Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920) - December 17, 2013

[Akijama]

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Blu-ray



Courtesy of Kino

Considered by many to be the first great American horror film, John S. Robertson's Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde allowed stage legend John Barrymore to deliver his first virtuoso performance on film. Blending historic charm with grim naturalism, this version of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is one of the more faithful of the many screen adaptations of Stevenson's story, recounting a visionary scientist's ill-fated attempts to unleash the human mysteries that dwell beneath the shell of the civilized self. This Kino Classics Remastered Edition features a brand new transfer from a new high definition master.

[JoeBuck]

Awesome! One of my favorite pre-code movies.
Kino better not screw this up!

[Akijama]

NOTE: This is the 1920 version. Apologies folks Feeling so disappointed right now

[JoeBuck]

Originally Posted by Akijama

NOTE: This is the 1920 version. Apologies folks Feeling so disappointed right now

Damn! Me too

[W0m6at]

Originally Posted by JoeBuck

Damn! Me too

Not me!
I would definitely have come in here for the 1920 version. For the 1931 version, I came in on a whim.

My wife has known for years this is a "don't try and stop me" purchase when it hits Blu!
The only thing holding me back is the hope that Eureka! do a UK release.

[The Great Owl]

Hey, any news is good news. I'm down with the 1920 version, for sure.

[NoirFan]

I've actually never seen this version, looking forward to it.

[dsman71]

I found it boring but I might revisit it in case it was an off night. I do want the March version though

[EricJ]

The last time the 1931 Frederic March version (the caveman-ish Hyde we all stereotypically picture) came out on DVD, it was in a double feature with Spencer Tracy's kinky psychological actor-heavy version from the 40's, to save vintage-catalog space.

Okay, admit it, I was hoping for the same double feature too, and wondered why we were just getting the '31--
The 20's Barrymore silent is public domain and keeps popping up on every cheap PD horror collection, but good to know we're getting the official "real" Kino version.

[BluPat]

Sounds good. I liked the Spencer Tracy version and this should be good as well.

[Blu-Velvet]

Kino's old DVD of the Barrymore JEKYLL & HYDE was quite sharp although missing a few minutes. An new HD scan from the same print should look spectacular on Blu-ray, but here's hoping they've also been able to get copies of the missing footage in the meantime and insert them into the proper places (and upgrade the old bonus features to HD as well).

[bboisvert]

Originally Posted by EricJ

Okay, admit it, I was hoping for the same double feature too, and wondered why we were just getting the '31--

That was my exact thought as I clicked the thread.


I'll take the 1920's version. That's good news.

[Taygan315]

I'll keep holding out for the superior (imo) March version.

[Monterey Jack]

Can we PLEASE change the thread title to specify which version of the movie this is?

[Jbug]

This thread got me giddy till I found it wasn't the Fredrick March version. I consider that one the cream of the crop by a long shot. Oh well, I guess I'll lay back down.

[Jbug]

Originally Posted by Taygan315

I'll keep holding out for the superior (imo) March version.

I didn't see your thread before I posted. I agree 200% with ya. March killed it and left everyone else stuttering and stammering. I want that on blu ray yesterday.

[Akijama]

Cover art.

[RipleyLV426]

Preorder at Deepdiscount for $23.70

[jamesbobo]

Originally Posted by Blu-Velvet

Kino's old DVD of the Barrymore JEKYLL & HYDE was quite sharp although missing a few minutes. An new HD scan from the same print should look spectacular on Blu-ray, but here's hoping they've also been able to get copies of the missing footage in the meantime and insert them into the proper places (and upgrade the old bonus features to HD as well).

The Blu-ray is listed with a 73 minute running time. Isn't that even LESS than Kino's standard DVD? Maybe it's a typo.

[bigshot]

Barrymore is great because he does the transformation scene without effects or outrageous make up. He contorts his body and facial muscles and succeeds in looking like an entirely different person. Disney studied him for the scene in Snow White where the Queen drinks the potion to become the old hag.

Barrymore's performance is a masterpiece of physical acting.