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

[MykeHavoc]

Originally Posted by ghostwhowalks

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.

Yeah, who knows if they would afford the project those costs. Perhaps they could just press more of the double-sided DVDs from the legacy collection sets as a bonus. If I had it my way of course, every classic horror film would get the royal treatment.

[Cinemach]

If this is indeed true then it is great news. I've been wanting to pick up Dracula for a while - even monitoring its Legacy DVD prices - and have even been wanting to pick up copies of Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein, too.

As long as this set includes those three - which it should - and it isn't too expensive for me to wait for single releases, then I'll probably pick it up.

[Trekkie313]

FINALLY!

[MykeHavoc]

Originally Posted by Cinemach

If this is indeed true then it is great news. I've been wanting to pick up Dracula for a while - even monitoring its Legacy DVD prices - and have even been wanting to pick up copies of Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein, too.

As long as this set includes those three - which it should - and it isn't too expensive for me to wait for single releases, then I'll probably pick it up.

Those sets are a great deal. I couldn't not have them. Found most of them used or on sale for good prices. If for whatever reason none of the sequels come out on BD, these are still worth tracking down for those.

[Dan_Shane]

Originally Posted by BluPat

Yea I would take an official Anaglyph version on Blu without hesitation.

I'm guessing you are aware that an anaglyph version of CREATURE would hardly be "official" (unless you're simply giving credit to Universal for ownership). The movie was released in the 1950s using the same polarized twin-projector setup as color 3-D films.

Admittedly, in the 1970s there were numerous revivals of CREATURE using bastardized anaglyph prints to allow projection on white screens without the twin-projector rig, and unfortunately those revivals contributed to the popular misconception that 1950s 3-D used red-and-blue glasses.

[Stratton]

This is great to hear! The Invisible Man was my personal favorite. I must tell you back in Jan 2010 I saw Frankenstein and Dracula as a double feature @ a theatre in Harvard Sq.
The thing that floored me while watching Dracula were the initial scenes of the castle and coffins. You could hear the wind howling in the background. Something I never heard before and I own the 75th anniversary edition of the release from 2005 or 06 which supposedly had a better and clearer soundtrack than the legacy release shortly thereafter. The visuals had terrific film grain as well. (in the theater screening that is). But the sound really got me.
Frankenstein looked greatly improved as well but I think that Dracula has suffered the most over the years. Let's hope Universal 'GETS IT'!!!

[Leterface]

Been' waiting ages for the original horror flicks - and been' totally pissed with the remakes a'la Bram Stoker..

[OrchidClub]

I'm so excited for this news! The Universal monsters almost single-handedly turned me into a film buff (particularly horror films) in the early 90s. A Blu-ray box set of all the movies would be a DREAM!!!

[MykeHavoc]

Originally Posted by Dan_Shane

I'm guessing you are aware that an anaglyph version of CREATURE would hardly be "official" (unless you're simply giving credit to Universal for ownership). The movie was released in the 1950s using the same polarized twin-projector setup as color 3-D films.

Admittedly, in the 1970s there were numerous revivals of CREATURE using bastardized anaglyph prints to allow projection on white screens without the twin-projector rig, and unfortunately those revivals contributed to the popular misconception that 1950s 3-D used red-and-blue glasses.

Definitely posted a response to this earlier and now its gone...

Anyway, to reiterate what I initially posted, we both discussed earlier in the thread that we were aware of it being polarized in its theatrical run but that we'd settle for a "fake" 3-D BD transfer simply to have it for the novelty.

[EManT2200]

Universal's claim about the dvd versions not selling so well, is probably their own fault. They kept screwing with re-releases, they would stop releasing short of a complete collection. No one ever knew if they would end up with an entire collecton. Look at the double feature monster series they were doing on dvd, just when they were getting to the end of the series, they suddenly STOPPED releasing about 2 or 3 movies short ! They released mixed collections also, such as the box set with Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, Mummy, Creature, Invisible Man. When they got around to releasing these on blu-ray, I was in hopes that they would release them as a LEGACY COLLECTIONS series again. I just believe that the people who have an interest in this series may be more cautious this time around, which in turn could harm sales, which in turn could cause Universal to re-think their position on future blu-ray releases in the series. Plus, Universal's own "can't make up our minds on what to do with these" attitude, as we have seen in the past, even with the VHS releases of these same films ! ! ! I am a huge fan of Universal classic horror films, I will definately buy this blu-ray set, no doubt ! Do my bit to support the series, then just sit back and hope for the very best, but, fear the worst ! ! ! Sorry for the long rant, I really love these movies, but, I fear we are about to be used and abused by Universal AGAIN .

