WB Legends of Horror Collection - Page 2

Michael Elliott · 06-24-2006, 04:30 AM

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The announcement says nothing of the kind. It says, as you emphasized, that Doctor X will be "presented in its rare two-strip Technicolor version". Which is the same version previously released on VHS and laserdisc. It says zero about the alternate black&white version being included.

Although copies are out there, I've never seen the "alternate" version of DR. X. From a post at another board, apparently, apart from the color, most of the scenes are the exact same takes, although I think someone said there are a few alternate shots during the finale. It's really no big deal if this version isn't included but perhaps the alternate takes could be added as an extra.

Joe Karlosi · 06-24-2006, 05:49 AM

Although we assume that MASK OF FU MANCHU is the unedited version, is there anything specifying this in the official announcement?

Jim Peavy · 06-24-2006, 09:43 AM

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Originally Posted by Joe Karlosi

Although we assume that MASK OF FU MANCHU is the unedited version, is there anything specifying this in the official announcement?

Since the uncut version's been the standard some time (on the VHS and shown on TCM) I can't imagine them not using it for the DVD.

Really looking forward to this set (DR. X is one of my favorites!).

Mike*HTF · 06-24-2006, 01:19 PM

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Originally Posted by Joe Karlosi

Although we assume that MASK OF FU MANCHU is the unedited version, is there anything specifying this in the official announcement?

I thought WB's answer to your great question during the last chat was pretty solid:

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Virtually every movie you named will be out before year's end. ...and we found original camera neg on both MARK OF THE VAMPIRE and MASK OF FU MANCHU (thought destroyed), The restorations are stunning! Lots to look forward to. What doesn't come this year will be in next year's schedule. Enjoy! ...and yes FU MANCHU has the censored scenes put back in!

JeffMc · 06-24-2006, 02:02 PM

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Originally Posted by Jim Peavy

Since the uncut version's been the standard some time (on the VHS and shown on TCM) I can't imagine them not using it for the DVD.

Actually, the old VHS release from MGM-UA was the censored print. TCM does show the uncut version with the restored scenes in slightly worse shape than the rest of the film. It will be great to see this newly restored print from the original negative!

Joe Karlosi · 06-24-2006, 05:13 PM

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Originally Posted by Mike*HTF

I thought WB's answer to your great question during the last chat was pretty solid:

Whoa! I forgot how precise their answer had been to my question!

Thanks for reminding me, Mike; I also got the other answer, where they assure us that the rest of the titles I asked about would come in next year's batch! How quickly I forget!

John Hodson · 07-05-2006, 02:28 PM

Full details and art at DVD Times.

Mike*HTF · 07-05-2006, 04:28 PM

They could practically wrap these films in a plastic bag and I'd buy them but I'm not really wild about the cover. It just seems kind of...Universal-ish.

Mario Gauci · 07-05-2006, 05:25 PM

I don't suppose it'll do any good at this stage but I feel I need to show my disappointment with the way these films have been coupled together.

Wouldn't it have made much more sense to put the two Tod Browning films together? It's not like those that will eventually be buying this set don't know who he was or that they need TWO great horror stars on ONE disc (my words) to entice them in grabbing it, is it?

And am I the only one who thinks it's foolish that in a double-feature disc, the more recent of the two films is put first? I know one can always choose which one to play first but it's the cover I'm thinking of. By the way, the same applies for Box Sets.

Besides, the more I think of it, the more I believe that it would have been a better idea had THE MASK OF FU MANCHU (1932) been paired with THE WALKING DEAD (1936) and MAD LOVE (1935) with THE BEAST WITH FIVE FINGERS (1946). Surely, it couldn't have been that much of a stress on the brain cells to come up with such a combination

!!

But, ultimately, I don't want to come off as ungrateful to Warners' efforts and, even if I'm familiar with all 6 movies already, I'll grab this essential set come Halloween...

Jeff_HR · 07-05-2006, 06:34 PM

I can finally get rid of my LD set.

Joe Karlosi · 07-06-2006, 08:09 AM

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Originally Posted by Mario Gauci

Besides, the more I think of it, the more I believe that it would have been a better idea had THE MASK OF FU MANCHU (1932) been paired with THE WALKING DEAD (1936) and MAD LOVE (1935) with THE BEAST WITH FIVE FINGERS (1946). Surely, it couldn't have been that much of a stress on the brain cells to come up with such a combination

!!

But, ultimately, I don't want to come off as ungrateful to Warners' efforts and, even if I'm familiar with all 6 movies already, I'll grab this essential set come Halloween...

Oh, I'll be grabbing it too --- so fast that your head will spin!

But still, I can relate to what you've said 100%, Mario. It was a big oversight not including THE WALKING DEAD (with Boris Karloff) and THE BEAST WITH FIVE FINGERS (with Peter Lorre). Following is the perfect way to co-feature these films, and if also released separately, fans could pick and choose the double features they want:

The Mask of Fu Manchu/The Walking Dead (Karloff Double Feature)
Mad Love/The Beast WIth Five Fingers (Peter Lorre Double Feature)
Doctor X/Return of Dr. X (Dr. X Double Feature)
Mark of the Vampire/The Devil Doll (Tod Browning Double Feature)

Perfect.