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Universal Classic Monsters - The Essential Collection (Blu-Ray)

October 2nd

Universal

Retail: $159.98, Our: $129.99



Expected for some time, Universal has announced an October 2nd release date for Universal Classic Monsters - The Essential Collection (Blu-Ray).



The 8-disc set features eight of the "most iconic monsters in motion picture history including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Creature from the Black Lagoon (2D & 3D)."



It contains an exclusive collectible book, as well as over 12 hours of bonus features, with old and new ones in the mix. Details below.



It will retail for $159.98, but is available at ClassicFlix.com for only $129.99.



NOTE: Singles will not be made available. When there are, we will have them for rent.



SYNOPSIS:

From the era of silent movies through present day, Universal Pictures has been regarded as the home of the monsters. Now, Universal Classic Monsters - The Essential Collection showcases 8 of the most iconic monsters in motion picture history including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Creature from the Black Lagoon.



Starring Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr., Claude Rains and Elsa Lanchester in the roles that they made famous, these original films set the standard for a new horror genre with revolutionary makeup, mood-altering cinematography and groundbreaking special effects.



Featuring over 12 hours of revealing bonus features plus an exclusive collectible book, each film has been digitally restored from high resolution film elements for the ultimate classic monster experience.



Dracula (1931) - English & Spanish Versions

Relive the horror, the mystery, and the intrigue of the original 1931 vampire masterpiece starring Bela Lugosi and directed by Tod Browning. The inspiration for hundreds of subsequent remakes and adaptations, this classic film launched the Hollywood horror genre with its eerie passion, shadowy atmosphere, and thrilling cinematography. The children of the night are calling…



BONUS FEATURES:



The Road to Dracula



Lugosi: The Dark Prince



Dracula: The Restoration


Monster Tracks


Dracula Archives



Alternate Score by Philip Glass Performed by The Kronos Quartet


Feature Commentary with Film Historian David J. Shal


Feature Commentary with Screenwriter Steve Haberman


Trailer Gallery


Frankenstein (1931)

Boris Karloff stars as the screen's most memorable monster in what many consider to be the greatest horror film ever made. Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) dares to tamper with the life and death by creating a human monster (Karloff) out of lifeless body parts. It's director James Whales' adaption of the Mary Shelley novel blended with Karloff's compassionate portrayal of a creature groping for identity that makes Frankenstein a masterpiece not only of genre, but for all time.



BONUS FEATURES:




The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster



Karloff: The Gentle Monster



Monster Tracks



Universal Horror



Frankenstein Archives



Boo! A Short Film



Feature Commentary with Film Historian Rudy Behlmer


Feature Commentary with Historian Sir Christopher Frayling


Trailer Gallery


100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics



The Mummy (1932)

In 1921 a field expedition in Egypt discovers the mummy of ancient Egyptian prince Im-Ho-Tep, who was condemned and buried alive for sacrilege. Also found in the tomb is the Scroll of Thoth, which can bring the dead back to life. One night a young member of the expedition reads the Scroll out loud, and then goes insane, realizing that he has brought Im-Ho-Tep back to life. Ten years later, disguised as a modern Egyptian, the mummy attempts to reunite with his lost love, an ancient princess who has been reincarnated into a beautiful young woman.



BONUS 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 with Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steve Haberman, Bob Burns and Brent Armstrong


Feature Commentary with Film Historian Paul M. Jensen


Trailer Gallery


100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era



The Invisible Man (1933)

Claude Rains delivers a remarkable performance in his screen debut as a mysterious doctor who discovers a serum that makes him invisible. Covered by bandages and dark glasses, Rains arrives at a small English village and attempts to hide his amazing discover. But the same drug which rends him invisible slowly drives him to commit acts of unspeakable terror.



Based on H.G. Well' classic novel and direct by the master of macabre James Whale, The Invisible Man no only fueled a host of sequels but features some special effects that are still imitated today.



The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

One of the most popular horror classics of all time and an acclaimed sequel to the original Frankenstein. The legendary Boris Karloff reprises his role as the screen's most understood monster who now longs for a mate of his own. Colin Clive is back as the overly ambitious Dr. Frankenstein, who creates the ill-faed bride (Elsa Lanchester).



Directed by the original's James Whale (his last horror film) and featuring a haunting musical score, The Bride of Frankenstein ranks as one of the finest films not only of the genre, but for all time.



BONUS FEATURES:


She's Alive! Creating The Bride of Frankenstein



The Bride of Frankenstein Archive



Feature Commentary with Scott MacQueen


Trailer Gallery


100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics



The Wolf Man (1941)

Upon the death of his brother, Larry Talbot returns from America to his ancestral home in Wales. He visits a gypsy camp with village girl Jenny Williams, who is attacked by Bela, a gypsy who has turned into a werewolf. Larry kills the werewolf but is bitten during the fight.



Bela's mother tells him that this will cause him to become a werewolf at each full moon. Larry confesses his plight to his unbelieving father, Sir John, who then joins the villagers in a hunt for the wolf. Larry, transformed by the full moon, heads for the forest and a fateful meeting with both Sir John and Gwen.



BONUS FEATURES:




Monster by Moonlight



The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth



Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.



He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce



The Wolf Man Archives



Trailer Gallery



100 Years of Universal: The Lot



Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver


Phantom of the Opera (1943)

This spectacular retelling of Gaston Leroux's immortal horror tale stars Claude Rains as the masked phantom of the Paris opera house - a crazed composer who schemes to make a beautiful young soprano (Susanna Foster) the star of the opera company and wreak revenge on those who stole his music. Nelson Eddy, the heroic baritone, tries to win the affections of Foster as he tracks down the disfigured "monster" who has begun murdering those who resist his mad demands. This lavish production remains a masterpiece not only of the genre, but for all time.



Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) - 2D & 3D

Scientists drug and capture the creature, who becomes enamored with the head scientist's female assistant (Julie Adams). The lonely creature, "a living amphibious missing link," escapes and kidnaps the object of his affection.



Chief scientist (Richard Carlson) then launches a crusade to rescue his assistant ans cast the ominous creature back to the depths from where he came. Well-acted and directed, and with Bud Westmore's brilliantly designed monster, Creature From The Black Lagoon remains an enduring tribute to the imaginative genius of its Hollywood creators.