Plunging into the shadowy waters of cinematic history, Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) emerges not just as a film but as a phenomenon that has captivated the imaginations of horror enthusiasts and film buffs alike for seven decades. Celebrating its 70-year legacy, this masterpiece has swum far beyond its origins, securing a revered spot in the heart of monster movie lore.
As we dive deeper, we’re embarking on a journey through time, revisiting the ingenious craft and visionary storytelling that have made the Gill-man a beloved icon of horror. This retrospective aims to unearth the secrets behind the movie’s creation, its groundbreaking achievements, and the enduring fascination it holds. Let’s submerge ourselves in the murky depths where the Creature lurks, to rediscover the magic that makes Creature from the Black Lagoon a timeless treasure of the horror genre.
Universal Diving Into the Depths: The Origin Story
Creature from the Black Lagoon...
As we dive deeper, we’re embarking on a journey through time, revisiting the ingenious craft and visionary storytelling that have made the Gill-man a beloved icon of horror. This retrospective aims to unearth the secrets behind the movie’s creation, its groundbreaking achievements, and the enduring fascination it holds. Let’s submerge ourselves in the murky depths where the Creature lurks, to rediscover the magic that makes Creature from the Black Lagoon a timeless treasure of the horror genre.
Universal Diving Into the Depths: The Origin Story
Creature from the Black Lagoon...
- 3/6/2024
- by Kimberley Elizabeth
Dark Intruder
Blu ray
Kino Lorber
1965 / 1.85:1 / 59 min.
Starring Leslie Nielsen, Peter Mark Richman, Judi Meredith
Cinematography by John F. Warren
Directed by Harvey Hart
Produced in 1965, Universal Pictures intended Dark Intruder for television but when NBC executives screened the film they took a pass—set in the goth-friendly year of 1890, Barré Lyndon’s story, with overtones of Lovecraft and demonic possession, was deemed “too scary” for the living room audience. That same audience would weather an entire season of My Mother the Car so perhaps Hollywood was underestimating America’s ability to deal with adversity. Universal was undeterred—now officially a “feature”, Harvey Hart’s film opened that summer in Los Angeles alongside Torn Curtain and in New York on the bottom half of a bill with I Saw What You Did (Manhattanites were treated to a personal appearance from Joan Crawford).
With the advent of roadshow attractions like Lawrence of Arabia,...
Blu ray
Kino Lorber
1965 / 1.85:1 / 59 min.
Starring Leslie Nielsen, Peter Mark Richman, Judi Meredith
Cinematography by John F. Warren
Directed by Harvey Hart
Produced in 1965, Universal Pictures intended Dark Intruder for television but when NBC executives screened the film they took a pass—set in the goth-friendly year of 1890, Barré Lyndon’s story, with overtones of Lovecraft and demonic possession, was deemed “too scary” for the living room audience. That same audience would weather an entire season of My Mother the Car so perhaps Hollywood was underestimating America’s ability to deal with adversity. Universal was undeterred—now officially a “feature”, Harvey Hart’s film opened that summer in Los Angeles alongside Torn Curtain and in New York on the bottom half of a bill with I Saw What You Did (Manhattanites were treated to a personal appearance from Joan Crawford).
With the advent of roadshow attractions like Lawrence of Arabia,...
- 2/9/2021
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Happy Monday, dear readers! We have a brand new slate of home media releases to look forward to as we head into a new month, and there are some great films coming out on Tuesday that genre fans will definitely want to pick up. Rlje Films is finally releasing Horror Noire on both Blu-ray and DVD this week, and they’re also bringing home arguably the most talked-about horror film of 2020 as well: Rob Savage’s Host. Kino Lorber is showing some love to Dark Intruder with their new 2K Blu, and Code Red is giving us more reasons to fear the water with their Blu-ray for The Great Alligator.
Other releases for February 2nd include Satan’s Blood, Sky Sharks, Deadcon, and Hellkat.
Dark Intruder
Brand New 2K Master! Dark Intruder stars Leslie Nielsen (Forbidden Planet) as Brett Kingsford, an Occult expert who is brought in by police to help...
Other releases for February 2nd include Satan’s Blood, Sky Sharks, Deadcon, and Hellkat.
Dark Intruder
Brand New 2K Master! Dark Intruder stars Leslie Nielsen (Forbidden Planet) as Brett Kingsford, an Occult expert who is brought in by police to help...
