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post #31 of 132
7/6/06 at 11:29am

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

DVD TIMES did state "Legacy Series" which leads me to assume that Dracula and Frankenstein will be the other two titles newly released as part of the Legacy Series after Double Indemnity. This practice might be a follow-up to last year's wave of Legacy Series titles released in one year. However I do hope that Universal stop re-releasing the same old titles again. All Quiet on the Western Front newly restored with the silent version as an extra and Touch of Evil with the Original Theatrical Version INCLUDED!!! But of course, it's only Universal
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post #32 of 132
7/6/06 at 12:44pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

So it looks like we have to buy two copies of this in order to have "Son Of Dracula", "House Of Dracula" and "Dracula's Daughter" as well as "Son Of Frankenstein", "House Of Frankenstein", "Brides Of Frankenstein" and "Ghost Of Frankenstein"?

Why couldn't Universal have just reissued these franchise films together under one package in the Legacy Series with the new added extras alongside the old ones and the updated transfers?

What's gonna happen with the other Universal classic monster movies?
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post #33 of 132
7/6/06 at 2:38pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

Quote:
What's gonna happen with the other Universal classic monster movies?

You're going to have to wait until they're 75 years old
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post #34 of 132
7/6/06 at 5:24pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

I think they should reissue all the titles under the new Legacy series.


The new restored prints, all the franchise films reissued on DVD 9's.. either cheaply compiled as Universal is so keen at doing or individually at lower cost.. all the extras, docus, etc... and lose the horrible clear green box packaging and give us proper keepcases or the Legacy set packaging with original artwork.

I think this is kind of lame, but leave it to Universal to not foresee any of this and do things backwards.


I mean these are already 2-disc sets, how much do you want to bet that only a small portion of each will be put to use.. why not just include an extra disc and do this right by giving us ALL the films and without error this time.
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post #35 of 132
7/6/06 at 6:43pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

Unless they're doing some sort of 4k ultra resolution restoration or something, I have no reason to buy these movies again. Twice is enough. I don't think I've ever triple-dipped, and I'm not starting now.

But.... yeah, if it's some sort of brilliant restoration job, I might be tempted.
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post #36 of 132
7/6/06 at 6:53pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

Quote:
However, there's the excellent 2-disc Milestone release of The Phantom of the Opera

Sorry Patrick , I have to disagree with you on that one..

Actually, the transfer and conversion of the 1929/1930 GEH print is terrible. The windowboxing is appreciable, but motion artifacting on that version is appalling. Scott MacQueen's commentary is excellent, as is the inclusion of the 16mm show-at-home 1925 general release version. The recovered/intercut soundtrack for the sound reissue is painful to listen to for two reasons - the voice work is terrible, and the track had to be slowed down (it was intended for 24fps projection) to match the silent speed pacing of the film as presented on the DVD, even though the opening credits (minus the lantern man, BTW) and Carlotta's performance are 24fps insertions.
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post #37 of 132
7/6/06 at 8:11pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

A long time ago (in the early days of DVD, when Universal did their first monster series), I worked for a video store and at the sales meeting, asked the Universal rep if they'd be including the 3D Creature from the Black Lagoon. She laughed and said no.

I've seen Frankenstein so many times, I doubt a new transfer (even a real pretty one) would impress me, but I do wish they'd crack down and try to find the lost footage from BRIDE. The film's always felt short to me.
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post #38 of 132
7/6/06 at 11:24pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

From the Digital Bits: cover art is over there too.

"Here's some cool news for you classic monster fans... Universal has just announced plans to release new 2-disc 75th Anniversary Legacy Editions of both its original Dracula and Frankenstein on DVD on 9/26 (SRP $26.98). The new editions will include the digitally remastered films in their original full frame (1.33:1) with Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono audio. Extras are set to include documentaries, feature-length audio commentaries and more TBA. We'll post additional details as they come in."
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post #39 of 132
7/7/06 at 1:47am
Thread Starter 

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

Note the art update at DVD Times and that phrase 'all-new bonus materials...'
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post #40 of 132
7/7/06 at 2:40am

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

They also boast a "stunning digitally remastered picture".
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post #41 of 132
7/7/06 at 2:47am
Thread Starter 

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Karlosi
They also boast a "stunning digitally remastered picture".

Well, to quote Mandy Rice-Davies, they would wouldn't they? I'd be more confident if that was prefaced by 'new'.
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post #42 of 132
7/7/06 at 3:35am

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

If you really want to be pedantic, Universal won't be tinting DRACULA green, as originally seen in 1931. You can, of course, remedy this by holding up a green filter in front of your eyes throughout the film.
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post #43 of 132
7/7/06 at 5:20am

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

I have to say that I absolutely love the artwork.

That said, I'm still waiting for details before I'll double-dip.
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post #44 of 132
7/7/06 at 5:39am

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

I thought Frankenstein was the one that was tinted green, and only on a few prints because Universal found that while it made the monster look good, it made everyone else look horrible!
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post #45 of 132
7/7/06 at 6:18am

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric Peterson
I have to say that I absolutely love the artwork.

