Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection

[MatrixTom]

Benieuwd of wij deze ook gaan krijgen (NL-uitgave) in navolging van de mooie Hitchcock-collectie!






EIGHT CHILLING CLASSICS FROM THE STUDIO THAT PIONEERED THE HORROR GENRE, DIGITALLY RESTORED AND RELEASED ON BLU-RAY™ FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN CELEBRATION OF UNIVERSAL'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

THE ULTIMATE BOX SET WITH EIGHT FILMS PLUS OVER 12 HOURS OF BONUS FEATURES ARRIVES OCTOBER 2ND, JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN!

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-ray™ as Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts on October 2, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection brings together the very best of Universal's legendary monsters—imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror that launched a uniquely American movie genre. This definitive collection features eight films on Blu-ray™, a collectible 48-page book featuring behind-the-scenes photographs, original posters, correspondence and much more. Each iconic film is accompanied by an array of bonus features that tell the fascinating story of its creation and history, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, filmmaker commentaries, interviews, storyboards, photo galleries, and trailers. Especially appealing for fans are a never-before-seen featurette about the restoration of Dracula and the first ever offering of Creature from the Black Lagoon in its restored Blu-ray™ 3D version.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120628/LA32327)
From the era of silent movies through the present day, Universal Pictures has been regarded as the home of the monsters. Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection honors the studio's accomplishments withthe most iconic monsters in motion-picture history including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Featuring performances by legends of the horror genre, including Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr., Claude Rains and Elsa Lanchester, these eight iconic films also feature groundbreaking special effects and innovative makeup that continue to influence filmmakers into the 21st century. Sure to be a Halloween favorite for years to come, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection is the ideal gift for film buffs and horror aficionados alike.


Synopses and Bonus Features
Dracula (1931)
The original 1931 movie version of Bram Stoker's classic tale has for generations defined the iconic look and terrifying persona of the famed vampire. Dracula owes its continued appeal in large part due to Bela Lugosi's indelible portrayal of the immortal Count Dracula and the flawless direction of horror auteur Tod Browning. The Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection includes the original version of this chilling and evocative tale, as well as the rarely seen Spanish version of Dracula. Filmed simultaneously with the English language version, the Spanish version of Dracula is an equally ominous vision of the horror classic shot with the same sets and script. Cinematographer George Robinson and a vibrant cast including Carlos Villarias and Lupita Tovar deliver a chilling and evocative tale filled with the same terror, mystery, and intrigue.



Bonus Features:

• Dracula, the 1931 Spanish version, with Introduction by Lupita Tovar Kohner
• The Road to Dracula
• Lugosi: The Dark Prince
• Dracula: The Restoration – New Featurette Available for The First Time!
• Monster Tracks: Interactive Pop-Up Facts About the Making of Dracula
• Dracula Archives
• Score by Philip Glass performed by the Kronos Quartet
• Feature Commentary by Film Historian David J. Skal
• Feature Commentary by Steve Haberman, Screenwriter of Dracula: Dead and Loving It
• Trailer Gallery

Frankenstein (1931)
Boris Karloff stars as the screen's most tragic and iconic monster in what many consider to be the greatest horror film ever made. Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) dares to tamper with the essential nature of life and death by creating a monster (Karloff) out of lifeless human body parts. Director James Whale's adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel and Karloff's compassionate portrayal of a creature groping for identity make Frankenstein a timeless masterpiece.



Bonus Features:

• The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster
• Karloff: The Gentle Monster
• Monster Tracks: Interactive Pop-Up Facts About The Making of Frankenstein
• Universal Horror
• Frankenstein Archives
• Boo!: A Short Film
• Feature Commentary with Film Historian Rudy Behlmer
• Feature Commentary with Historian Sir Christopher Frayling
• 100 Years Of Universal: Restoring the Classics
• Trailer Gallery

The Mummy (1932)
Horror icon Boris Karloff stars in the original 1932 version of The Mummy in which a team of British archaeologists accidentally revives a mummified high priest after 3,700 years. Alive again, he sets out on an obsessive—and deadly—quest to find his lost love. Over 50 years after its first release, this brooding dream-like horror classic remains a cinematic masterpiece.



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 by Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steve Haberman, Bob Burns and Brent Armstrong
• Feature Commentary by Film Historian Paul M. Jensen
• 100 Years Of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era
• Trailer Gallery

The Invisible Man (1933)
Claude Rains delivers an unforgettable 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 in a small English village and attempts to hide his amazing discovery, but the drug's side effects slowly drive him to commit acts of unspeakable terror. Based on H.G. Welles' classic novel and directed by the master of macabre, James Whale, The Invisible Man fueled a host of sequels and features revolutionary special effects that are still imitated today.



