Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection (1931-1954)

[klauswhereareyou]

I actually like the fact that the 1931 Dracula doesn't have a music score. It kind of adds to the atmosphere. The Glass score is good on it's on, but as a score for Dracula it's just too modern. I almost think if they were going to add back in a score, they should've just got someone to adapt some of the music used in some of the later Universal horror films. It still would not quite fit, but probably would've made it feel more like a classic horror film than the Glass score.

[NeoMaximuz]

Originally Posted by klauswhereareyou

I actually like the fact that the 1931 Dracula doesn't have a music score. It kind of adds to the atmosphere. The Glass score is good on it's on, but as a score for Dracula it's just too modern. I almost think if they were going to add back in a score, they should've just got someone to adapt some of the music used in some of the later Universal horror films. It still would not quite fit, but probably would've made it feel more like a classic horror film than the Glass score.

I feel the same way--the movie does well on its own, I like the Phillip Glass score, but more as a solo listen. I don't mind the movie with it, but I'll still prefer them individually.

I own all of the Legacy sets and like most of you here, would love to have them all in HD, but as long as the core films are upgraded, I can live with the lesser sequels in SD.

Of the sequels, I really enjoy the last two Mummy ones, because they're so campy, the monster mash films, Dracula's Daughter, and Son of Frankenstein. Of course Bride of Frankenstein is probably my favorite of all, but I don't exactly consider that a "lesser sequel."

[happydood]

Originally Posted by Rich1983

I would love for the six Legacy sets, The Lugosi Collection, and A&C Meet Frankenstein and The Mummy to get the upgrades.

I never cared for the movies in the Boris Karloff Collection, The Lugosi collection was the much better collection of films.

The Black Cat is absolutely top-tier Universal Horror from this period. It's probably not as well known as the famous monster titles, but I'd think if Universal can put out Buck Privates, they could find a way to market a Lugosi/Karloff team-up that was one of their biggest money-makers in 1934.

I'm not a completist for Universal stuff per se, I traded in both the Karloff set and the Universal Horror Archive- there just wasn't anything on them I saw myself revisiting. But I would wager we'll get most of the sequels that were included on those Legacy sets and that'd make me happy. Although I could do without She-Wolf of London. Also, I've said it here before and I'll say it again: Son of Frankenstein is at least worthy of inclusion with the original and Bride even if there is no way it could ever be as good.

[Rich1983]

When I first saw She-wolf of London I didn't care much for it but when I gave it a second chance I realized it was actually a very well made murder mystery. I have always liked The Ghost of Frankenstein more then Son of Frankenstein, but Son of Frankenstein has a much better make up job on Lugosi not to mention the one armed cop character being one of my favorite characters in classic movies.


If Universal gave us a mega box set with all of the films included in the six monster legacy sets in HD that would be awesome. Then if they included Murders in the Rue Morge, The Black Cat, The Raven, and The Invisible Ray, that would be awesome too!

[MPeriolat]

While I really want the Classic Universal Horrors (Dracula/Frankenstein/Mummy/Wolf Man/Creature from the Black Lagoon) and their sequels on blu-ray, I REALLY have my fingers crossed that the original rumors were true and both Phantom of the Opera and Hunchback of Notre Dame will slip in there as well. To be honest, we only have one early Universal classic on blu so far as part of the 100th anniversary and it would be a shame to not get those classics out in the best format possible.

Fondly do we hope...

[zachnix18]

Originally Posted by NeoMaximuz

I feel the same way--the movie does well on its own, I like the Phillip Glass score, but more as a solo listen. I don't mind the movie with it, but I'll still prefer them individually.

I own all of the Legacy sets and like most of you here, would love to have them all in HD, but as long as the core films are upgraded, I can live with the lesser sequels in SD.

Of the sequels, I really enjoy the last two Mummy ones, because they're so campy, the monster mash films, Dracula's Daughter, and Son of Frankenstein. Of course Bride of Frankenstein is probably my favorite of all, but I don't exactly consider that a "lesser sequel."

I agree with you on Son of Frankenstein. That's a really good sequel. For being the longest of the Frankenstein films, it does a good job at creating character development and is down right eerie the entire film. The last 10 minutes are so thrilling and Bella Legosi steals the show as Igor.

[HonestJohn]

Originally Posted by zachnix18

I agree with you on Son of Frankenstein. That's a really good sequel. For being the longest of the Frankenstein films, it does a good job at creating character development and is down right eerie the entire film. The last 10 minutes are so thrilling and Bella Legosi steals the show as Igor.

Said this as well numerous times in this thread and agree 100%. However just finished watching Young Frankenstein and Marty Feldman played "Igor" ... Bela Lugosi played "Ygor" ....

[MykeHavoc]

Originally Posted by Rich1983

When I first saw She-wolf of London I didn't care much for it but when I gave it a second chance I realized it was actually a very well made murder mystery.

I prefer Werewolf of London. That film is seriously underrated.

As for my pipe-dream release, I'd love it if they went through the trouble of trying to reconstruct Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man to it's original scripted version with all of the monster's dialogue back in. Ygor never really got to rock his new body for very long and I'd love to see that personality back in place. Technically speaking, that's Ygor's brain in the body through the rest of the films.

