Frankenstein: Complete Legacy Collection (DVD) [2017]

Little did anyone realize when James Whale directed his first Frankenstein movie in 1931 that he was creating the most enduring and beloved movie icon ever, not least because of his genial idea of fleshing his monster out with lightning and a box-like head, as well as giving him the feelings of also being a victim of someone else's looney ideas. With cleverly angled filming and surrealistic Gothic sets, Whale and subsequent Universal directors also created with less technology and mere black-and-white film way more subtle and better movie atmospheres than any of the ham-fisted, half-hearted Hammer colour affairs of later decades. Another factor that makes these movies so special is their mixture of nineteenth century German costumes and settings being blended in with 1940s American fashions, which creates an illogical dream-like world that is sinister rather than scary. Unfortunately, those who like continuity in the plots of their franchises will be disappointed to find that the monster's various fates and burials don't always match up with the next movie, or that Castle Frankenstein is sometimes on a mountain, sometimes next to a reservoir and once even next to an ocean, to say nothing of the Frankenstein family's Christian names often changing. Whilst the original movie of 1931 remains the most iconic of them all because it sets the main scenes and basic plots for all subsequent stories, the 1935 sequel, “Bride of Frankenstein” was perhaps the most dramatic, with Elsa Lanchester being even scarier than her mate Boris Karloff. Unfortunately the third entry, the 1939 “Son of Frankenstein” is dreadfully boring, with not even Basil Rathbone with his eloquent Sherlock Holmes voice as the new Frankenstein, Bela Lugosi as crazy Ygor or even Lionel Atwill as a wildly hilarious pompous policeman with a mechanical arm being able to save the movie. Gothic entertainment has gone completely out of the window and been replaced by a new expressionist movie experiment of serious psycho drama, with some dull spark even deciding that an empty stage with plain walls was all that one needs to create the interior of a medieval castle. Fortunately the following “Ghost of Frankenstein” of 1942 brought back the Gothic sets and entertainment with even Frankenstein's villa being built over a dungeon. The psycho drama is still there, with Frankenstein's other less mad son now being brilliantly played by Cedric Hardwicke. The following year “Frankenstein meets the Werewolf” came out, although it is essentially the other way round as it mainly focuses on the Wolfman Lon Chaney. Goodness knows how but Frankenstein has somehow been trapped in ice before going down again as the villagers decide to blow up the dam that has now magically appeared beside the castle. The 1944 “House of Frankenstein” movie was the last of the series but also my personal favourite, with both Dracula and the Wolfman now also making appearances whilst a wild nut-case escaped convict tries to bring back Frankenstein while masquerading as a “Chamber of Horrors” showman. Unfortunately, the bonus “House of Dracula” movie in this collection from the following year was a bit of a disappointment as it was again much more serious, with the Wolfman desperately trying to be rid of his affliction, along with Dracula. Whilst I might feel sorry for the Wolfman in spite of his constant whining, I wouldn't give Dracula the time of Night.

I was literally jumping with joy when I received this beautiful boxset. Yes, it is a boxset, containing all the Frankenstein (Monster) movies. I remember watching these back in 1977 under a series called 'Dracula, Frankenstein and Friends. Beginning with Frankenstein. After all, this is where it all started. Just imagine for a moment, no Frankenstein. Then there would never have been any classic monsters born after him nor any classic horror movies. Frankenstein has been imitated in all forms, animation, comedy and muscals, but none have nor will ever ever ever come anywhere near this original Frankenstein (including the Charles Ogle 1910 silent version) or the 1976 Michael Sarrazin dramatisation in 3 parts). Boris Karloff's face is so handsome and carved out to play the role of the tragic monster. Only he is the definitive monster and even in daytime, this film is really creepy, especially when he meets the girl throwing flowers in the lake and that pathetic look on his face that 'my flowers have ran out. there's nothing left for me to throw..." That look on his face is the best. This dvd boxset is actually worth alot more than I paid. It is priceless and inimatable. One more thing; if this movie came in the cinema today, I would pay to watch it more than once on the large screen. Thanks very much, Amazon and to the Seller. May I wish you all A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025.

Good compilation

good horror

This Blu-ray set of the eight Universal Frankenstein films is a must for any collector or enthusiast of this genre. The prints are gleaming black and white remasters, and it's like they were shot yesterday, although the kind of professionalism involved in the least of these movies is something rare today. The set is an absolute bargain, even for just the eight films contained, but that doesn't even take into account the hours of bonus features. What are you waiting for? And I recommend this vendor, as my package arrived way ahead of the expected time.

as described sent quickly

Universal Once again let loose from Their vaults The Horror That is Frankenstein. after The classic universal monsters box set released a couple of years ago The studio have now gone one better in releasing The Definitive Frankenstein movie collection all in one glorious High Definition Blu-ray set. beginning with The classic 1931 original That really needs no introduction and with a ground breaking performance from star Boris Karloff This is The movie That really put Frankenstein into The public eye. we all know The story no need To go Through it again. all I will say here if you owned The Universal monsters collection all of The extras on Those are carried forward for this release I will add Though The infamous scene with The monster and The little girl beside The lake for many years cut from previous versions of The film is still intact for this release. and yes I still get shudders viewing That scene.1935 saw Universal undertake a sequel To Their Then smash hit of Frankenstein with what else The Bride Of Frankenstein like Boris Karloff we have That fine actress Elsa Lancaster in The role of a lifetime starring as The monsters mate. often described as The greatest horror movie ever made and it probably is The all proceedings is given a Touch of class for me with The presence of That fine English actress Valerie Hobson. Son Of Frankenstein released in 1943 is were your new Frankenstein Blu-ray collection really starts to shine Never before released on Blu-ray and starring Karloff for The very last Time as The monster This one features Basil Rathbone sending The monster out in style. with The original Trilogy still doing good business Universal would still make sure Frankenstein's monster was alive and well featuring him in The Ghost Of Frankenstein, Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man, House Of Frankenstein, and House Of Dracula, all making Their Blu-ray debut on This remarkable collection. with Boris Karloff departing The role former western star Glenn Strange Took over The Nuts and bolts role of The monster in most of These sequels for my money Though best of The bunch is Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man. finally we can't possibly leave out Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein surely The Greatest comedy Horror of all time again newly added on The format for This release. comes with an impressive set of extras for This movie a look back with The duo's encounters with all The universal monsters including contributions from Lou Costello's daughter. what more can I say all your Frankenstein movies in one outstanding package No worries folks Universal have done The same for Dracula, The Mummy, and The Wolf Man you just need To purchase Them all as single releases enjoy.

i had heard that the US had legacy collections and am now overjoyed that those legacy collections have been released in the UK.