Bonus Features:

• Now You See Him: The Invisible Man Revealed
• Production Photographs
• Feature Commentary with Film Historian Rudy Behlmer
• 100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
The acclaimed sequel to the original Frankenstein has become one of the most popular horror classics in film history. The legendary Boris Karloff reprises his role as the screen's most misunderstood monster, now longing for a mate of his own. Colin Clive is back as the proud and overly ambitious Dr. Frankenstein, who creates the ill-fated bride (Elsa Lanchester). The last horror film directed by James Whale features a haunting musical score that helps make The Bride of Frankenstein one of the finest and most touching thrillers of its era.



Bonus Features:

• She's Alive! Creating The Bride Of Frankenstein
• The Bride Of Frankenstein Archive
• Feature Commentary with Scott MacQueen
• 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics
• Trailer Gallery

The Wolf Man (1941)
Originally released in 1941, The Wolf Man introduced the world to a new Universal movie monster and redefined the mythology of the werewolf forever. Featuring a heartbreaking performance by Lon Chaney Jr. and groundbreaking make-up by Jack Pierce, The Wolf Man is the saga of Larry Talbot, a cursed man who transforms into a deadly werewolf when the moon is full. The dreamlike atmospheres, elaborate settings and chilling musical score combine to make The Wolf Man a masterpiece of the genre.



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
• Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver
• 100 Years of Universal: The Lot
• Trailer Gallery

Phantom of the Opera (1943)
This lavish retelling of Gaston Leroux's immortal horror tale stars Claude Rains as the masked phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House. A crazed composer who schemes to make beautiful young soprano Christine DuBois (Susanna Foster) the star of the opera company, the Phantom also wreaks revenge on those he believes stole his music. Nelson Eddy, as the heroic baritone, tries to win the affections of Christine as he tracks down the murderous, horribly disfigured Phantom.



Bonus Features:

• The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked
• Production Photographs
• Feature Commentary with Film Historian Scott MacQueen
• 100 Years of Universal: The Lot
• Theatrical Trailer

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Captured and imprisoned for scientific study, a living "amphibious missing link" becomes enamored with the head researcher's female assistant (Julie Adams). When the hideous creature escapes and kidnaps the object of his affection, a crusade is launched to rescue the helpless woman and cast the terrifying creature back to the depths from which he came. Featuring legendary makeup artist Bud Westmore's brilliantly designed monster, Creature from the Black Lagoon is an enduring tribute to the imaginative genius of its Hollywood creators.



Bonus Features:

• The Creature From The Black Lagoon in 3D
• Back to The Black Lagoon
• Production Photographs
• Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver
• 100 Years of Universal: The Lot
• Trailer Gallery

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
BD
Street Date: 10/2/2012
Copyright: 2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Selection Numbers: 61123308 (US); 61123470 (Canada)
About Universal Studios Home Entertainment
In honor of its Centennial anniversary, Universal Pictures proudly salutes 100 years of unforgettable films that have entertained audiences and touched the hearts of millions around the globe. In celebration of its first 100 years, Universal Studios Home Entertainment is proud to present a selection of its many beloved movies as part of an extensive year-long program that underscores the studio's rich cinematic history and indelible cultural impact.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, newsand information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations groupand world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.
Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1gc30)

[Jordy van Buel]

Opnieuw een prachtset van Universal! Ik heb de Universal Monster Collection al jaren in m'n bezit op DVD en het zijn stuk voor stuk echt prachtfilms, pure klassiekers die iedere filmfan in z'n collectie moet hebben.

[Lu81NL]

Deze ga ik 100% kopen. Geweldig!

[batmaster]

Nog een leuk filmpje:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQm-R...ayer_embedded#!

[Marcel v/d H.]

Deze gaat ook bij mij op de wishlist, even wachten of de prijs nog wat gaat zakken. Heb verder geen enkele titel uit de box, dus een mooie toevoeging aan de collectie.

[rogue]

Je hebt ook nog de Limited edition.

[rogue]

En de reguliere UK versie:

[nlamste3]

Je hebt ook nog de Limited edition.

Heb deze al een tijdje in bestelling staan. Had in eerste instantie de US versie met het soort van boek. Maar deze vond ik ook wel gelikt, en een stuk goedkoper en geen douanekosten.

