- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
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- Robert Harris
I've had a chance to take examine Warner's new release of both the 1932 (Paramount) and 1941 M-G-M Jekyll and Hydes.
Both are beautifully rendered, but while I would fully expect this of the Tracy version, I would not of the Mamoulian as rights (and film materials) were transferred from one studio to another.
The 1932 version was unavailable for decades, and when available, only in the shorter 82 minute version. While still not completely uncut the 97 minute version presented here is the finest quality that I've seen on the title.
Of the two versions, I personally find the Mamoulian to be of more interest. A pioneer of both early sound and camera movement, this version, while not in the same league budgetarily of the later is the more cinematic of the two.
Fortunately, the decision has been made for those interested in adding either to their libraries, as for $14 the disc offers both.
One interesting comparison to be made is the '32 Jekyll vs. the '31 Dracula. While one, some seven decades later, still has a cinematic brilliance, the other, although a classic, seems ancient by comparison.
These were the talents of Mr. Mamoulian.
RAH
Both are beautifully rendered, but while I would fully expect this of the Tracy version, I would not of the Mamoulian as rights (and film materials) were transferred from one studio to another.
The 1932 version was unavailable for decades, and when available, only in the shorter 82 minute version. While still not completely uncut the 97 minute version presented here is the finest quality that I've seen on the title.
Of the two versions, I personally find the Mamoulian to be of more interest. A pioneer of both early sound and camera movement, this version, while not in the same league budgetarily of the later is the more cinematic of the two.
Fortunately, the decision has been made for those interested in adding either to their libraries, as for $14 the disc offers both.
One interesting comparison to be made is the '32 Jekyll vs. the '31 Dracula. While one, some seven decades later, still has a cinematic brilliance, the other, although a classic, seems ancient by comparison.
These were the talents of Mr. Mamoulian.
RAH