- 2/2/2021
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Now that we can read the real story of the great silent actor and makeup magician Lon Chaney, the inaccuracies are fairly glaring in this well-received biopic about his career heights and difficult personal life. But it remains a compelling James Cagney movie, allowing the actor to try on different acting styles (and even a dancing style). The dramatic conflicts may be invented, but they’re compelling just the same. The movie works even as it represents Chaney’s original fantastic makeup creations with a series of ever-worsening rubber masks. Excellent supporting performances from Dorothy Malone, Jane Greer and Celia Lovsky. This one carries a good Tim Lucas commentary as well.
Man of a Thousand Faces
Blu-ray
Arrow Video
1957 / B&w / 2:35 anamorphic widescreen / 122 min. / Street Date October 29, 2019 / Available from Arrow Video / 34.95
Starring: James Cagney, Dorothy Malone, Jane Greer, Marjorie Rambeau, Jim Backus, Robert Evans, Celia Lovsky, Jeanne Cagney, Jack Albertson.
Man of a Thousand Faces
Blu-ray
Arrow Video
1957 / B&w / 2:35 anamorphic widescreen / 122 min. / Street Date October 29, 2019 / Available from Arrow Video / 34.95
Starring: James Cagney, Dorothy Malone, Jane Greer, Marjorie Rambeau, Jim Backus, Robert Evans, Celia Lovsky, Jeanne Cagney, Jack Albertson.
- 10/12/2019
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The 2016 blu ray release of the Frankenstein and Wolf Man Legacy Collections was a moment of celebration for movie and monster lovers everywhere, bringing together all the golden age appearances of Frankenstein’s misbegotten creation and Larry Talbot’s hairy alter-ego. Universal Studios treated those dusty creature features to luminous restorations; from Bride of Frankenstein to She Wolf of London, these essential artifacts never looked less than impeccable and, at times, even ravishing. Colin Clive’s frenzied declaration, “It’s Alive!”, never felt more appropriate.
Now Universal has turned their attention to their other legendary franchise players, Dracula, the sharp-dressed but undead ladies’ man and Im-ho-tep, the cursed Egyptian priest who loved not wisely but too well.
Dracula: Complete Legacy Collection
Blu-ray
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
1931, ’36, ’43, ’44, ’45, ’48 / 449 min. / B&W / 1:33 / Street Date May 16, 2017
Starring: Actors: Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jr. , Boris Karloff, Bud Abbott, Lou Costello
Cinematography: Karl Freund,...
Now Universal has turned their attention to their other legendary franchise players, Dracula, the sharp-dressed but undead ladies’ man and Im-ho-tep, the cursed Egyptian priest who loved not wisely but too well.
Dracula: Complete Legacy Collection
Blu-ray
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
1931, ’36, ’43, ’44, ’45, ’48 / 449 min. / B&W / 1:33 / Street Date May 16, 2017
Starring: Actors: Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jr. , Boris Karloff, Bud Abbott, Lou Costello
Cinematography: Karl Freund,...
- 5/29/2017
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Are you 3-D capable? This classic-era Sci-fi is one of the better '50s films ever designed for 3-D, and the restoration on this much-coveted new release is excellent. Meteors explode in your face! A rockslide in your lap! Bizarre superimpositions! Ray gun blasts! And don't forget Ray Bradbury's feel-good sense of wonder speeches, from wide-eyed Richard Carlson. It Came from Outer Space 3-D 3-D Blu-ray Universal Home Video 1953 / B&W / 1:37 Academy / 82 min. / Street Date October 4, 2016 / at present a Best Buy exclusive Starring Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, Charles Drake, Joe Sawyer, Russell Johnson, Kathleen Hughes Cinematography Clifford Stine Art Direction Robert Boyle Makeup and Special effects Jack Kevan, Bud Westmore, David S. Horsley, Milicent Patrick. Film Editor Paul Weatherwax Original Music Irving Gertz, Henry Mancini, Herman Stein Written by Harry Essex from a story by Ray Bradbury Produced by William Alland Directed by Jack Arnold
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson...
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson...
- 10/8/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Jim Knipfel Mar 8, 2019
The Creature From the Black Lagoon kicked off one of the most successful trilogies in early horror movie history.
The poor Gill Man never had a chance. Arriving six years after the golden age of Universal Horror was capped with Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, 1954’s The Creature from the Black Lagoon was never able to clumsily shuffle his way into the expanded universe shared by Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, and, if briefly, The Invisible Man.
