much truer to what Edna Ferber had in mind. Without going into great detail about the story, I'll just say that the film is about the life and loves of the personnel on an old-time Mississippi showboat. Charles Winninger is terrific as Captain Andy (he played the role on Broadway). The little-seen-in-movies Helen Morgan played her role of Julie on the stage as well, and her performance is unforgettable: a rare chance to watch a legendary artist at work: she would die in obscurity via alcoholism in 1941. Irene Dunne is fine as Magnolia, few movie-goers know that she was a professional singer as well as a fine dramatic actress and a wonderful Screwball comedienne. Paul Robeson is magnetic when he sings that classic paean to the the Mississippi river, Ol' MAN RIVER. Helen Westley and Hattie McDaniel shine in their supporting roles as Parthy Hawks and Queenie Joe's wife respectively. In fact, the cast is full of diverse character actors: Barbara Pepper (Doris Ziffle on GREEN ACRES), Elspeth Dudgeon (the ancient patriarch in THE OLD DARK HOUSE), Flora Finch (she was a silent star circa 1915 in comedy shorts called "Bunnyfinches" with her co-star John Bunny) Marilyn Harris (whom Frankenstein's monster threw into the lake), Harry Barris (one of the original Rhythm Boys with Bing Crosby & brother of blues singer Mildred Bailey), Helen Jerome Eddy (Annie Alden in Mae West's KLONDIKE ANNIE). The story had been filmed less successfully priorly in 1929 with the now-forgotten Laura LaPlante as Magnolia. The acting kudos went to the heroin-addicted Alma Reubens as Julie; Reubens would die in an insane asylum at the age of 33.

To Curtis Crawford
Picky, picky, picky. Did you remember that this was one of the first musicals made into a movie and that it was made way back in 1936? That's close to seventy years ago. I would hope they have learned a little since then. I saw the movie then and I have never forgotten it or the wonderful music. I thought Alan Jones had a wonderful voice, as did all the others. This movie is one of my fondest memories.

What an Awesome Movie Needs to be on DVD though
Man this is an awesome movie and i dont see why it hasnt come out on DVD yet. This is the best cast for this movie, the 1936 version is the best one out there. there is only one thing to make it better get it out on DVD. James Whale as the director of America's first true musical makes him such an awesome director, you dont even have to talk about Frankenstein, this is his greatest film. With the best song ever written Ol' Man River sung by Paul Robeson the only Joe ever. Get this Whale's Favorite of his movies out on DVD soon

One Unmentioned Point
All the reviews here are excellent. However one point has gone unmentioned. In the first scene, the first line of the movie announcing the arrival of the showboat is spoken by Eddie "Rochester" Anderson. This was his only line and his only appearance in this movie. ... Read more