Showing posts with label Bela Lugosi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bela Lugosi. Show all posts
KINO: Death Kiss Rescheduled for October
Kino has confirmed a rescheduled release date of October 14th for The Death Kiss on Blu-Ray and DVD. Click here for details.
KINO: Max Linder Collection, Plus Death Kiss on Blu
Kino has scheduled The Max Linder Collection with a May 27th street date and a May 13th will be the DVD & Blu-Ray release of The Death Kiss (1932). Click here to read the full story.
UNIVERSAL HORROR: First Tier Coming in Wave 2
| WHAT: WHEN: STUDIO: PRICE: |
The Bride of Frankenstein (Blu-Ray) September 17th Universal Retail: 26.98, Our: $20.99 |
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Dracula (Blu-Ray) September 17th Universal Retail: 26.98, Our: $20.99 |
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Frankenstein (Blu-Ray) September 17th Universal Retail: 26.98, Our: $20.99 |
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The Wolf Man (Blu-Ray) September 17th Universal Retail: 26.98, Our: $20.99 |
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For studios, timing is everything.
When Universal announced their first wave of horror titles on Blu in March (released on June 4th), many were surprised they didn't lead with the top tier in their horror library.
Some suspected that they were waiting for Halloween to release Dracula, Wolf Man, Frankenstein and Bride of to bolster sales -- and it looks like they were right as the studio has announced a September 17th for the Blu-Ray debuts of the four coveted horror classics.
All will carry over bonus features from DVD releases with the exception of Bride which appears to have picked up a few new ones.
KINO: The Devil Bat (Blu-Ray) in September
| WHAT: WHEN: STUDIO: PRICE: |
The Devil Bat (Blu-Ray) September 17th Kino Retail: $24.95, Our: $19.99 |
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Kino has set a September 17th release date for The Devil Bat (Blu-Ray). Included as a bonus feature is audio commentary by Richard Harland Smith (film historian and TCM columnist).
It will retail for $24.95, but is available at ClassicFlix.com for only $19.99.
SYNOPSIS:
After brilliant scientist Dr. Paul Carruthers (Bela Lugosi) develops an ingenious product for a cosmetics company, he is cheated out of his fair share of the profits by his greedy partners.
Hell bent for revenge, he decides to turn his laboratory of science into one of doom as he creates a giant race of bats that turn into ripping and shredding beasts of fury, designed to attack anyone wearing the very product he invented.
NOTE: Kino is also releasing a DVD version the same day, but we are sticking with the Roan Group release of The Devil Bat as the print is good it is a double feature along with The Corpse Vanishes.
BLU: Universal Classic Monsters - The Essential Collection in October
| WHAT: WHEN: STUDIO: PRICE: | Universal Classic Monsters (Blu-Ray) October 2nd Universal Retail: $159.98, Our: $129.99 | |
Expected for some time, Universal has announced an October 2nd release date for Universal Classic Monsters - The Essential Collection (Blu-Ray).
The 8-disc set features eight of the "most iconic monsters in motion picture history including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Creature from the Black Lagoon (2D & 3D)."
It contains an exclusive collectible book, as well as over 12 hours of bonus features, with old and new ones in the mix. Details below.
It will retail for $159.98, but is available at ClassicFlix.com for only $129.99.
NOTE: Singles will not be made available. When there are, we will have them for rent.
SYNOPSIS:
From the era of silent movies through present day, Universal Pictures has been regarded as the home of the monsters. Now, Universal Classic Monsters - The Essential Collection showcases 8 of the most iconic monsters in motion picture history including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Starring Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr., Claude Rains and Elsa Lanchester in the roles that they made famous, these original films set the standard for a new horror genre with revolutionary makeup, mood-altering cinematography and groundbreaking special effects.
Featuring over 12 hours of revealing bonus features plus an exclusive collectible book, each film has been digitally restored from high resolution film elements for the ultimate classic monster experience.
Dracula (1931) - English & Spanish Versions
Relive the horror, the mystery, and the intrigue of the original 1931 vampire masterpiece starring Bela Lugosi and directed by Tod Browning. The inspiration for hundreds of subsequent remakes and adaptations, this classic film launched the Hollywood horror genre with its eerie passion, shadowy atmosphere, and thrilling cinematography. The children of the night are calling…
BONUS FEATURES:
- The Road to Dracula
- Lugosi: The Dark Prince
- Dracula: The Restoration
- Monster Tracks
- Dracula Archives
- Alternate Score by Philip Glass Performed by The Kronos Quartet
- Feature Commentary with Film Historian David J. Shal
- Feature Commentary with Screenwriter Steve Haberman
- Trailer Gallery
Boris Karloff stars as the screen's most memorable monster in what many consider to be the greatest horror film ever made. Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) dares to tamper with the life and death by creating a human monster (Karloff) out of lifeless body parts. It's director James Whales' adaption of the Mary Shelley novel blended with Karloff's compassionate portrayal of a creature groping for identity that makes Frankenstein a masterpiece not only of genre, but for all time.
