After 75 years, Frankenstein stomps on . . . this time on anniversary DVD

[Chris R]

After 75 years, Frankenstein stomps on . . . this time on anniversary DVD

LOS ANGLES (AP) - The terror of "Frankenstein" dates back to 1818, when Mary Shelley wrote the novel. Many theatrical versions followed, as did silent films, the first made by Edison's company in 1910. Yet not until James Whale's 1931 version was the horror movie accepted by audiences and studios as a classic genre.

On Tuesday, Universal is unveiling the DVD "Frankenstein-75th Anniversary Edition (http://www.mytelus.com/movies/vdetails.do?movieID=65948a)" which includes the new digitally remastered movie, a biography of star Boris Karloff, plus featurettes, including one about the film's influence.

Universal is giving the same treatment to "Dracula," which was also released in 1931. But no horror picture quite captured the realism and style of Whale's "Frankenstein."

© The Canadian Press, 2006

Full story at mytelus.com.

http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?pageID=entertainment_home&articleID=2390714&lid=ent+box
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DVD Extras

Disc 1:

Karloff: The Gentle Monster
Monster Tracks (Pop-up Facts-subtitle trivia track)
Feature Commentary with Rudy Behlmer
Feature Commentary with Historian Christopher Fraying

Disc 2:

Universal Horror Documentary
The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made A Monster
Frankenstein Archives
Boo! A short film
Theatrical Trailer
Subtitles: French

[Jack White]

So, are these 75th Anniversary editions of "Frankenstein" and "Dracula" different prints from the ones in the box sets of a few years ago?

[pig whisperer]

So, are these 75th Anniversary editions of "Frankenstein" and "Dracula" different prints from the ones in the box sets of a few years ago?"Dracula" looks better, but I'm still waiting for screen captures for "Frankenstein". http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDRev...acula_1931.htm

[Jymn]

Not to thread-crap, but Criterion just released a stellar print of "Spirit of the Beehive." James Whale would have liked the homage, methinks.

[Phlo]

So, are these 75th Anniversary editions of "Frankenstein" and "Dracula" different prints from the ones in the box sets of a few years ago?


I'm wondering the same. I thought The Legacy Collection from 2004 was the end-all version. I hate to buy this a 3rd friggin time.

[RDK]

It's a very similar print/transfer. I wouldn't buy it again for only that reason, though it does have a fair number of new bonus features.

One can hardly fault Universal, though, for taking advantage of a 75th anniversary.

[shepherdfan]

I didn't have any of the previous DVDs. I went ahead and pre-ordered these.

[BradF]

I'm quite happy with the "Legacy Collection" sets ... great value at ~$20 each.... comprising some really good "sequels", like Bride Of Frankenstein, Dracula's Daughter and Werewolf Of London. I'll look for upgrades only when/if hi-def versions are released.

[pig whisperer]

I didn't have any of the previous DVDs. I went ahead and pre-ordered these.

Here is what you'll get:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s2103fran.html

[shepherdfan]

pig whisperer,
Thank you. It's appreciated.

[guy incognito]

Not to thread-crap, but Criterion just released a stellar print of "Spirit of the Beehive." James Whale would have liked the homage, methinks.

I wonder how Mr. Whale would have regarded Young Frankenstein? :)

[Lord Hawthorne]

Frankenstein........gooood.....

[boyfromnowhere]

So...which one should i get? 75th Anniversary Edition or the Legacy Collection version? I'm leaning toward the Legacy Collection version because of the extra movies.

[ceddy10165]

imo, owning all universal DVD versions so far, the Legacy Collection sets are the best buy. While the 75th Anniv. Editions, may have cleaned up in some respects, the addition of the franchise films to the Legacy DVDs make them my reccomendation. It comes down to whether you are interested in only the first films, or the whole franchise. I never stop loving the Universal Monsters!

[crimsoncing]

I am happy with the collections too. No need to keep buying the same Cd's..oops I mean DVDs over and over again.

[Fox67]

I've got the Legacy box with the busts.
Also bought the later Invisible Man/Creature From The Black Lagoon/Mummy sets. These collections are great as they compile the sequels and documentaries as well.

[boyfromnowhere]

Yeah, i'd really like to have all the extra films! Thanks for the input!

[four sticks]

I read some reviews of the Dracula 75th Anniversary Edition that pointed to the music being pumped up too loud for this edition. I saw many more positive reviews but, I'm a bit gun shy now.

Can anyone speak to this??

[RDK]

I read some reviews of the Dracula 75th Anniversary Edition that pointed to the music being pumped up too loud for this edition. I saw many more positive reviews but, I'm a bit gun shy now.

Can anyone speak to this??
Would have to be referring to the alternate Philip Glass score. The original music would be mixed at the same level on the original mono track.

[The Wanderer]

Picked it up at WalMart today for $13.

[wayneklein]

While I appreciate "Dracula", Whale's "Frankenstein" is a better film overall both in terms of mood and pacing. Browning's film, sadly, is inferior to the Spanish version which was much more intense, moody and scary. If it only had Lugosi in it we would have perfection.