[MykeHavoc]

Everything you posted is confusing. Universal has released them in a myriad of formats, from the single releases, to the original box-set, then the double-pack for the sequels, the legacy packs and the Anniversary sets. But its all pretty cut and dry to me.

[jaaguir]

If Universal actually bothers to release these movies on blu-ray they should do it right the first time. That is, something like the Legacy series, complete sets. If they leave the sequels out they'll either hoping for a future double-dip, or it's a sign don't have any faith in the release.

Hoping for the best.

[Trekkie313]

Originally Posted by jaaguir

If Universal actually bothers to release these movies on blu-ray they should do it right the first time. That is, something like the Legacy series, complete sets. If they leave the sequels out they'll either hoping for a future double-dip, or it's a sign don't have any faith in the release.

Hoping for the best.

It'd be quite easy to put at least two or maybe even three movies on each Blu-Ray if they put any new supplements on a separate disc. I'd expect at least a 19 to 24 MPG for each film.

Of course Universal has been known to pull dick moves on its consumer, I just hope their love of the classic monsters outweighs the greed.

[BluPat]

Originally Posted by Dan_Shane

I'm guessing you are aware that an anaglyph version of CREATURE would hardly be "official" (unless you're simply giving credit to Universal for ownership). The movie was released in the 1950s using the same polarized twin-projector setup as color 3-D films.

Admittedly, in the 1970s there were numerous revivals of CREATURE using bastardized anaglyph prints to allow projection on white screens without the twin-projector rig, and unfortunately those revivals contributed to the popular misconception that 1950s 3-D used red-and-blue glasses.

Yea I know it was polarized like 'Friday the 13th, Part 3' but Paramount released F13th in anaglyph on Blu. I was thinking of Paramount's release as an example in my mind.

[Danielle Ni Dhighe]

Best. News. Ever.

[BluPat]

From Deadline, Hollywood Reporter, etc.:

Films chosen to get the full restoration treatment — in addition to the aforementioned All’s Quiet and Schindler’s List — are both 1931 versions of Dracula, Frankenstein (1931), The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Abbott and Costello’s Buck Privates (1941), Pillow Talk (1959), To Kill A Mockingbird (1962), The Birds (1963), The Sting (1973), Jaws (1975), and Out of Africa (1985). That’s actually 12 titles altogether, but there are 13 films since the studio is restoring both 1931 versions of Dracula — including Bela Lugosi’s famous English-language picture and the Spanish version that was filmed on the same sets at night.

The Universal Monsters are said to be released on Blu for Halloween 2012! No mention of a "boxset" of the Monsters but this is a great start none-the-less and very welcomed!

http://www.deadline.com/2012/01/univ...s/#more-212347

[DetroitSquirreL]

Originally Posted by BluPat

From Deadline, Hollywood Reporter, etc.:

Films chosen to get the full restoration treatment — in addition to the aforementioned All’s Quiet and Schindler’s List — are both 1931 versions of Dracula, Frankenstein (1931), The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Abbott and Costello’s Buck Privates (1941), Pillow Talk (1959), To Kill A Mockingbird (1962), The Birds (1963), The Sting (1973), Jaws (1975), and Out of Africa (1985). That’s actually 12 titles altogether, but there are 13 films since the studio is restoring both 1931 versions of Dracula — including Bela Lugosi’s famous English-language picture and the Spanish version that was filmed on the same sets at night.

The Universal Monsters are said to be released on Blu for Halloween 2012! No mention of a "boxset" of the Monsters but this is a great start none-the-less and very welcomed!

http://www.deadline.com/2012/01/univ...s/#more-212347

[mzupeman]

I am absolutely picking these classics up and getting rid of my old boxed set.

[Lemmy Lugosi]

I'll be hanging on to all the DVDs, just for the sequels. But I'm definitely buying the BDs!

[BrandonJF]

Originally Posted by MykeHavoc

Everything you posted is confusing. Universal has released them in a myriad of formats, from the single releases, to the original box-set, then the double-pack for the sequels, the legacy packs and the Anniversary sets. But its all pretty cut and dry to me.

Which is why I'm confused as to why they say they were poor sellers on DVD. If they were such poor sellers, why did they keep releasing them? You typically don't see double, triple, quadruple-dips with titles that didn't sell the first time. I've still got that Legacy set that came with the 3 busts.