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Universal Horror for 2009.............. - Page 3

post #61 of 101
6/19/09 at 12:29pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

THE MAN WHO RECLAIMED HIS HEAD was remade as STRANGE CONFESSION (1945).one of the "Inner Sanctum" mysteries released on dvd.
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post #62 of 101
6/19/09 at 2:03pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

A lot of films on my list are really not horror films, but murder mysteries or historical dramas, like HOUSE OF SEVEN GABLES. I just wanted a good excuse to get THE MAN WHO RECLAIMED HIS HEAD on DVD.

And Joe, I don't think you have anything to worry about as far as the Universal owned materials on these lesser seen films. I know a couple of people at Universal that are doing film preservation on the library and they say virtually all of them they have original nitrate and they are preserving them on safety film Unlike Warners, but like Columbia, they are working through the entire library and not dependent of video releases.
Some good news is TCM has licensed the Universal library, or a good chunk of it, for broadcast next year on a more regular basis. Sort of like the Columbia titles showing on TCM now. So, hopefully we will get good prints and transfers even if they aren't released on DVD.
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post #63 of 101
6/20/09 at 4:30am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nebiroth
If you look beyond r1 the ones I have marked in bold are available.


Why are there STILL people that have not got a region free player? It is rather stupid not to get it when so much good stuff are on R2.
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post #64 of 101
6/20/09 at 2:27pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Well, I know that some people for one reason or another just don't like the idea of "foreign" discs; then there's the "PAL speedup"....

though to be honest, I find it completely bizarre that anyone would deny themselves what are generally excellent copies of greast films. They are way better than having none at all.
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post #65 of 101
6/20/09 at 3:50pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nebiroth
Well, I know that some people for one reason or another just don't like the idea of "foreign" discs; then there's the "PAL speedup"....

though to be honest, I find it completely bizarre that anyone would deny themselves what are generally excellent copies of greast films. They are way better than having none at all.

And there is software that will remove the PAL speedup, slowing the films down to a proper 24 fps with properly pitched sound and give a result that is progressively encoded, but whatever.... :-)
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post #66 of 101
6/20/09 at 6:44pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

I know that it is not considered a Universal Horror, but a release of Cobra Woman would be great.
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post #67 of 101
6/20/09 at 8:09pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck Pennington
And there is software that will remove the PAL speedup, slowing the films down to a proper 24 fps with properly pitched sound and give a result that is progressively encoded, but whatever.... :-)
Actually, I wasn't aware of this. You can somehow get this running on a region-free consumer playback deck?
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post #68 of 101
6/21/09 at 4:14am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
Originally Posted by John Morgan
And Joe, I don't think you have anything to worry about as far as the Universal owned materials on these lesser seen films. I know a couple of people at Universal that are doing film preservation on the library and they say virtually all of them they have original nitrate and they are preserving them on safety film Unlike Warners, but like Columbia, they are working through the entire library and not dependent of video releases.

This is great to hear, John. And you have to wonder why'd they go through the trouble unless they're thinking of making them available to see in some way.

Quote:
Some good news is TCM has licensed the Universal library, or a good chunk of it, for broadcast next year on a more regular basis. Sort of like the Columbia titles showing on TCM now. So, hopefully we will get good prints and transfers even if they aren't released on DVD.

Excellent. I'd take a TCM airing over nothing, that's for sure.
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post #69 of 101
6/21/09 at 5:06am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

As Bride of Frankenstein is being remade, we can look forward to a polished new Legacy SE at some point, for sure.

Bride of Frankenstein comes to life--The Hollywood Reporter: Risky Business
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post #70 of 101
6/21/09 at 11:17am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

I'm looking forward to Universal's Mediocrity Collection, including such gems as THE MAD GHOUL and CURUCU, BEAST OF THE AMAZON.
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post #71 of 101
6/21/09 at 5:13pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
I'm looking forward to Universal's Mediocrity Collection, including such gems as THE MAD GHOUL

Bite your tongue!

Quote:
I'm looking forward to Universal's Mediocrity Collection, including such gems as CURUCU, BEAST OF THE AMAZON.

I think you may be on to something with this one.
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post #72 of 101
6/21/09 at 5:20pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Actually, I think THE MAD GHOUL is a pretty good Universal horror that is not in a series. Not up to MAN MADE MONSTER or NIGHT MONSTER, but still a pretty good film.
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post #73 of 101
6/21/09 at 5:32pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
Originally Posted by John Morgan
Actually, I think THE MAD GHOUL is a pretty good Universal horror that is not in a series. Not up to MAN MADE MONSTER or NIGHT MONSTER, but still a pretty good film.


Same here. A very good George Zucco performance, nice musical score, good monster makeup, dreamy Evelyn Ankers...what's not to like?
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post #74 of 101
6/21/09 at 8:42pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

That it's boring? Just my opinion...

