Special Features This trio of classic 1930s horror filmsMurders in the Rue Morgue, The Black Cat, and The Ravenis also distinguished by a trio of factors regarding their production. Most notably, each film is based on a work by master of the macabre Edgar Allan Poe. Part of the legendary wave of horror films made by Universal Pictures in the 30s, all three feature dynamic performances from Dracula's Bela Lugosi, with two of them also enlivened by the appearance of Frankenstein's Boris Karloff. And finally, all three benefit from being rare examples of Pre-Code studio horror, their sometimes startling depictions of sadism and shock a result of being crafted during that brief period in Hollywood before the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code's rigid guidelines for moral content. Director Robert Florey, who gave the Marx Brothers their cinema start with The Cocoanuts in 1929, worked with Metropolis cinematographer Karl Freund to give a German Expressionism look to Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932), with Lugosi as a mad scientist running a twisted carnival sideshow in 19th-century Paris, and murdering women to find a mate for his talking ape main attraction. Lugosi and Karloff teamed forces for the first time in The Black Cat, a nightmarish psychodrama that became Universal's biggest hit of 1934, with Detour director Edgar G. Ulmer bringing a feverish flair to the tale of a satanic, necrophiliac architect (Karloff) locked in battle with an old friend (Lugosi) in search of his family. Prolific B-movie director Lew Landers made 1935's The Raven so grotesque that all American horror films were banned in the U.K. for two years in its wake. Specifically referencing Poe within its story, Lugosi is a plastic surgeon obsessed with the writer, who tortures fleeing murderer Karloff through monstrous medical means. Significant and still unsettling early works of American studio horror filmmaking, these three Pre-Code chillers demonstrate the enduring power of Poe's work, and the equally continuous appeal of classic Universal horror's two most iconic stars.
This trio of classic 1930s horror filmsMurders in the Rue Morgue, The Black Cat, and The Ravenis also distinguished by a trio of factors regarding their production. Most notably, each film is based on a work by master of the macabre Edgar Allan Poe. Part of the legendary wave of horror films made by Universal Pictures in the 30s, all three feature dynamic performances from Dracula's Bela Lugosi, with two of them also enlivened by the appearance of Frankenstein's Boris Karloff. And finally, all three benefit from being rare examples of Pre-Code studio horror, their sometimes startling depictions of sadism and shock a result of being crafted during that brief period in Hollywood before the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code's rigid guidelines for moral content. Director Robert Florey, who gave the Marx Brothers their cinema start with The Cocoanuts in 1929, worked with Metropolis cinematographer Karl Freund to give a German Expressionism look to Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932), with Lugosi as a mad scientist running a twisted carnival sideshow in 19th-century Paris, and murdering women to find a mate for his talking ape main attraction. Lugosi and Karloff teamed forces for the first time in The Black Cat, a nightmarish psychodrama that became Universal's biggest hit of 1934, with Detour director Edgar G. Ulmer bringing a feverish flair to the tale of a satanic, necrophiliac architect (Karloff) locked in battle with an old friend (Lugosi) in search of his family. Prolific B-movie director Lew Landers made 1935's The Raven so grotesque that all American horror films were banned in the U.K. for two years in its wake. Specifically referencing Poe within its story, Lugosi is a plastic surgeon obsessed with the writer, who tortures fleeing murderer Karloff through monstrous medical means. Significant and still unsettling early works of American studio horror filmmaking, these three Pre-Code chillers demonstrate the enduring power of Poe's work, and the equally continuous appeal of classic Universal horror's two most iconic stars. Special Features: High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentations for all three films, with The Raven presented from a 2K scan of the original film elements Uncompressed LPCM monaural audio tracks Optional English SDH subtitles Murders in the Rue Morgue Audio commentary by Gregory William Mank The Black Cat Audio commentary by Gregory William Mank The Black Cat Audio commentary by Amy Simmons The Raven Audio commentary by Gary D. Rhodes The Raven Audio commentary by Samm Deighan Cats In Horror a video essay by writer and film historian Lee Gambin American Gothic a video essay by critic Kat Ellinger The Black Cat episode of radio series Mystery In The Air, starring Peter Lorre The Tell-Tale Heart episode of radio series Inner Sanctum Mysteries, starring Boris Karloff Bela Lugosi reads The Tell-Tale Heart Vintage footage New Interview With Critic And Author Kim Newman PLUS: A 48-PAGE collector's booklet featuring new writing by film critic and writer Jon Towlson; a new essay by film critic and writer Alexandra Heller-Nicholas; and rare archival imagery and ephemera
The Mummy: Boris Karloff's legendary performance has become a landmark in the annals of screen history. As the mummy Im-Ho-Tep he is accidentally revived after 3 700 years. Alive again he sets out to find his lost love. Today over 70 years after it was first released it still remains as compelling as ever! Creature From The Black Lagoon: Scientists drug and capture the terrifying creature who subsequently becomes enamoured with the head scientist's female assist
Boris Karloff's legendary performance has become a landmark in the annals of screen history. As The Mummy Im-Ho-Tep he is accidentally revived after 3 700 years by a team of British archaeologists. It is revealed in a flashback that he was a high priest embalmed alive for trying to revive the vestal virgin whom he loved after she had been sacrificed. Alive again he sets out to find his lost love. Today over 50 years after The Mummy was first released this brooding dream-like film remains a masterpiece not only of the genre but for all time.
