Frankenstein - The Legacy Collection (Frankenstein / Bride of / Son of / Ghost of / House of) |...

Frankenstein - The Legacy Collection (Frankenstein / Bride of / Son of / Ghost of / House of) | Pauline Moore, Edward Van Sloan | Oldies but Goolies!

DVDs:

Frankenstein - The...

	Frankenstein - The Legacy Collection (Frankenstein / Bride of / Son of / Ghost of / House of) Pauline Moore, Edward Van Sloan Universal Studios, 2004 average customer review:based on 94 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

For the first time ever the original Frankenstein film comes to DVD in this extraordinary Legacy Collection. Included in the collection is the original classic starring the renowned Boris Karloff and four timeless sequels featuring such legendary actors as Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr. These are the landmark films that inspired an entire genre of movies and continue to be major influences on motion pictures to this day.BONUS MATERIALS:Stephen Sommers on Universal's Classic Monster: Frankenstein's MonsterShe's Alive! Creating the Bride of FrankensteinThe Frankenstein FilesFrankenstein ArchivesBoo! A Short FilmTheatrical TrailerSystem Requirements: Running Time 68 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/CLASSIC Rating: NR UPC: 025192446122 Manufacturer No: 24461

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Choose Your Assistants Carefully; it's So Hard to Find Good Help.

I must be out of my mind. First, I've decided to review all 5 films at once. Second, I didn't give the set 5 stars; sacrilege here at amazon.com. But I'm not unreasonable, so I will rate each film individually just to make things clear. Don't forget, we have an obligation to let others know if their beloved films are getting treated properly on DVD; just keep that in mind. I'll first let you know what I thought of the films, and then, just for fun, we'll check the resumes of the various assistants.

-FRANKENSTIEN; PERSPECTIVE (5.5 STARS)
In the modern perspective, this can be a somewhat boring, unintentionally funny film. However, when I watched it I made a point of pretending I was in a 1932 theater with a bunch of people who have never seen a monster movie. This would be a mind blowing experience. Not only is there murder, the idea of dismemberment and playing God, but the source of everyone's fear is actually a sympathetic, mute character. I know this is not a new idea to you modern readers. Yet, in the context of its day, this was groundbreaking. A hand full of "Horror" films had been made before, but nothing quite as well put together as this. If you have doubts, watch 1931's "Dracula". Though considered a classic, it can be snooze inducing when compared to "Frankenstein". This film is actually pretty fast paced with some really cool visuals to drink in.

-ASSISTANT ONE; FRITZ IS THE PITZ
The first Doctor, on-edge Henry F., has suspect taste in assistants; no, not Ygor (that's how it's spelled BTW) but Fritz. I wonder how things might have gone had Fritz not dropped the "normal" brain. Of course, when viewed with modern sensibilities, the idea of reviving a brain soaking in formaldehyde is pretty ludicrous regardless of its criminal tendencies. But Fritz isn't done. It turns out he's a sadistic jerk and destroys whatever modicum of decency the "monster" had working. Nice going Henry.

-BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN; PERSPECTIVE (5.0 STARS)
"Bride" is a fan favorite of many. Improbably, it may have been a more groundbreaking film than its predecessor. "Bride" may have been the first "Horror" film with comedic intensions. The comedy it pulls off is still funny today. Despite this, the story might be more tragic and heart breaking. As you might know, the bride only shows up long enough to reject her blind date, but it's so "real" you always feel bad for the guy. As you may also have heard; another mad scientist exchanges notes with Henry. It turns out this guy can make tiny people, yet thinks reviving a cadaver is more exciting; what a putts! This knocks down bride just a hair below the original. The "Monster" says little but speaks volumes.

-ASSISTANT TWO; KARL, YOU LOOK A LOT LIKE FRITZ!
Of course, they are the same actor. Well Henry had nothing to do with this guy. Karl was the hired hunch of Dr. Pretorius (he of the little people). Once again, we get an assistant with questionable moral fiber and physical ability. Karl does not like to dig. As a result, the new Mad Doctor gets only the freshest of parts. Karl likes to play with fire; something the "Monster" does not quite appreciate. So why are we surprised when he goes berserk again? Way to go Pretorius.

-SON OF FRANKENSTEIN; PERSPECTIVE (4.5 STARS)
I give this film a lot of credit for at least moving to another level. No, not the story; but everything else. The growing budget is evident. The actors are less melodramatic and refined (mostly), the sets are more convincing and ambitious, and the camera work more sophisticated (if not so inventive). However, the "Monster" is becoming a monster; a barely human automaton. He shows signs of humanity but for the most part becomes a tool in a furry vest (don't ask me?). Wolf is Henry's Son (hence the title) and he's moving into Dad's old place. Not surprising, the town's folk aren't too happy. Lionel Atwill's "Inspector Krogh" nearly steals the show. In a very unintentionally funny moment, a very stressed-out Wolf shouts to the inspector in a very snappy way "WOULD YOU LIKE A DRINK... ...OR PERHAPS YOU'D CARE TO PLAY A GAME OF DARTS?" I laughed very hard. Anyway, the story really bogged down at times and they seemed to rush the finish (what, in one of these films?). Still, this film had enough going on to be included in "Young Frankenstein".