BONUS FEATURES:
- The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster
- Karloff: The Gentle Monster
- Monster Tracks
- Universal Horror
- Frankenstein Archives
- Boo! A Short Film
- Feature Commentary with Film Historian Rudy Behlmer
- Feature Commentary with Historian Sir Christopher Frayling
- Trailer Gallery
- 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics
In 1921 a field expedition in Egypt discovers the mummy of ancient Egyptian prince Im-Ho-Tep, who was condemned and buried alive for sacrilege. Also found in the tomb is the Scroll of Thoth, which can bring the dead back to life. One night a young member of the expedition reads the Scroll out loud, and then goes insane, realizing that he has brought Im-Ho-Tep back to life. Ten years later, disguised as a modern Egyptian, the mummy attempts to reunite with his lost love, an ancient princess who has been reincarnated into a beautiful young woman.
BONUS FEATURES:
- Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed
- He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
- Unraveling The Legacy of The Mummy
- The Mummy Archives
- Feature Commentary with Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steve Haberman, Bob Burns and Brent Armstrong
- Feature Commentary with Film Historian Paul M. Jensen
- Trailer Gallery
- 100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era
Claude Rains delivers a remarkable performance in his screen debut as a mysterious doctor who discovers a serum that makes him invisible. Covered by bandages and dark glasses, Rains arrives at a small English village and attempts to hide his amazing discover. But the same drug which rends him invisible slowly drives him to commit acts of unspeakable terror.
Based on H.G. Well' classic novel and direct by the master of macabre James Whale, The Invisible Man no only fueled a host of sequels but features some special effects that are still imitated today.
The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
One of the most popular horror classics of all time and an acclaimed sequel to the original Frankenstein. The legendary Boris Karloff reprises his role as the screen's most understood monster who now longs for a mate of his own. Colin Clive is back as the overly ambitious Dr. Frankenstein, who creates the ill-faed bride (Elsa Lanchester).
Directed by the original's James Whale (his last horror film) and featuring a haunting musical score, The Bride of Frankenstein ranks as one of the finest films not only of the genre, but for all time.
BONUS FEATURES:
- She's Alive! Creating The Bride of Frankenstein
- The Bride of Frankenstein Archive
- Feature Commentary with Scott MacQueen
- Trailer Gallery
- 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics
Upon the death of his brother, Larry Talbot returns from America to his ancestral home in Wales. He visits a gypsy camp with village girl Jenny Williams, who is attacked by Bela, a gypsy who has turned into a werewolf. Larry kills the werewolf but is bitten during the fight.
Bela's mother tells him that this will cause him to become a werewolf at each full moon. Larry confesses his plight to his unbelieving father, Sir John, who then joins the villagers in a hunt for the wolf. Larry, transformed by the full moon, heads for the forest and a fateful meeting with both Sir John and Gwen.
BONUS FEATURES:
- Monster by Moonlight
- The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth
- Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.
- He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
- The Wolf Man Archives
- Trailer Gallery
- 100 Years of Universal: The Lot
- Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver
This spectacular retelling of Gaston Leroux's immortal horror tale stars Claude Rains as the masked phantom of the Paris opera house - a crazed composer who schemes to make a beautiful young soprano (Susanna Foster) the star of the opera company and wreak revenge on those who stole his music. Nelson Eddy, the heroic baritone, tries to win the affections of Foster as he tracks down the disfigured "monster" who has begun murdering those who resist his mad demands. This lavish production remains a masterpiece not only of the genre, but for all time.
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) - 2D & 3D
Scientists drug and capture the creature, who becomes enamored with the head scientist's female assistant (Julie Adams). The lonely creature, "a living amphibious missing link," escapes and kidnaps the object of his affection.
Chief scientist (Richard Carlson) then launches a crusade to rescue his assistant ans cast the ominous creature back to the depths from where he came. Well-acted and directed, and with Bud Westmore's brilliantly designed monster, Creature From The Black Lagoon remains an enduring tribute to the imaginative genius of its Hollywood creators.
OH, CHICK!: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (Blu-Ray)
| WHAT: WHEN: STUDIO: PRICE: | Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (Blu-Ray) September 4th Universal Retail: $26.98, Our: $21.99 | |
In plenty of time for Halloween, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (Blu-Ray) has been scheduled for a release date of September 4th.
Hailed as the teams best picture, and part of Universal's 100th anniversary celebration, it will come as a 2-disc combo pack that will include a standard definition version (containing all the bonus features).