Hoop alleen wel dat deze NL subs krijgt.

[batmaster]

Nice universal!

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDRev...acula_1931.htm

[MatrixTom]

Frankenstein BD review

[Jordy van Buel]

Overtuigend zeg

[batmaster]

Kan niet wachten totdat ik de coffin binnen heb! Vind het alleen wel een beetje vreemd, je leest of hoort er bijna helemaal niks over. In deze thread zijn nog een eens meerdere pagina's, terwijl deze al bijna uitkomt. Ik vind dit bijvoorbeeld een net zo belangrijke release als Jaws, en die heeft veel meer pagina's. En dat komt toch niet alleen omdat die ook in Nederland verschenen is? Ook op andere forums hoor je er weinig over, en ook heel weinig reviews.

[Lorre]

Nu Hitchcock verplaatst is naar een latere datum ga ik me deze ook aanschaffen. Wacht enkel nog om men order te plaatsen tot ik weet of de films in de UK Dutch of op zen minst gewone Engelse subtitles heeft. Die SDH vind ik maar niets!

Beeld van de, tot nu toe, besproken films zien er geweldig uit!

[Melzz]

Vind het alleen wel een beetje vreemd, je leest of hoort er bijna helemaal niks over. In deze thread zijn nog een eens meerdere pagina's, terwijl deze al bijna uitkomt. Ik vind dit bijvoorbeeld een net zo belangrijke release als Jaws, en die heeft veel meer pagina's. En dat komt toch niet alleen omdat die ook in Nederland verschenen is? .

Zal er mee te maken hebben dat dit zwartwit-films zijn uit de jaren '30. Trekt toch een kleiner publiek. Jaws is toch een stuk bekender/populairder. Maar ik ben het met je eens, een prachtige release.

[Tom91]

Volgens een lid op blu-ray.com heeft de UK versie onderstaande subs:

English SDH
French
German
Italian
Spanish
Danish
Finnish
Norwegian
Swedish

Geen Nederlandse dus...

[Wieba]

Volgens een lid op blu-ray.com heeft de UK versie onderstaande subs:

English SDH
French
German
Italian
Spanish
Danish
Finnish
Norwegian
Swedish

Geen Nederlandse dus...

Bij die opmerking van het lid op blu-ray.com staat: according to box. Aangezien de box ook in nederland uitkomt zal de UK echt wel NL subs hebben.

[Tom91]

Bij die opmerking van het lid op blu-ray.com staat: according to box. Aangezien de box ook in nederland uitkomt zal de UK echt wel NL subs hebben.

Hoop dat je gelijk hebt. We zullen het weten als iemand op dit forum hem binnenkrijgt.

[MatrixTom]

The Invisible Man BD review

The Mummy BD review

[Pieter Kleine]

Wilde de box net bij Wehkamp bestellen: uitverkocht!

[roninpacino]

Ik heb de films nog nooit gezien. Blinde aankoop waard?

[Lorre]

Ik heb ze ook nog nooit gezien, maar dit lijkt me toch wel de (voorlopige) ultieme manier om ze eens gezien en in bezit te hebben.
De geremasterde versies zien er toch wel enorm goed tot verbluffend uit!
Prijzen vallen ook mee voor 8 films op Blu-ray.

[rogue]

Moeilijke keus....

Ik heb nog steeds onderstaande. Een zeer mooie uitgave, met de 3 beeldjes.
Er zitten (als ik me goed herinner) van zowel Frankenstein, Dracula en The Wolf Man elk 4 films in.



En daar heb ik later nog deze bij gekocht (wel de Nederlandse versie).



Het lijkt me verstandig dat ik eerst deze twee eerst weer bekijk (is weer heel wat jaren geleden). Hoewel de blu-ray's ongetwijfeld een grote vooruitgang zullen zijn, ben ik misschien toch nog steeds tevreden met deze uitgaves.

[calexico26]

Moeilijke keus....

Ik heb nog steeds onderstaande. Een zeer mooie uitgave, met de 3 beeldjes.
Er zitten (als ik me goed herinner) van zowel Frankenstein, Dracula en The Wolf Man elk 4 films in.

Ik heb deze tijd destijds ook gekocht. Een erg mooie set! Hoewel de verlokking van de Bluray's wel erg verleidelijk zijn, hou ik het ook maar op de DVD's.

[Jordy van Buel]

Idem, ik blijf ook bij mijn DVD box, al kan ik iedereen de films aanraden!

[rogue]

Review van de complete box!