Review: The Universal Monsters 30 Film Collection
Synopsis:
Thirty of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces starring the most famous monsters of horror movie history come together on Blu-ray™ for the first time ever in the Universal Classic Monsters: 30-Film Collection on August 28, 2018, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Featuring unforgettable make-up, ground-breaking special effects and outstanding performances, the Universal Classic Monsters: 30-Film Collection includes all of Universal Pictures’ legendary monsters from the studio that pioneered the horror genre with imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror in unforgettable films from the 1930s to late-1950s.
From the era of silent movies through present day, Universal Pictures has been regarded as the home of the monsters. The Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection showcases all of the original films featuring 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 some of the most legendary actors including Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., Claude Rains and Elsa Lanchester in the roles that they made famous, these films set the standard for a new horror genre and showcase why these landmark movies that defined the horror genre are regarded as some of the most unforgettable ever to be filmed.
Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection includes a 48-page collectible book filled with behind-the-scenes stories and rare production photographs and is accompanied by an array of bonus features including behind-the-scenes documentaries, the 1931 Spanish version of Dracula, Featurettes on Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., and Jack Pierce, 13 expert feature commentaries, archival footage, production photographs, theatrical trailers and more. The perfect gift for any scary movie fan, the collection offers an opportunity to experience some of the most memorable horror films of our time.
The Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection includes Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), The Mummy (1932), The Invisible Man (1933), The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Werewolf of London (1935), Dracula's Daughter (1936), Son of Frankenstein (1939), The Invisible Man Returns (1940), The Invisible Woman (1940), The Mummy's Hand (1940), The Wolf Man (1941), The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942), The Mummy's Ghost (1942), The Mummy's Tomb (1942), Invisible Agent (1942), Phantom of the Opera (1943), Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943), Son of Dracula (1943), House of Frankenstein (1944), The Mummy's Curse (1944), The Invisible Man's Revenge (1944), House of Dracula (1945), She-Wolf of London (1946), Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951), Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954, and includes a 3D version), Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955), Revenge of the Creature (1955 and includes a 3D version) and The Creature Walks Among Us (1956).
BONUS FEATURES:
⦁ Behind-the-Scenes Documentaries
⦁ 3D Versions of Creature From the Black Lagoon and Revenge of the Creature
⦁ 1931 Spanish Version of Dracula
⦁ Featurettes on Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., and Jack Pierce
⦁ 13 Expert Feature Commentaries
⦁ Archival Footage
⦁ Production Photographs
⦁ Theatrical Trailers
Thoughts:
Very few movies stand the test of time as well as the Universal Monsters do. For close to 90 years, the likes of Dracula, The Mummy, Frankenstein, and their spooky pals have surpassed so many other characters to become, to many, the end all be all of horror icons. Thanks to seemingly endless merchandising, multiple depictions in various media(sometimes unlicensed) and remakes, these characters remain to be favorites of those who seek out horror. But of course, to some, nothing beats the original and with Universal's 30-film collection, you can relive the frightening fun over and over again.
For fans who may have missed the previous releases and multipacks, this is your chance to experience these classics how they were meant to be seen. With a cleaned up picture and sound to present the best film quality possible, this is the definitive set to own for Monster enthusiasts.
The transfers were a pretty clean and the sound was perfect and it was like watching the movies for the first time. Especially watching the infamous "Pond Scene" in Frankenstein. Now, I'm not a huge sound and picture guy but I am major into bonus features. With such great efforts on Universals behalf to preserve these movies also comes the features. Like a toy in your Happy Meal to reward you, these features provide you a special treat! Some footage you may have never seen before including which is also a big draw for me on any release. I've seen the trailers at filmfests before but everytime I do watch one I feel like I notice something different. Whether it's a scene, the music, or even a folly on set including a wire hanging a decoration or a zipper on the back of a costume, whatever it may be, I always pick up something new! And with the great transfer, it's an even better viewing experience! A lot of
With all these movies and bonus features, there's so much to dig into here including a fun little book chronicling the history of our favorite creatures, as well as rare lobby cards, posters and advertisements. A nice companion piece to all the information you'll soak in while watching the bonus features and listening to the commentary.
In my opinion, this is the must own bluray collection for not just Universal Monsters fans, but horror fans in general. This is essentially Horror 101 in one simple package. If you wish to learn how far horror movies have come, the inspiration for most if not all your favorite slasher/serial killers, look no further. You'll learn so much and maybe even discover a new movie you've only heard of before but never watched. It makes the perfect gift for that horror fan in your life or even someone who wishes to begin an interest in horror and movies in general. No matter who you pick this up for, they'll be very satisfied!
-Chad
