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

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by painted_klown

I would LOVE to see Criterion or Kino get more classic films, and legacy pics from all studios. In the hands of either of those two companies, those releases would be given the care and attention they deserve. And would be preserved for generations to come.

It is important that these films get proper restorations and are archived in the best way possible.

I'd be willing to bet they are archived in the best way possible. The issue here is will they be released in the same fashion?

[HonestJohn]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

Really looking forward to this. I'm thinking Frankenstein/Dracula/The Wolf Man/The Mummy, please maybe The Invisible Man and Bride of Frankenstein?

As y'all can tell by my Avatar, I'm in for all of these. We'll probably still need to hang onto our Legacy sets though as I doubt they're we're going to see the sequels anytime soon. Granted, a large number of them are not that good.

I would still like to see Bride of course as well as Son of Frankenstein with Basil Rathbone and Bela as Ygor. Also The Invisible Man Returns with Vincent Price.

[Brad1963]

I'm keeping my expectations low on this. Unless Universal did some major restoration I'm guessing these will be heavy in DNR. I will hold onto the DVD's until I read reviews. Too bad Kino or Criterion did not license these indeed.

[painted_klown]

Originally Posted by rickah88

I'd be willing to bet they are archived in the best way possible. The issue here is will they be released in the same fashion?

The Universal monster films probably are archived with the best conditions possible. I am referring to lesser known films that are "important" none-the-less.

Stuff like The Dark Corner. It's an old noir film starring Lucille Ball! More than likely, not many people outside of "film buffs" have heard of it, it's more than likely not given the same treatment as the Universal monster collection.

How about Tillie's Punctured Romance. Not only is it a Charlie Chaplin film, it's also credited as the first full length comedy film. It may have had a big dollar restoration/preservation done, but there is no BD that I am aware of, and you would think that if a studio spent a bunch of money to restore a film, then they are going to release it to the latest home video format to help offset the costs.

I am no film historian, nor am I very knowledgeable about such things, but I would assume that there are literally thousands and thousands of films that are sitting in less than optimal conditions, on a non-archival quality format (ie nitrate prints).

Respectfully, I think it's a stretch to assume that studios have spent much time archiving their film libraries. Especially the lesser known titles, or ones that aren't "sure fire money makers"...and I would be willing to bet that there are some films that ARE genuine classics, that once were big money makers, currently disintegrating on a back shelf of an old warehouse somewhere. All of this going on with no one that has the ability to take action to preserve these films, even caring about them.

[ravenus]

If they could at least pack in the first film from each franchise (Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman, Mummy) into a good box-set, I'd be cool with that (Of course that'd mean unfortunate omissions like Bride of Frankenstein).

[JJJ225]

Originally Posted by ravenus

If they could at least pack in the first film from each franchise (Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman, Mummy) into a good box-set, I'd be cool with that (Of course that'd mean unfortunate omissions like Bride of Frankenstein).

I think Bride is popular enough on its own merit to potentially warrant inclusion.

[DetroitSquirreL]

Semi speechless

I have them on DVD in the box sets, they are fantastic! Looks like 2012 I'll get a few that are in my signature released

[wiNd]

is it confirmed or just rumour?

i always wanted to get the DVD set...i guess i can hold off now

bring it on, Universal...! rmb to put in some "goodies" too...

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by painted_klown

The Universal monster films probably are archived with the best conditions possible. I am referring to lesser known films that are "important" none-the-less.

Stuff like The Dark Corner. It's an old noir film starring Lucille Ball! More than likely, not many people outside of "film buffs" have heard of it, it's more than likely not given the same treatment as the Universal monster collection.

How about Tillie's Punctured Romance. Not only is it a Charlie Chaplin film, it's also credited as the first full length comedy film. It may have had a big dollar restoration/preservation done, but there is no BD that I am aware of, and you would think that if a studio spent a bunch of money to restore a film, then they are going to release it to the latest home video format to help offset the costs.

I am no film historian, nor am I very knowledgeable about such things, but I would assume that there are literally thousands and thousands of films that are sitting in less than optimal conditions, on a non-archival quality format (ie nitrate prints).