-ASSISTANT THREE; GOOD LOOKS ONLY GET YOU SO FAR!
Finally we get YGOR!! Bella Lugosi does a good job of bringing personality to this role. The problem is his personality is that of a conniving, self serving murderer. He actually gets the job because he's buddies with the "Monster". I normally don't go for nepotism, but hey, he has the requisite disfigurements so sign him up! I'll give Wolf a break; Ygor and the "Monster" are a package deal. Amazingly, it's Wolf who pushes things over the edge in this one.

-THE GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN; PERSPECTIVE (3.5 STARS)
Still good acting, music and sets but the story is getting nonsensical. While trying to maintain the historical legacy of the prior films, much is dispensed with or forgotten. You learn all too quickly that budget does not beget quality. Ygor is clearly the Boss again and wastes little time moving his agenda. He finds a reluctant but vulnerable Ludwig F., brother to Wolf. Boris Karloff opts out of the makeup and is replaced by Wolf Man Lon Chaney Jr. LC Jr. was always an, at best, middling actor. No surprise then that the guy we all came to see is a dud. In the end it is Lugosi who gets all the lines while LC gets to go "UUUUUUUUHH!" The ending is especially silly when you watch the final film. Despite its problems, Ghost is still entertaining on a less cerebral level.

-ASSISTANT FOUR; I'M BACK!!! EH HEH HEH!!!
Yea, it's Lugosi's Ygor again. Money talks and these films kept making it. So back come Lugosi's Ygor. He actually does a good job despite the dumb script. Anyway, he's the same guy as in the last film. Ironically, it's the assistant that's conscripting the services of the master now. Ludwig get's a big slap-down for actually believing anything Ygor says. Ygor continues the fine tradition of mucking up the best of intensions.

-HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN; MAKING "VANHELSING" LOOK COHERANT (2.5 STARS)
You'd think a film with the triumvirate of Euro-monsters would be awesome. What we get here is possibly the most incoherent mess I've seen since "Plan 9 from Outer Space" (which has obvious entertainment value). This film is basically divided down the middle. The first half might be the worst Dracula film ever and the second half might be the most inexplicable waste of film imaginable. Fortunately the acting and the sets were worth a peak anyway. We learn again that the budget should be spent on developing a good story first. Apparently tired of making money; Universal appeared bent on the destruction of the "Frankenstein", Wolf Man" and "Dracula" franchises in one fell swoop. It nearly worked. We do get to see them again in the fluffy, yet wildly entertaining Abbott and Costello flick; hardly an extension of the franchise.

ASSISTANT FIVE; I AM NOW THE MASTER...
Karloff returns as a guy who assisted Frankenstein (I'm not sure which one) and wants to continue the franchise. He has an assistant who is physically disfigured (surprise) and very strong but actually a nice guy (sound familiar? "Hunchback of Notre Dame"). Not surprisingly, the assistant's assistant starts all the trouble again. I don't blame him this time; His boss welched on the deal.

-THE DVD (3.5 STARS)
Unlike other reviews here, I had no troubles with the disk getting scratched. In fact, I have trouble removing it from the case. Though the pictures are in beautiful shape, I don't think it was packaged in the most honorable way. Putting 3 films on one disk is just cheap. Still, this is a worthy collection for those who like taking a leisurely trip back in time. For those who need gory, non-stop action and violence; I would pass.

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Oldies but Goolies!

I really enjoyed all this movies; almost as much as when I was a kid watching them on TV as Saturday afternoon matinees. The stand outs are definitely the original Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. I found the video and audio quality more than acceptable. The bonus material is almost worth the price of admission... almost. It amazing how well this films stand the test of time. I'm very pleased with this purchase.

It's an old movie, what do you expect?

For the price and the quantity you can't go wrong. the Legacy sets are great!

Frankenstein - The Legacy Collection

I just purchased this set. Upon opening the box, one of the disc was just floating around in the box. This disc had multiple scratches and marks. I attempted to play this disc in my player but it did not play. I tried another player and still no luck. I finally put it in my laptop and it played the House of Frankenstein. The movies are excellent but the quality of the discs are extermely poor. It appears to be a manufacturing issue. I hope in the future that the quality of these discs are made better.
Ms. J.

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