So do I.....I especially love the Dracula one - absolutely stunning. Seeing as I have the original release of Dracula only, I might have to seriously consider picking both these titles up - provided they are NOT DVD-18s.....if they are, then no thanks.
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post #46 of 132
7/7/06 at 7:51am

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

I hope this question doesn't annoy anyone, but I have to ask...

Any word on whether these will also be released on HD DVD?
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post #47 of 132
7/7/06 at 10:46am

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

I haven't picked up any of the monster titles yet but I guess I should just pick up the Monster Legacy sets then cuz they have all the movies on it, right?
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post #48 of 132
7/7/06 at 1:57pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

IIRC Frankenstein and Dracula were on a HD DVD list of things in the works released (leaked?) long ago but no firm dates were provided. It wouldn't be out of the question since Universal does like to milk these films. Frankenstein could look pretty good, I'd think, but since there are no good source materials for Dracula I'm not sure what the point is.
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post #49 of 132
7/7/06 at 6:43pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric Emma
I haven't picked up any of the monster titles yet but I guess I should just pick up the Monster Legacy sets then cuz they have all the movies on it, right?


Apparently you should...
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post #50 of 132
7/8/06 at 2:51pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

Quote:
I thought Frankenstein was the one that was tinted green, and only on a few prints because Universal found that while it made the monster look good, it made everyone else look horrible!

Both films were tinted green.
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post #51 of 132
7/10/06 at 2:03am

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

If the Legacy Edition of The Dearhunter is any indication, I will be passing on these sets. Although the 1st disc with the film is very good, the second disc with the "extras" are a joke.
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post #52 of 132
7/10/06 at 10:00am

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

I keep picking up the Legacy Sets at the store and always end up putting them back. Guess they'll stay that way for a while more...
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post #53 of 132
7/10/06 at 4:05pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

if Universal wanted to really do this right, this years legacy series releases would be day to day HD releases of the same, want to sell me theses again for the 3 time do it that way, a full restoration on both, with all the original extras , plus what they have for the new releases, everyone keeps asking about the HD release anyhow, and none of the studios have really done a true catalog title that way yet, want to see if the new medium will take off , somone needs to start it.
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post #54 of 132
7/11/06 at 1:29am

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Larry Sutliff
I hope this question doesn't annoy anyone, but I have to ask...

Any word on whether these will also be released on HD DVD?

these two were on the list on the MS site (the same list that also had all of the recently announced Universal August and Sept titles, as well as Sin City 2...so take that how you will.

OOps- didn't see that mark had already answered. Yeah, in the case of Dracula I'm not sure I understand the point either.

I agree the covers are nice. I like 'em better than the legacy collections, but those were a bountiful steal considering the price.
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post #55 of 132
7/12/06 at 12:53pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

Specs updated and menus added at DVD Times:

Frankenstein (75th Anniversary Edition)

Disc 1: Main Feature
1.33:1 Full Frame
English DD2.0 Mono
English SDH, French & Spanish subtitles
Karloff: The Gentle Monster
Monster Tracks
Audio Commentary with Rudy Behlmer
Audio Commentary with Historian Sir Christopher Frayling

Disc 2: Extra Features
Universal Horror
The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster
Frankenstein Archives
Boo! A Short Film
Theatrical Trailer

Dracula (75th Anniversary Edition)

Disc 1: Main Feature
1.33:1 Full Frame
English DD2.0 Mono
English SDH, French & Spanish subtitles
Audio Commentary with Film Historian David J. Skal
Audio Commentary with Steve Haberman, Screenwriter of “Dracula: Dead and Loving It”
Score by Philip Glass performed by The Kornos Quartet
Lugosi: The Dark Prince
The Road to Dracula
Monster Tracks

Disc 2: Extra Features
Dracula (1931) Spanish Version
Introduction to the Spanish Version by Lupita Tovar Kohner
Universal Horror
Poster Montage
Theatrical Trailer
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post #56 of 132
7/12/06 at 1:01pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

DRACULA needs to look better. It is a classic. The first DVD looks dreadful...
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post #57 of 132
7/12/06 at 1:22pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

There is supposed to be a really nice 35mm print of DRACULA that toured the country with Phillip Glass and his score of the film. I wish Uni would give us a hi-def remaster from that source material...
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post #58 of 132
7/12/06 at 1:37pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

YES! The Universal Horror documentary will be on the Frankenstein's 2nd disc. This is now a must-buy for me.
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post #59 of 132
7/12/06 at 2:45pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

But wait --- are we sure that this "Universal Horror" indicated as an extra is actually the Kevin Brownlow documentary that was shown on TCM? Is there confirmation on this?

http://www.greenbriarpictureshows.blogspot.com/
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post #60 of 132
7/12/06 at 3:01pm

Re: Universal Monsters; 75th Anniversary releases, Karloff and Chaney Collections?

Larry, that would be hella-cool!

I've never seen this film the way it should look.

d
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