Of course, given the three-film franchise’s contemporary time frame and American setting, it would’ve been a stretch anyway to find some reason to have him mix it up with the Wolf Man. In that way, the Gill Man was like the Mummy, forced to carry his series alone. Even if this aquatic fish face would go on to become the most iconic and influential cinematic monster of the 1950s,...
The Creature From the Black Lagoon kicked off one of the most successful trilogies in early horror movie history.
The poor Gill Man never had a chance. Arriving six years after the golden age of Universal Horror was capped with Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, 1954’s The Creature from the Black Lagoon was never able to clumsily shuffle his way into the expanded universe shared by Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, and, if briefly, The Invisible Man.
Of course, given the three-film franchise’s contemporary time frame and American setting, it would’ve been a stretch anyway to find some reason to have him mix it up with the Wolf Man. In that way, the Gill Man was like the Mummy, forced to carry his series alone. Even if this aquatic fish face would go on to become the most iconic and influential cinematic monster of the 1950s,...
- 5/10/2016
- Den of Geek
Abbott: “You’re making enough noise to wake up the dead! “
Costello: “I don’t have to wake him up. He’s up!”
Abbott And Costeelo Meet Frankenstein Screens Saturday October 11th at St. Louis’ fabulous Hi-Pointe Theater (1005 McCausland Ave., St. Louis, Mo) at 10:30am.
It’s interesting that Lou Costello initially was reluctant to do Abbott And Costello Meet Frankenstein, since it became probably the most popular and successful instalment in their career. It was so popular, in fact, that many of the Abbott & Costello movies to follow were along similar lines — they would go on to meet The Mummy, The Invisible Man and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. You can sort of see where he was coming from … horror/comedy isn’t exactly a highly respected genre, although there have been several classics in it since (Young Frankesntein comes to mind).
The story starts when...
Costello: “I don’t have to wake him up. He’s up!”
Abbott And Costeelo Meet Frankenstein Screens Saturday October 11th at St. Louis’ fabulous Hi-Pointe Theater (1005 McCausland Ave., St. Louis, Mo) at 10:30am.
It’s interesting that Lou Costello initially was reluctant to do Abbott And Costello Meet Frankenstein, since it became probably the most popular and successful instalment in their career. It was so popular, in fact, that many of the Abbott & Costello movies to follow were along similar lines — they would go on to meet The Mummy, The Invisible Man and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. You can sort of see where he was coming from … horror/comedy isn’t exactly a highly respected genre, although there have been several classics in it since (Young Frankesntein comes to mind).
The story starts when...
- 10/7/2014
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Abbott: “You’re making enough noise to wake up the dead! “
Costello: “I don’t have to wake him up. He’s up!”
Abbott And Costeelo Meet Frankenstein Screens October 2nd at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood
It’s interesting that Lou Costello initially was reluctant to do Abbott And Costello Meet Frankenstein, since it became probably the most popular and successful instalment in their career. It was so popular, in fact, that many of the Abbott & Costello movies to follow were along similar lines — they would go on to meet The Mummy, The Invisible Man and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. You can sort of see where he was coming from … horror/comedy isn’t exactly a highly respected genre, although there have been several classics in it since (Young Frankesntein comes to mind).
The story starts when a couple of crates arrive in the Us, to an...
Costello: “I don’t have to wake him up. He’s up!”
Abbott And Costeelo Meet Frankenstein Screens October 2nd at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood
It’s interesting that Lou Costello initially was reluctant to do Abbott And Costello Meet Frankenstein, since it became probably the most popular and successful instalment in their career. It was so popular, in fact, that many of the Abbott & Costello movies to follow were along similar lines — they would go on to meet The Mummy, The Invisible Man and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. You can sort of see where he was coming from … horror/comedy isn’t exactly a highly respected genre, although there have been several classics in it since (Young Frankesntein comes to mind).
The story starts when a couple of crates arrive in the Us, to an...
- 9/22/2014
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Horror fans don't grant new performers legendary status on a regular basis. We cling to our heroes like treasures and limit inclusion into the upper echelon of the genre to a very select few. But people do manage to break through and win our undying respect and admiration, and Bill Oberst, Jr., is doing just that right now.
After appearing in the Academy Award-winning short film Take This Lollipop (if, for some ungodly reason, you haven't seen it yet, absolutely check it out Asap!), Oberst's popularity exploded; and he now has over 100 films to his credit, most within the past five years. This whirlwind of energy and excitement sat down with Dread Central recently to discuss his career, his fears and his upcoming films.
