The Old Dark House (1932)

[ravenus]

I remember catching the film on a public domain rip, and the dark visuals coupled with the ropey print meant that one had to squint to make out details. This will be a revelation indeed.

[Banned User]

So glad to finally see this. I've been crying for this for ages and even sent Cohen multiple emails asking about it. The current DVD is from a 16mm and leaves a lot to be desired. There has been a 35mm version owned by the LOC circulating the festival for ages. By far my favorite James Whale film.

[SeanJoyce]

Originally Posted by Banned User

So glad to finally see this. I've been crying for this for ages and even sent Cohen multiple emails asking about it. The current DVD is from a 16mm and leaves a lot to be desired. There has been a 35mm version owned by the LOC circulating the festival for ages. By far my favorite James Whale film.

Like I said in earlier in the thread, it just doesn't get any better when it comes to Halloween viewing. This is an October essential for me.

[lilboyblu]

The restoration looks spectacular!

[jlk5844]

Wish I could watch the video. Sounds like it looks fantastic though which is great to hear. Looking forward to popping my cherry with this movie come October, from what I've heard The Old Dark House is a must-watch around Halloween. I'm also a fan of Whale's three Universal monster films. I'll echo the comment about the release hopefully using the original poster art, but that doesn't seem to be Cohen's style.

Originally Posted by happydood

If this gets announced for October it'll be the crown jewel of anything coming out for Halloween season. That preview got me even more stoked than I was.

Night of the Living Dead?

Edit: Also, The Thing from Arrow in the UK?

[Si Parallel Universe]

From the trailer The Old Dark House looks sumptuous ,,,..... Bring it on!

[Daveismyhero]

Ack! They (or YouTube) took the trailer down before I had the chance to see it. Is anyone else hosting it?

[happydood]

Originally Posted by jlk5844

Wish I could watch the video. Sounds like it looks fantastic though which is great to hear. Looking forward to popping my cherry with this movie come October, from what I've heard The Old Dark House is a must-watch around Halloween. I'm also a fan of Whale's three Universal monster films. I'll echo the comment about the release hopefully using the original poster art, but that doesn't seem to be Cohen's style.



Night of the Living Dead?

I'll definitely be picking that up, but I've been enjoying the Happinet release for 3 years now. I don't expect a massive difference in a potential Criterion. But if youve seen ODH on the Kino dvd and then looked at that new trailer, you kinda realize you've not really seen ODH.

[willtopower]

Originally Posted by jlk5844

Night of the Living Dead?

Edit: Also, The Thing from Arrow in the UK?

100% this is a more anticipated release than those. Both of those have blu releases already; this does not.

[lilboyblu]

Originally Posted by Daveismyhero

Ack! They (or YouTube) took the trailer down before I had the chance to see it. Is anyone else hosting it?

You can see some stills of the 4K restoration at the Cohen website.

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by happydood

I'll definitely be picking that up, but I've been enjoying the Happinet release for 3 years now. I don't expect a massive difference in a potential Criterion. But if youve seen ODH on the Kino dvd and then looked at that new trailer, you kinda realize you've not really seen ODH.

If you don't think a brand new 4K scan/remaster from the negative by Romero himself that isn't cropped won't be a "massive difference" over the old Happinet release, then I don't know what to tell you.

[happydood]

Originally Posted by Bates_Motel

If you don't think a brand new 4K scan/remaster from the negative by Romero himself that isn't cropped won't be a "massive difference" over the old Happinet release, then I don't know what to tell you.

Oh, boy. I'm assuming it will be great and I will be buying it. But I don't think a Criterion Night vs the Happinet Night is analogous to a restored ODH vs the Kino dvd at all. If you didn't understand my reasoning, I reckon we're both at a loss.

[dougotte]

Originally Posted by lilboyblu

You can see some stills of the 4K restoration at the Cohen website.

Thanks for the link. I thought this quote was curious: "This well-performed, atmospheric thriller features the first starring horror role for Boris Karloff..."

Wasn't the Monster in Frankenstein considered a starring role?

[charlieray1]

Originally Posted by dougotte

Thanks for the link. I thought this quote was curious: "This well-performed, atmospheric thriller features the first starring horror role for Boris Karloff..."

Wasn't the Monster in Frankenstein considered a starring role?

They mean his first top-billed appearance. In Frankenstein he was was billed fourth on the poster, and in the film's opening credits the monster was played by "?". Incredibly, he wasn't even invited to the premiere with the top-billed stars.

BTW, Frankenstein wasn't his first by a long shot. He began as an extra in silents in 1919 and appeared in many films, even some sound films before Frankenstein made him an "over night" star.

[jlk5844]

Originally Posted by willtopower

100% this is a more anticipated release than those. Both of those have blu releases already; this does not.

I don't know if I can point to one as the best release, personally. I'm excited for all three getting their definitive presentations. I've never owned NOTLD on Blu-ray so I'm super anticipated for that. For The Thing, I have dipped into that well a few times (a DVD, 2 BDs) already, but it's a classic, great movie and I'm so happy it's going to look its absolute best finally. It's all a matter of perspective. I'll add I've never seen The Old Dark House, but I'm still pumped for it.

[crissrudd4554]

Originally Posted by lilboyblu

You can see some stills of the 4K restoration at the Cohen website.

Those are publicity photos, not from the film itself.

[dougotte]

Originally Posted by charlieray1

They mean his first top-billed appearance. In Frankenstein he was was billed fourth on the poster, and in the film's opening credits the monster was played by "?". Incredibly, he wasn't even invited to the premiere with the top-billed stars.

BTW, Frankenstein wasn't his first by a long shot. He began as an extra in silents in 1919 and appeared in many films, even some sound films before Frankenstein made him an "over night" star.

Thanks for the info, Charlie.

[Akijama]

Release date. October 24

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd...=0741952840893

[SMOOT]

Originally Posted by Akijama

Release date. October 24

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd...=0741952840893

I hope this is the real deal.

The info on the link says that the sound is Dolby AC-3 Surround ?

[Banned User]

I'd take The Old Dark House over all of the other classic James Whales monster films. The insanity of the characters in the house is over the top and its filled with great actors and a great atmosphere. This is by far my most anticipated Bluray release right now.