Respectfully, I think it's a stretch to assume that studios have spent much time archiving their film libraries. Especially the lesser known titles, or ones that aren't "sure fire money makers"...and I would be willing to bet that there are some films that ARE genuine classics, that once were big money makers, currently disintegrating on a back shelf of an old warehouse somewhere. All of this going on with no one that has the ability to take action to preserve these films, even caring about them.

There are estimate made by film historians that 80% of movies made 1894-1930 are lost. That is only for American film, now imagine the rest of the world. It is true that in general the popular ones get more attention, this likely to still bring in good money and everything else is just rotting away in some storeroom somewhere.

[MykeHavoc]

Originally Posted by ravenus

If they could at least pack in the first film from each franchise (Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman, Mummy) into a good box-set, I'd be cool with that (Of course that'd mean unfortunate omissions like Bride of Frankenstein).

Its safe to say a box-set would include those four as well as Bride of Frankenstein, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Invisible Man and the Phantom of the Opera remake. I'm putting my money on it.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by MykeHavoc

Its safe to say a box-set would include those four as well as Bride of Frankenstein, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Invisible Man and the Phantom of the Opera remake. I'm putting my money on it.

I think most everyone would really like to see all those films you listed included in a box set! I just don't know eager a studio is to put out a big boxset(4 or more movies), as the price tag may scare off a lot of potential customers.
I really hope they don't drag this out and do a 4 film set that would include, for example: Dracula and then 3 lesser known Uni monster films from that era.
Not knocking all of those films, but I think most want to see the bigger films first!

[jwblu]

this is great news!!! I missed out on picking up any of the legacy collection's, I'm really looking forward to this.

[NASMAN48]

Very much looking forward to these releasing.

[MykeHavoc]

Originally Posted by rickah88

I think most everyone would really like to see all those films you listed included in a box set! I just don't know eager a studio is to put out a big boxset(4 or more movies), as the price tag may scare off a lot of potential customers.
I really hope they don't drag this out and do a 4 film set that would include, for example: Dracula and then 3 lesser known Uni monster films from that era.
Not knocking all of those films, but I think most want to see the bigger films first!

I'd certainly be content with the big four, but I have no opposition to them sprucing up the whole lot of films (as well as their sequels). We shall have to wait and see what develops. Didn't they release most of these titles to rent on one of the gaming systems in HD? Anyone have a complete list available?

[Atreyu]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

There are estimate made by film historians that 80% of movies made 1894-1930 are lost. That is only for American film, now imagine the rest of the world. It is true that in general the popular ones get more attention, this likely to still bring in good money and everything else is just rotting away in some storeroom somewhere.

And I had heard somewhere that of all the silent movies made in the US, only about 5% are known to exist. Mostly due to them being on nitrate film I would imagine.

[jak]

For me the Universal horror films would probably be the most anticipated release ever.I just wonder how well recieved they would be overall.Would they just rate as a niche product,or would they enjoy healthy sales overall?Everything comes down to profit and the bottom line in the long run.I worry that these classics are just being forgotten about by the majority of people.They want special effects and blockbusters.For many these old films are dated and just to simplistic which is really a shame.It would be amazing if the Universal films got the royal treatment they deserve.

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

I think Bride is popular enough on its own merit to potentially warrant inclusion.

Bride's reputation with Universal is unimpeachable, and even Son Of has started to earn some street credit. (Mostly from those buffs who make the Mel Brooks connection.)
As for Ghost Of, however, that's more of a question--That one tends to just get stuck on the end of Son Of as a bonus feature. If it don't have Karloff, it don't get no respect.

[rkolinski]

I was just wondering if any of you would like to see "Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein" in this set since it is also a Universal picture? I know I would love to see it included!

[MykeHavoc]

Originally Posted by rkolinski

I was just wondering if any of you would like to see "Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein" in this set since it is also a Universal picture? I know I would love to see it included!

Of course I would! But it's supposedly getting a separate release at the same time. So even if its not in the set, we'll hopefully be able to get it same day as the others.

[ghostwhowalks]

Originally Posted by MykeHavoc

Of course I would! But it's supposedly getting a separate release at the same time.

Wow, really?! That's freaking awesome!!

I would hope that in regards to the actual monsters release(s), they do something similar like the Legacy sets with all films in the series in one pack.
I know it's highly unlikely though.