Although there have been numerous screen versions of Bram Stoker's classic tale none is more enduring than the 1931 original. The ominous portrayal of Count Dracula by Bela Lugosi combined with horror specialist director Tod Browning help to create an eerie mood. It remains a masterpiece not only of the genre but for all time.
Horror icon Boris Karloff stars in the original 1932 version of The Mummy in which a team of British archaeologists accidentally revives a mummified high priest after 3,700 years. Alive again, he sets out on an obsessive - and deadly - quest to find his lost love. Over 50 years after its first release, this brooding dream-like horror classic remains a cinematic masterpiece. Special Features: Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce Unraveling the Legacy of The Mummy The Mummy Archives Feature Commentary by Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steve Haberman, Bob Burns and Brent Armstrong Feature Commentary by Film Historian Paul M. Jensen 100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era
Although there have been numerous screen versions of Bram Stoker's classic tale Dracula none is more enduring than this 1931 movie. Towering ominously among the shadows of the Carpathian Mountains Castle Dracula strikes fear in the hearts of the Transylvanian villagers below. With the superb Bela Lugosi starring as the screen's most popular vampire Count Dracula the film's eerie and chilling mood is enhanced by specialist horror director Tod Browning. Dracula remains a masterpiece not only of the genre but for all time. Special Features: Centennial Trailer Dracula (1931) Spanish Version Dracula: The Restoration Feature Commentary by Film Historian David J. Skal Dracula Trailer House of Dracula Trailer Monster Tracks Pop-Up Facts (subtitle file) Dracula Archives
The ancient vampire Count Dracula arrives in England and begins to prey upon the virtuous young Mina.
A bumper box set of classic films featuring 'The Queen' Barbara Stanwyck! Double Indemnity (Dir. Billy Wilder 1944): Director Billy Wilder and writer Raymond Chandler ('The Big Sleep') adapted James M. Cain's hard-boiled novel into this wildly thrilling story of insurance man Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) who schemes the perfect murder with the beautiful dame Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck): kill Dietrichson's husband and make off with the insurance money. But of cou
Horror icon Boris Karloff stars in the original 1932 version of The Mummy in which a team of British archaeologists accidentally revives a mummified high priest after 3,700 years. Alive again, he sets out on an obsessive and deadly quest to find his lost love. Over 50 years after its first release, this brooding dream-like Horror Classic Masterpiece returns to DVD in a special edition packed with extra features. BONUS FEATURES Universal Horror Documentary Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art Of Jack Pierce Unraveling the Legacy of The Mummy Feature Commentary by Film Historian Paul M. Jensen Trailer Gallery
Dracula: Although there have been numerous screen versions of Bram Stoker's classic tale none is more enduring than this 1931 original. Towering ominously among the shadows of the Carpathian Mountains Castle Dracula strikes fear in the hearts of the Transylvanian villagers below... Illuminated by the haunting presence of Bela Lugosi as the Count Tod Browning's direction makes full use of crisp black and white cinematography to create that class chill... House Of Dracula: Dracula appears at Dr. Edelman's office on the pretense of a cure for his vampirism his real intention is the Doctor's beautiful female assistant...
Although there have been numerous screen versions of Bram Stoker's classic tale, Dracula, none is more enduring than this 1931 movie. Towering ominously among the shadows of the Carpathian Mountains, Castle Dracula strikes fear in the hearts of the Transylvanian villagers below. With the superb Bela Lugosi starring as the screen's most popular vampire Count Dracula, the film's eerie and chilling mood is enhanced by specialist horror director Tod Browning. Dracula remains a masterpiece not only of the genre, but for all time.
Boris Karloff's legendary performance has become a landmark in the annals of screen history. As the mummy Im-Ho-Tep he is accidentally revived after 3 700 years by a team of British archaeologists. It is revealed in a flashback that he was a high priest embalmed alive for trying to revive the vestal virgin whom he loved after she had been sacrificed. Alive again he sets out to find his lost love.
Dr Werdegast (Lugosi) a Prisoner Of War for fifteen years has been freed and now seeks news of his wife and daughter and vengeance on Hjalmar Poelzig the man whose betrayal lead to his imprisonment and the deaths of thousands of his countrymen during the war. He tracks him down to the castle he has built on the site of their old fortress and soon discovers the diabolical secrets held within its walls. Poelzig is now the leader of a satanic cult engaging in macabre practises and rituals. One man's pure evil against the other's tormented need for revenge leads to an absorbing battle and a shocking climax.