"I did theater for 14 years on the East Coast, and theater was all I ever wanted to do," Oberst Jr. said. "I was a big horror fan privately,...
After appearing in the Academy Award-winning short film Take This Lollipop (if, for some ungodly reason, you haven't seen it yet, absolutely check it out Asap!), Oberst's popularity exploded; and he now has over 100 films to his credit, most within the past five years. This whirlwind of energy and excitement sat down with Dread Central recently to discuss his career, his fears and his upcoming films.
"I did theater for 14 years on the East Coast, and theater was all I ever wanted to do," Oberst Jr. said. "I was a big horror fan privately,...
- 7/8/2013
- by Scott Hallam
- DreadCentral.com
It’s true; no matter what certain networks may claim about their “winter finales,” winter doesn’t actually start until December 21, and isn’t over until March 20. Syfy, at least, understands this, and has announced their appropriately-titled winter schedule accordingly.
Happily this means that, starting on Monday, January 14, 2013, we will have some great television to get us through the cold months, including the return of Being Human and Lost Girl, and the premiere of Continuum, and later in the week, the return of Ghost Hunters and Face Off.
Here’s the schedule of premieres, along with series synopses:
Syfy’S 2013 Winter Programming Highlighted By Series Premieres Of Ghost Mine, Robot Combat League, Stranded And Continuum Season Returns Of Hits Being Human, Face Off, Total Blackout, Ghost Hunters, Lost Girl, Haunted Collector And Final Season Of Merlin
New York – December 4, 2012 – Syfy will kick off the New Year with a robust winter...
Happily this means that, starting on Monday, January 14, 2013, we will have some great television to get us through the cold months, including the return of Being Human and Lost Girl, and the premiere of Continuum, and later in the week, the return of Ghost Hunters and Face Off.
Here’s the schedule of premieres, along with series synopses:
Syfy’S 2013 Winter Programming Highlighted By Series Premieres Of Ghost Mine, Robot Combat League, Stranded And Continuum Season Returns Of Hits Being Human, Face Off, Total Blackout, Ghost Hunters, Lost Girl, Haunted Collector And Final Season Of Merlin
New York – December 4, 2012 – Syfy will kick off the New Year with a robust winter...
- 12/5/2012
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
One thing we always make time for here at Dread Central is honoring the masters, and we wanted to take a moment to point out our recent review of Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection on Blu-ray along with the overflowing image gallery Universal provided to us as a supplement.
Click Here to read our review of Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection (as you can imagine, it earned pretty high marks), and enjoy perusing the exclusive photos below.
From the Prior Press Release:
Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection brings together the very best of Universal’s legendary monsters—imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror that launched a uniquely American movie genre. This definitive collection features eight films on Blu-ray, a collectible 48-page book featuring behind-the-scenes photographs, original posters,...
Click Here to read our review of Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection (as you can imagine, it earned pretty high marks), and enjoy perusing the exclusive photos below.
From the Prior Press Release:
Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection brings together the very best of Universal’s legendary monsters—imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror that launched a uniquely American movie genre. This definitive collection features eight films on Blu-ray, a collectible 48-page book featuring behind-the-scenes photographs, original posters,...
- 11/6/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
By now the word is out and the monsters have exited their graves in search of your Blu Ray player. Have you seen the new Universal Classic Monsters Essenstial Collection and bright shiny new Blu Ray in the ultra cool box set with the handy collector’s edition book? While it doesn’t necessarily come cheap, retailing just over $100, it contains eight movies, bonus features out the wazzooo (and I’ll even include the press release below so you know what those are) and, as previously stated, some literature that will be perfect for the monster maniac on your Halloween chopping list. Never forget that this would make the ideal Christmas present for the holiday horror fiend in your home. Also don’t forget that I, as a horror fiend, am telling you that it’s on my wish list. When I pick it up, you’ll get a review,...
- 10/5/2012
- by Jimmy Terror
- The Liberal Dead
Today's the day that Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts on Blu-ray, and in honor of the occasion, Universal has released a trailer for the collection. See Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr., Claude Rains, and Elsa Lanchester in the roles that made them famous!
From the Press Release:
Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection brings together the very best of Universal’s legendary monsters—imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror that launched a uniquely American movie genre. This definitive collection features eight films on Blu-ray, a collectible 48-page book featuring behind-the-scenes photographs, original posters, correspondence, and much more.
Each iconic film is accompanied by an array of bonus features that tell the fascinating story of its creation and history, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, filmmaker commentaries, interviews, storyboards,...