It will retail for $26.98, but is available at ClassicFlix.com for only $21.99.
Comedy meets horror when Bud Abbott and Lou Costello encounter Universal’s classic monsters in the frightfully funny Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.
The world of baggage handlers Chick Young (Abbott) and Wilbur Grey (Costello) is turned upside down when they receive the remains of Dracula (Bela Lugosi) and Frankenstein (Glenn Strange) bound for the House of Horrors museum. When Dracula and Frankenstein escape, complete chaos ensues as Chick and Wilbur get mixed up in an evil plot to switch Wilbur’s brain with Frankenstein’s and are aided by Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney, Jr.), who turns into The Wolf Man when the moon is full!
Featuring a perfect blend of laughs and thrills, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is one the “all-time great horror comedies.” (Leonard Maltin)
CRITERION: Island of Lost Souls - Standard & Blu in October
| WHAT: WHEN: STUDIO: PRICE: | Island of Lost Souls (1932) October 25th Criterion Retail: 29.95, Our: $23.99 | |
| WHAT: WHEN: STUDIO: PRICE: | Island of Lost Souls (Blu-Ray) (1932) October 25th Criterion Retail: 39.95, Our: $31.99 | |
The wait is over. 14 years after DVD's inception, Island of Lost Souls finally makes it to the format, as well as Blu-Ray, on October 25th.
Each Criterion release will be a single disc with plenty of bonus material (below).
SYNOPSIS:
A twisted treasure from Hollywood’s pre-Code horror heyday, Island of Lost Souls is a cautionary tale of science run amok adapted from H. G. Wells’s novel The Island of Dr. Moreau.
In one of his first major movie roles, Charles Laughton is a mad doctor conducting ghastly genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, much to the fear and disgust of the shipwrecked sailor (Richard Arlen) who finds himself trapped there. Erle C. Kenton’s touchstone of movie terror is elegantly shot by Karl Struss, features groundbreaking makeup effects that inspired generations of monster-movie artists, and costars Bela Lugosi in one his most gruesome roles.
BONUS FEATURES:
- Audio commentary by film historian Gregory Mank, author of Bela Lugosi and Boris
Karloff and Hollywood’s Maddest Doctors - New video conversation among filmmaker John Landis (An American Werewolf in
London), Oscar-winning makeup artist Rick Baker (An American Werewolf in London,
Videodrome), and genre expert Bob Burns - New interviews with horror film historian David J. Skal (The Monster Show: A Cultural
History of Horror); filmmaker Richard Stanley (Hardware, original director of the ill-fated
1996 remake of The Island of Dr. Moreau) - New interviews with Devo founding members Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh,
whose manifesto is rooted in themes from Island of Lost Souls - Theatrical trailer
- PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by critic Christine Smallwood
BACK ON SCHEDULE: The Wolf Man (Special Edition)
| WHAT: WHEN: STUDIO: PRICE: | The Wolf Man - Special Edition (1941) February 2nd Universal Retail: $26.98, Our: $19.99 | |
Originally scheduled for release on September 15th, The Wolf Man - Special Edition is back on schedule with a February 2nd release date. The newly remastered classic will be a two disc set with all new bonus features on the second disc.
Retail for $26.98, but it's available at ClassicFlix.com for only $19.99.
For the sake of clarity, we've listed the contents of the new Special edition below, along with the contents of previous editions. Asterisks (*) indicate the bonus feature is not new. Also, the only feature missing from the special edition, that is on the single disc edition, are the production notes.
NOTE: The artwork below was from the original announcement and may be subject to change.
The Wolf Man - Special Edition (1941) - NEWLY ANNOUNCED
BONUS FEATURES:
DISC 1:
- Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver *
- Monster by Moonlight *
- The Wolf Man Archives *
- Trailer Gallery *
DISC 2:
- The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth (NEW TO DVD)
- Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney Jr. (NEW TO DVD)
- He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce (NEW TO DVD)
- Universal Horror (NEW TO DVD)
The Wolf Man (1941) - A 1999 RELEASE AS WELL AS SINGLE DISC RE-RELEASE LAST SEPTEMBER
BONUS FEATURES:
- Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver
- Monster by Moonlight
- The Wolf Man Archives
- Production Notes
- Trailer Gallery
Wolf Man Legacy Collection - 2004 RELEASE WITH FOUR FILMS ON A 2-DISC SET
The Wolf Man (1941, 70 min.)
Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman (1942, 73 min.)
She-Wolf of London (1946, 61 min.)
Werewolf of London (1935, 75 min.)
BONUS FEATURES:
- Van Helsing director Stephen Sommers hosts an exclusive behind the scenes look at how these original classic werewolf films inspired his motion picture event.
- Monster by Moonlight: An Original Documentary
- Tom Weaver Commentary on The Wolf Man
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