User Reviews

Monster Mania: The Golden Age of the Horror Film (2014)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

This documentary, as the title suggests, talks about the "Golden Age" of the horror film, which of course was the 1930s and 40s. This documentary takes a look at the various Universal horror movies that were made during this period as well as a few others like DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, THE BODY SNATCHER and ISLAND OF LOST SOULS.

If you're a fan of monster movies then you're probably like me and want to watch anything on the subject. There are many great documentaries out there like UNIVERAL HORRORS and the countless special features that Universal made for their monster movies. With that said, I'm sure monster fans will want to watch this one but it's really not all that impressive. We do get interviews with Gregory Mank and Aaron Christensen as well as archival interviews with the likes of Sara Karloff and Robert Wise but we've heard these stories countless times and nothing new is really done here. We gets clips from various trailers shown but more often than not the trailers are played more than any spoken information. The film also bounces around quite a bit. One moment they're discussing THE BLACK CAT and then they flashback to THE MUMMY. Certain sequels are covered but not others. HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN kicks off the monster mash but they overlook FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN.

Again, if you're a monster nut like me this is worth watching. If you're new to the genre you might want to start elsewhere.

If you are new to classic horror films, brushing up on some facts, or a hardcore fanatic of the horror classics then you should enjoy this documentary. Lots of history that helps to explain the history and reasons behind some these films as well as some stories of the actors and directors involved. Those who are new to the classic horror films might want watch a few of the beloved classic horror films to develop a deeper interest and appreciation of this particular documentary.

Beautifully and brilliantly put together film documentary to give us deeper insight to these awesome classic films.

I found this documentary simply wonderful - thrilling and exciting in it's own way. Well worth watching.

9/10

MONSTER MADNESS: THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE HORROR FILM tracks the beginning / history of horror movies, along with the birth of Universal Studios under Carl Laemmle Sr.

Starting off with the silent films of the 1920's, such as PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME with Lon Chaney Sr., it takes us through the 1930's and DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN, BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY, THE BLACK CAT, etc., with Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff.

Peter Lorre, Frederick March, and Charles Laughton are also discussed.

Horror / Sci-fi special effects are mentioned, including those used in A TRIP TO THE MOON, METROPOLIS, and KING KONG.

Next, the monster movie sequels get their due.

The 1940's bring the decline of Universal, and the rise of Val Lewton with RKO Pictures, with his classics, like THE BODY SNATCHER (with Karloff and Lugosi).

Meanwhile, Universal put out their "monster rally" films, featuring all of their big name creatures together, battling it out. This is epitomized by the Abbot And Costello monster comedies of the period.

While not exhaustive, this is a thoughtful, entertaining documentary. It's the first in the series. Highly recommended for fans of the genre...