From the Press Release:
Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection brings together the very best of Universal’s legendary monsters—imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror that launched a uniquely American movie genre. This definitive collection features eight films on Blu-ray, a collectible 48-page book featuring behind-the-scenes photographs, original posters, correspondence, and much more.
Each iconic film is accompanied by an array of bonus features that tell the fascinating story of its creation and history, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, filmmaker commentaries, interviews, storyboards,...
- 10/2/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
One of the biggest Blu-ray releases of the year is now available and Universal has shared a new trailer that shows off their updated classics. For those that missed our previous story, we’ve included details on the Universal Classic Monsters Blu-ray collection and another video that shows the restoration work done on Dracula:
For the first time ever, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-ray as Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts on October 2, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection brings together the very best of Universal’s legendary monsters—imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror that launched a uniquely American movie genre. This definitive collection features eight films on Blu-ray, a...
For the first time ever, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-ray as Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts on October 2, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection brings together the very best of Universal’s legendary monsters—imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror that launched a uniquely American movie genre. This definitive collection features eight films on Blu-ray, a...
- 10/2/2012
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
In celebration of the October 2nd Blu-ray release of the Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, veteran horror historian Scott Essman has prepared a truly monstrous trip back through time for you classic horror fans!
It’s a quiet dusty morning in the summer of 1916 and all but a small eastern region of the San Fernando Valley is largely undeveloped, to say nothing of unpopulated. For the past year, inside of an unassuming front gate just over the hill from Los Angeles proper, two men are trying to forge their path in the fledgling motion picture business: Lon Chaney and Jack Pierce. Nascent actors Chaney, 33, and Pierce, 27, were completely unknown, but each had an angle; they could both work magic out of a simple makeup case, fully transforming their faces and even parts of their bodies to put themselves into a better position to be cast in a role.
It’s a quiet dusty morning in the summer of 1916 and all but a small eastern region of the San Fernando Valley is largely undeveloped, to say nothing of unpopulated. For the past year, inside of an unassuming front gate just over the hill from Los Angeles proper, two men are trying to forge their path in the fledgling motion picture business: Lon Chaney and Jack Pierce. Nascent actors Chaney, 33, and Pierce, 27, were completely unknown, but each had an angle; they could both work magic out of a simple makeup case, fully transforming their faces and even parts of their bodies to put themselves into a better position to be cast in a role.
- 9/25/2012
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
By Michael Juvinall, MoreHorror.com
Universal classic monster fans can now officially rejoice as the studio announced today they will be bringing their highly regarded classic monsters to blu-ray in a massive Essential collection on October 2nd.
As part of their 100th anniversary celebration, Universal Studios will release eight chilling classics from the studio that pioneered the horror genre, digitally restored and released on Blu-ray™ for the first time ever.
The ultimate box set includes 8 classic films from the Universal vault of spine-tingling terror with over 12 hours of bonus features just in time for Halloween.
From the Press Release:
For the first time ever, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-rayTM as Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts on October 2, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever,...
Universal classic monster fans can now officially rejoice as the studio announced today they will be bringing their highly regarded classic monsters to blu-ray in a massive Essential collection on October 2nd.
As part of their 100th anniversary celebration, Universal Studios will release eight chilling classics from the studio that pioneered the horror genre, digitally restored and released on Blu-ray™ for the first time ever.
The ultimate box set includes 8 classic films from the Universal vault of spine-tingling terror with over 12 hours of bonus features just in time for Halloween.
From the Press Release:
For the first time ever, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-rayTM as Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts on October 2, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever,...
- 6/29/2012
- by admin
- MoreHorror
For the first time ever, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-rayTM as Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts on October 2, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection brings together the very best of Universal.s legendary monsters.imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror that launched a uniquely American movie genre. This definitive collection features eight films on Blu-rayM, a collectible 48-page book featuring behind-the-scenes photographs, original posters, correspondence and much more. Each iconic film is accompanied by an array of bonus features that tell the fascinating story of its creation and history, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, filmmaker commentaries, interviews, storyboards, photo galleries, and trailers. Especially appealing for fans are a never-before-seen featurette about the restoration...
- 6/28/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
For the first time ever eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-ray as Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts on October 2, 2012, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
From the Press Release:
Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection brings together the very best of Universal’s legendary monsters—imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror that launched a uniquely American movie genre. This definitive collection features eight films on Blu-ray, a collectible 48-page book featuring behind-the-scenes photographs, original posters, correspondence, and much more. Each iconic film is accompanied by an array of bonus features that tell the fascinating story of its creation and history, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, filmmaker commentaries, interviews, storyboards, photo galleries, and trailers. Especially appealing for fans are a never-before-seen...