I REALLY have my fingers crossed that the original rumors were true and both Phantom of the Opera and Hunchback of Notre Dame will slip in there as well

Its doubtful since they are both public domain titles and Image seems to handle them. Unless you mean the Phantom remake, which I'm sure they will include.

[HeavyHitter]

The biggest question in my mind is, how will these turn out with Universal in terms of PQ? I could see there looking awfully "digital" with the studio's DNR and EE obsession which is evident even on many recent catalog titles they have released.

[MPeriolat]

Originally Posted by MykeHavoc

Its doubtful since they are both public domain titles and Image seems to handle them. Unless you mean the Phantom remake, which I'm sure they will include.

Yeah, I was wondering about that because speculation was both versions of Phantom and '20s Hunchback MIGHT be included. Image did put out the Blu of Phantom, but not Hunchback. At least yet.

Not saying you are wrong, just saying I don't know. The indecision has kept me from moving on either the Blu of Phantom or the Legacy collections since no on has said specifically what Universal has in mind. So, I am stuck spinning my wheels.

[MykeHavoc]

Originally Posted by MPeriolat

Yeah, I was wondering about that because speculation was both versions of Phantom and '20s Hunchback MIGHT be included. Image did put out the Blu of Phantom, but not Hunchback. At least yet.

Not saying you are wrong, just saying I don't know. The indecision has kept me from moving on either the Blu of Phantom or the Legacy collections since no on has said specifically what Universal has in mind. So, I am stuck spinning my wheels.

There's a bunch on Netflix to hold you over:

Dracula
Son of Frankenstein
Wolf Man
Mummy's Curse
Mummy's Hand
Invisible Man
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Werewolf of London
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy

[dsman71]

the only way I would upgrade is if all the films in all the legacy series and all the extras are included. I cant double dip when Id be getting less bang for my buck

[NeoMaximuz]

Originally Posted by MykeHavoc

Its doubtful since they are both public domain titles and Image seems to handle them. Unless you mean the Phantom remake, which I'm sure they will include.

I hadn't even thought about the Phantom remake--it would be nice if that made it into the set! I was thinking of both the silent Phantom and silent Hunchback--of which Phantom I already own the Image Blu. But like you said, those two are public domain, so I strongly doubt they'll be on this set.

It would be swell, though, if someone did release the original Hunchback along with my two other silent horror favorites--Nosferatu and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari--on Blu-Ray of course.

[Dex Robinson]

Originally Posted by dsman71

I cant double dip when Id be getting less bang for my buck

So a high definition picture at 6 times the resolution of a DVD is less bang for your buck?

I think people sometimes forget what Blu-ray is really about.

It's about a high definition image.

I never understand when people say, "I won't buy it on BD because I already have it on DVD". Well...no you don't already have it on DVD. DVD is a different format with a low resolution image.

If you're interested in bonus features and not the high definition picture, then why bother with Blu-ray at all? If you like commentary tracks, stills galleries and the various fluff, DVD is just fine. If you don't think Blu-ray is about high definition, then why even bother with Blu-ray at all?

Anybody who honestly believes that they are getting more bang for their buck with DVD shouldn't be wasting any money on Blu-ray.

[MPeriolat]

Originally Posted by MykeHavoc

There's a bunch on Netflix to hold you over:

Dracula
Son of Frankenstein
Wolf Man
Mummy's Curse
Mummy's Hand
Invisible Man
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Werewolf of London
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy

Thanks for the tip for Netflix and the reminder. I'd forgotten about Invisible Man for the collection as well. Strangely enough, as much as I want the movies, I've got my fingers crossed on a healthy selection of supplemental material too. It's the thing I love most about Blu, being able to watch and re-watch the movie with commentary, analysis and overall immersion in the art form.

With the Hitch box reveal this morning, hopefully it will not be long now!

[NeoMaximuz]

Originally Posted by MPeriolat

With the Hitch box reveal this morning, hopefully it will not be long now!

Amen to that, brother!

[Akijama]

Originally Posted by MPeriolat

With the Hitch box reveal this morning, hopefully it will not be long now!

I predict mid-October as a release date

[MPeriolat]

Originally Posted by NeoMaximuz

Amen to that, brother!

Well... IF we are getting this in time for Halloween and Hitch is coming out in mid September, is it fair to project an announcement as last as a month from now? Sorry, but after today's downright glorious news for Hitch, I cannot wait for this. Cannot wait.

[Mr. Cinema]

That old Universal leaked release list has been pretty accurate so far. The Monsters set was listed for 10/23. Now that we've gotten the announcement for the Hitchcock set for late Sept., I would think we'd hear an announcement for this set in the next few weeks.

[MykeHavoc]

Not sure how true it is, but someone on another forum said something about the 8 monster movies being split into two sets of 4 films each and that the Phantom remake would be on the second. Not sure if it would be the 4 big guys and the 4 lesser or a mix of 2 and 2 each.
I might have misunderstood and perhaps they were referring to a vol. 2 to that 4-pack on dvd we got earlier in the year (Drac, Frank, Bride and Creature).