The original 1931 movie version of Bram Stoker's classic tale has for generations defined the iconic look and terrifying persona of the famed vampire.Dracula owes its continued appeal in large part due to Bela Lugosi's indelible portrayal of the immortal Count Dracula and the flawless direction of horror auteur Tod Browning. Special Features: Dracula: The Restoration – New Featurette Available for The First Time! Monster Tracks: Interactive Pop-Up Facts About the Making of Dracula Dracula Archives Score by Philip Glass performed by the Kronos Quartet Feature Commentary by Film Historian David J. Skal Feature Commentary by Steve Haberman, Screenwriter of Dracula: Dead and Loving It Trailer Gallery
Horror icon Boris Karloff stars in the original 1932 version of The Mummy in which a team of British archaeologists accidentally revives a mummified high priest after 3,700 years. Alive again, he sets out on an obsessive and deadly quest to find his lost love. Over 50 years after its first release, this brooding dream-like Horror Classic Masterpiece returns to DVD in a special edition packed with extra features. BONUS FEATURES Universal Horror Documentary Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art Of Jack Pierce Unraveling the Legacy of The Mummy Feature Commentary by Film Historian Paul M. Jensen Trailer Gallery
Appearing at the height of his fame, Dracula star David Manners dubbed 'the handsomest man in Hollywood' made his British film debut in this polished Ruritanian romance, playing opposite Norwegian silent-era star Greta Nissen and German emigre Camilla Horn. Based on Horton Giddy's play Contraband, The Luck of a Sailor is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its original theatrical aspect ratio. On an undertaking of great importance, Captain Colin's battleship is taking the exiled King Carl back to his country in an attempt to help him reclaim his throne. The mood is lightened by the king's luminous new bride, but a mild flirtation between the captain and the queen soon turns to a love that is seemingly impossible!
While filming the closing scene of The Death Kiss leading man Myles Brent is actually killed. Having played around with or been married to most of the women connected with the movie studio there are lots of suspects.
A bumper box set of classic films featuring 'The Queen' Barbara Stanwyck! Double Indemnity (Dir. Billy Wilder 1944): Director Billy Wilder and writer Raymond Chandler ('The Big Sleep') adapted James M. Cain's hard-boiled novel into this wildly thrilling story of insurance man Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) who schemes the perfect murder with the beautiful dame Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck): kill Dietrichson's husband and make off with the insurance money. But of course in these plots things never quite go as planned and Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson) is the wily insurance investigator who has a feeling that not all is as it seems... The Lady Eve (Dir. Preston Sturges 1941): In 1941 Barbara Stanwyck was offered two screwball roles equally suited to her tart intelligence deft comic timing and undeniable sex appeal and it's a photo finish as to which was funnier; showgirl-on-the-lam Sugarpuss O'Shea the title character in Howard Hawks's 'Ball of Fire' or con artist Jean Harrington a.k.a. Lady Eve Sidwich the delirious fulcrum for this classic Preston Sturges comedy. Under Sturges's typically antic microscope the collision between the gold-digging Harrington and the very rich very hapless brewery-heir-turned-herpetologist Charles Pike (a wonderfully callow guileless Henry Fonda) yields ample opportunity for the writer-director to skewer issues of class and sex; as always Sturges is bold in pushing the censors' envelope capturing a palpable erotic heat between the canny Jean and the literally feverish Charlie who after a year up the Amazon is instantly smitten by the mere sight of her shapely ankles (in hindsight a precursor to her subsequent effect in 'Double Indemnity'). The Bitter Tea Of General Yen (Dir. Frank Capra 1933): Caught in a Chinese rebellion newly-arrived American Megan Davis (Stanwyck) is rescued by a cultured bandit General Yen. When she realises she is being held captive she sets about undermining her captor. In time however she finds that it is not her confinement she must fight against - rather it is her growing attraction to the man... The Golden Boy (Dir. Rouben Mamoulian 1939): The tale of Joe Bonaparte; a boy encouraged by his father to pursue his dream of playing the violin who turns to boxing when poverty sets in. What he witnesses is the tough and uncompromising world of major league boxing; the widespread corruption; and the alluring qualities of one hot dame! The Miracle Woman (Dir. Frank Capra 1931): Barbara Stanwyck stars as Sister Faith Fallon the charismatic leader of a Pentecostal sect. David Manners plays John Carson the blind man whose life is changed by her powerful sermon. Little does he know that Faith works alongside a con-man performing hoax miracles to boost the coiffeurs. Will John's love for Faith finally steer her back onto the right path? All I Desire (Dir. Douglas Sirk 1953): Barbara Stanwyck stars as Naomi Murdock a wayward mother and struggling actress who yearns for her old life before she walked out on her family. Returning to town she finds herself the subject of hearsay and loose speculation from the locals. More importantly her husband is striking up a relationship with a local school teacher and her oldest daughter remains hostile to the mother who abandoned her. Will Naomi be able to repair the damage done and rest her demons?
Dracula (1931 & 1999 version with new soundtrack by Phillip Glass) : Although there have been numerous screen versions of Bram Stoker's classic tale none is more enduring than this 1931 original. Towering ominously among the shadows of the Carpathian Mountains Castle Dracula strikes fear in the hearts of the Transylvanian villagers below... Illuminated by the haunting presence of Bela Lugosi as the Count Tod Browning's direction makes full use of crisp black and white cinematography to create that class chill... House Of Dracula: Dracula appears at Dr. Edelman's office on the pretense of a cure for his vampirism his real intention is the Doctor's beautiful female assistant...
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