From the Press Release:
Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection brings together the very best of Universal’s legendary monsters—imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror that launched a uniquely American movie genre. This definitive collection features eight films on Blu-ray, a collectible 48-page book featuring behind-the-scenes photographs, original posters, correspondence, and much more. Each iconic film is accompanied by an array of bonus features that tell the fascinating story of its creation and history, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, filmmaker commentaries, interviews, storyboards, photo galleries, and trailers. Especially appealing for fans are a never-before-seen...
- 6/28/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
About time! Time to stop working and focus on something that Really matters. After a lot of hemming and hawing, Universal is bringing all of our favorite famous monsters of filmland (hey…) to Blu-Ray in a massive collection featuring eight movies and eight monsters (Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, Creature From The Black Lagoon, The Wolf Man, Phantom Of The Opera, The Invisible Man and The Bride Of Frankenstein) jam-packed with awesome special features. The Creature will even be in 3-D, if your TV allows such a wondrous thing. I could go on and on about this, but I think what you really want to read is the press release (complete with titles and special features) from Universal. Give it a read and when it’s available for pre-order (the collection is released October 2nd), we will put up a link immediately.
For the first time ever, eight of the most...
For the first time ever, eight of the most...
- 6/28/2012
- by Andy Greene
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
We knew that Universal was working on a Blu-ray collection containing some of their classic horror films and we now have all the details. Titled Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection, the release includes digitally restored versions of Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, The Phantom of the Opera, and Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Continue reading for the official press release, a list of bonus features for each film, box art, and a video clip showing the restoration of Dracula:
Press Release: Universal City, California, June 28, 2012—For the first time ever, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-ray as Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts on October 2, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever,...
Continue reading for the official press release, a list of bonus features for each film, box art, and a video clip showing the restoration of Dracula:
Press Release: Universal City, California, June 28, 2012—For the first time ever, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-ray as Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts on October 2, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever,...
- 6/28/2012
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
We're exactly two months away from the second annual Monsterpalooza, which is returning to the Marriott Burbank Convention Center April 9-11, 2010. To help get people fired up for the event, which features special effects artists from the horror industry along with their many works, the promoters have revealed the expanded guest list along with a slew of presentations and demos that will be taking place over the weekend.
Confirmed guests so far include:
Verne Langdon - Monster Of Ceremonies
Michael Westmore - Academy Award Winning Makeup Artist - Mask, Star Trek, Raging Bull
Tom Burman - Award Winning Makeup Artist - Island Of Dr. Moreau, The Goonies, Nip/Tuck
Barney Burman - Proteus F/X - Dawn Of The Dead, Matrix Reloaded, Star Trek 09
Rob Burman - The Fly, The Thing, Star Trek 09
Amalgamated Dynamics - Academy Award Winners Tom Woodruff & Alec Gillis - Starship Troopers, Avp
Knb - Academy...
Confirmed guests so far include:
Verne Langdon - Monster Of Ceremonies
Michael Westmore - Academy Award Winning Makeup Artist - Mask, Star Trek, Raging Bull
Tom Burman - Award Winning Makeup Artist - Island Of Dr. Moreau, The Goonies, Nip/Tuck
Barney Burman - Proteus F/X - Dawn Of The Dead, Matrix Reloaded, Star Trek 09
Rob Burman - The Fly, The Thing, Star Trek 09
Amalgamated Dynamics - Academy Award Winners Tom Woodruff & Alec Gillis - Starship Troopers, Avp
Knb - Academy...
- 2/10/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
By Christopher Stipp
The Archives, Right Here
I was able to sit down for a couple of years and pump out a book. It’s got little to do with movies. Download and read “Thank You, Goodnight” right Here for free.
Check out my new column, This Week In Trailers, at SlashFilm.com and follow me on Twitter under the name: Stipp
WWII in HD - Blu-ray Review
Roger Ebert recently made people aware of a video on YouTube called The Open Road London.
The film was taken decades ago. The hustle and bustle of life in the city is enough to make you think that even after all technology has done for us we’re still as busy as ever. The Beefeater who just saunters in the frame, the double-decker busses, the police directing traffic by hand, it’s all very quaint. The amusing thing about this full color...
The Archives, Right Here
I was able to sit down for a couple of years and pump out a book. It’s got little to do with movies. Download and read “Thank You, Goodnight” right Here for free.
Check out my new column, This Week In Trailers, at SlashFilm.com and follow me on Twitter under the name: Stipp
WWII in HD - Blu-ray Review
Roger Ebert recently made people aware of a video on YouTube called The Open Road London.
The film was taken decades ago. The hustle and bustle of life in the city is enough to make you think that even after all technology has done for us we’re still as busy as ever. The Beefeater who just saunters in the frame, the double-decker busses, the police directing traffic by hand, it’s all very quaint. The amusing thing about this full color...
- 1/29/2010
- by Christopher Stipp
By Scott Essman
In the history of the modern American cinema, there are but few legacies of makeup artists. While the legendary Burman and Dawn names each include three generations of makeup artists, there is but one lasting family that features four working generations: the Westmores of Hollywood. With ties to virtually every studio in the annals cinema, the Westmores have created classic makeups in top contemporary film and TV shows back to the earliest years of silent film.
George Westmore, the patriarch of the Westmore clan at the turn of the century, worked as a wigmaker in his native England — where he was born in 1879 — and gave birth to sons Mont (born in 1902), twins Perc and Ern (born in 1904), Wally (born in 1906), and a daughter, Dorothy (born in 1907). The young family traveled to the U.S. to seek better opportunities and maintained a wig-making and beauty salon business which floated amongst various cities,...
In the history of the modern American cinema, there are but few legacies of makeup artists. While the legendary Burman and Dawn names each include three generations of makeup artists, there is but one lasting family that features four working generations: the Westmores of Hollywood. With ties to virtually every studio in the annals cinema, the Westmores have created classic makeups in top contemporary film and TV shows back to the earliest years of silent film.
George Westmore, the patriarch of the Westmore clan at the turn of the century, worked as a wigmaker in his native England — where he was born in 1879 — and gave birth to sons Mont (born in 1902), twins Perc and Ern (born in 1904), Wally (born in 1906), and a daughter, Dorothy (born in 1907). The young family traveled to the U.S. to seek better opportunities and maintained a wig-making and beauty salon business which floated amongst various cities,...
- 1/12/2010
- by Jesse
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Written by Scott Essman
The long-awaited release of Universal Studios’ 2010 version of The Wolfman conjures the history of the men who made the original horror films at the studio in the 1920s through the 1940s. Not only was the original 1941 film The Wolf Man key among them, but the rich history of the other films is directly tied into both why and how that film was created.
In 1928, after his father had appointed 21-year-old Carl Laemmle, Jr. as head of production at Universal Studios, the machinery was in place for a new wave of films based on classic horror stories. By 1931, the studio had both Dracula and Frankenstein as two of its greatest successes, and they followed those up with a few more early 1930s originals, including The Mummy and The Invisible Man.
By 1935, they had produced Werewolf of London, their first film based on the Loup-Garou stories from France...
The long-awaited release of Universal Studios’ 2010 version of The Wolfman conjures the history of the men who made the original horror films at the studio in the 1920s through the 1940s. Not only was the original 1941 film The Wolf Man key among them, but the rich history of the other films is directly tied into both why and how that film was created.
In 1928, after his father had appointed 21-year-old Carl Laemmle, Jr. as head of production at Universal Studios, the machinery was in place for a new wave of films based on classic horror stories. By 1931, the studio had both Dracula and Frankenstein as two of its greatest successes, and they followed those up with a few more early 1930s originals, including The Mummy and The Invisible Man.
By 1935, they had produced Werewolf of London, their first film based on the Loup-Garou stories from France...
- 1/8/2010
- by Cristol
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
By Matt Singer
We're getting into the Halloween spirit at IFC.com this week by taking a look back at some famous movie makeup jobs (that are, at minimum, 25 years old) that have maintained their power to scare the bejeezus out of viewers. These kids today with their computer generated imagery and their Blu-rays and their "Saw V"s! Back in our day, we didn't have computers to do our imagination's dirty work for us. Visionary artists had only prosthetics, wire, plaster, rubber and a whole lot of Karo syrup to bring their creations to life! Back in our day, these were the movies you rented on Halloween! At the video store! As far as we're concerned, they still should be. And don't you dare teepee our Web site or we're calling the cops. [Part two of our list can be found here.]
10. The Man Who Laughs (1928)
Directed by Paul Leni
Makeup by Jack Pierce
To get a sense...
We're getting into the Halloween spirit at IFC.com this week by taking a look back at some famous movie makeup jobs (that are, at minimum, 25 years old) that have maintained their power to scare the bejeezus out of viewers. These kids today with their computer generated imagery and their Blu-rays and their "Saw V"s! Back in our day, we didn't have computers to do our imagination's dirty work for us. Visionary artists had only prosthetics, wire, plaster, rubber and a whole lot of Karo syrup to bring their creations to life! Back in our day, these were the movies you rented on Halloween! At the video store! As far as we're concerned, they still should be. And don't you dare teepee our Web site or we're calling the cops. [Part two of our list can be found here.]
10. The Man Who Laughs (1928)
Directed by Paul Leni
Makeup by Jack Pierce
To get a sense...
- 10/30/2008
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
Hollywood's first family of movie make-up is to be honoured with a star on the Walk of Fame.
Marvin and Michael Westmore will unveil the 2,370th star near the corner of Los Angeles' Hollywood and Vine on behalf of the Westmore Family on Friday.
The Westmores are make-up artists who have defined beauty and glamour, setting trends over the decades.
George Westmore and his six sons, Monte, Ern, Perc, Wally, Bud, and Frank "changed the face of Hollywood, literally", according to a Walk of Fame spokeswoman.
The representative adds, "The Westmores not only created, but they defined the role of make-up artists in Motion Pictures. George Westmore opened the very first make-up department at Selig Studios in 1917... and the brothers were responsible for creating the signature looks for stars like Rudolph Valentino, Clara Bow, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, Audrey Hepburn and even the teenage fashion doll, Barbie."
Ern Westmore became the first make-up artist recipient of the Academy Cup in 1931 for his work on Cimarron starring Richard Dix and Irene Dunne, while Monte wowed Hollywood with his styling skills on movie epic Gone with the Wind - he made Vivien Leigh's hazel eyes appear green at the request of director David O. Selznick.
And when Paul Muni won the Best Actor Oscar for The Story of Louis Pasteur in 1936, he thanked only one person, Perc Westmore, in his acceptance speech.
Other family claims to fame include Bud Westmore's molded foam rubber suit in The Creature from the Black Lagoon and his make-up expertise on TV show The Munsters and youngest brother Frank's work on cult show Kung Fu, for which he became the first Westmore to receive an Emmy Award.
The family continues to pursue excellence on the big and small screen - Monte's son, Michael, received an Oscar and a British Academy Award nomination in 1986 for his artistry on Mask. He has also picked up nine Emmy statuettes and an impressive 42 Emmy nominations over the course of his career. He holds the record for more Emmy nominations than any other make-up artist.
Marvin and Michael Westmore will unveil the 2,370th star near the corner of Los Angeles' Hollywood and Vine on behalf of the Westmore Family on Friday.
The Westmores are make-up artists who have defined beauty and glamour, setting trends over the decades.
George Westmore and his six sons, Monte, Ern, Perc, Wally, Bud, and Frank "changed the face of Hollywood, literally", according to a Walk of Fame spokeswoman.
The representative adds, "The Westmores not only created, but they defined the role of make-up artists in Motion Pictures. George Westmore opened the very first make-up department at Selig Studios in 1917... and the brothers were responsible for creating the signature looks for stars like Rudolph Valentino, Clara Bow, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, Audrey Hepburn and even the teenage fashion doll, Barbie."
Ern Westmore became the first make-up artist recipient of the Academy Cup in 1931 for his work on Cimarron starring Richard Dix and Irene Dunne, while Monte wowed Hollywood with his styling skills on movie epic Gone with the Wind - he made Vivien Leigh's hazel eyes appear green at the request of director David O. Selznick.
And when Paul Muni won the Best Actor Oscar for The Story of Louis Pasteur in 1936, he thanked only one person, Perc Westmore, in his acceptance speech.
Other family claims to fame include Bud Westmore's molded foam rubber suit in The Creature from the Black Lagoon and his make-up expertise on TV show The Munsters and youngest brother Frank's work on cult show Kung Fu, for which he became the first Westmore to receive an Emmy Award.
The family continues to pursue excellence on the big and small screen - Monte's son, Michael, received an Oscar and a British Academy Award nomination in 1986 for his artistry on Mask. He has also picked up nine Emmy statuettes and an impressive 42 Emmy nominations over the course of his career. He holds the record for more Emmy nominations than any other make-up artist.
- 9/29/2008
- WENN
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