The sad thing is that if Universal does put out another set, it's NOT going to be the Paramount stuff, which I understand they don't have new masters on, but the really bottom-of-the-barrel Universal material.
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post #75 of 101
6/22/09 at 4:06am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Well Jack, I don't think everything remaining on that list is "bottom of the barrel". I join a couple of others in saying I enjoy THE MAD GHOUL, too. I would love to get JUNGLE WOMAN, THE JUNGLE CAPTIVE, and HOUSE OF HORRORS among others.

Of course everyone is entitled to his opinion, but I'm just saying that I don't think it helps matters any to denounce these remining titles and plant such a seed in Universal's mind.
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post #76 of 101
6/22/09 at 5:10am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Theakston
That it's boring? Just my opinion...

The sad thing is that if Universal does put out another set, it's NOT going to be the Paramount stuff, which I understand they don't have new masters on, but the really bottom-of-the-barrel Universal material.

I can't say for other Paramount titles, but several years ago Universal did preservation work on TERROR ABOARD, and that hasnt' showed up on video or cable to my knowledge.
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post #77 of 101
6/22/09 at 7:14am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
Of course everyone is entitled to his opinion, but I'm just saying that I don't think it helps matters any to denounce these remining titles and plant such a seed in Universal's mind.

I hardly think Universal cares about what Jack Theakston thinks about their crummy programmers and if they release them. If they're going to put them out, they're going to put them out despite what I say. And if my lofty opinions DO carry any weight: note to Universal-- don't bother with the garbage and start releasing the Paramount product you own, or at least actually GOOD Universal programmers like DESTINATION UNKNOWN, THE CROSBY CASE, and THE LAST WARNING.

Quote:
I can't say for other Paramount titles, but several years ago Universal did preservation work on TERROR ABOARD, and that hasnt' showed up on video or cable to my knowledge.

Universal's film library does a wonderful job on their preservation and restorations. However, the home video department is a totally different department all together.
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post #78 of 101
6/22/09 at 7:40am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
That it's boring? Just my opinion...

Maybe it's just me, but I find most of these little B flicks too short to be boring. One other thing I like about THE MAD GHOUL: that last shot of Zucco in the graveyard. Worth seeing just for that!
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post #79 of 101
6/22/09 at 7:58am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Theakston
I hardly think Universal cares about what Jack Theakston thinks about their crummy programmers and if they release them. If they're going to put them out, they're going to put them out despite what I say. And if my lofty opinions DO carry any weight: note to Universal-- don't bother with the garbage and start releasing the Paramount product you own, or at least actually GOOD Universal programmers like DESTINATION UNKNOWN, THE CROSBY CASE, and THE LAST WARNING.

And Universal -- please do not forget -- that one man's "garbage" is another man's treasure.
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post #80 of 101
6/22/09 at 8:57am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fabian Kusch
zonadvd usually links to dvdgo.com, where I purchased all my Spanish DVD up to now.

Recently though the dvdgo site has been relauched and has some serious problems processing orders - if the site is up at all.

In the meantime I recommend ordering at:

www.fnac.es

or

www.moviesdistribucion.com

As to my knowledge both retailers ship outside of Spain but are much slower than dvdgo.

Volumen 2 can also be bought at ebay.

Too bad they're so expensive -- it would cost something like $130 or more to import both of these after the exchange rate and shipping costs. Guess I'll wait for a domestic release, if it ever happens
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post #81 of 101
6/22/09 at 9:41am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

It's all about nostalgia to me. I remember when THE MAD GHOUL first came on television when I was still in single digits ... and how much I looked forward to it all week ... and how much fun it was to watch on a late Saturday night.

That's why I'd like to have it on DVD -- to bring back those memories, not because it's a good movie.

And that's not to say it's bad, either. It's what it was supposed to be -- something to watch for an hour in 1943 as a co-feature with "Son of Dracula," and then forget about. They never dreamed anyone would still be discussing it 66 years later, much less wanting it on DVD.

Personally, I'd like another Universal set with "The Mad Ghoul," "The Mad Doctor of Market Street," "House of Horrors," "Jungle Captive" and "The Spider Woman Strikes Back." Come on, Universal, you can't deprive the fans of something like that!
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post #82 of 101
6/22/09 at 9:41am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Theakston
I'm looking forward to Universal's Mediocrity Collection, including such gems as THE MAD GHOUL and CURUCU, BEAST OF THE AMAZON.

and

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Karlosi
Of course everyone is entitled to his opinion, but I'm just saying that I don't think it helps matters any to denounce these remining titles and plant such a seed in Universal's mind.

"plant such a seed"?!? Jesus H. Christ, gimme a break! Mr. Karlosi, I'm not targeting you personally, but your quote is just one of many that shows an inflated sense of importance that one guy's opinion on an internet message board is going to have on a major studio. Heck, let's say I'm wrong; we'll still never know which opinion was "the straw that broke the camel's back" in terms of a studio deciding whether or not to release a title.

"Universal's Mediocrity Collection" Again I say, Chee-rist! It's funny, fer gawd's sake! You know? Funny? Ha-ha? A chuckle? That sensation you get in your belly that's supposed to release tension? Humor--I beg for it, I plead for it, I prostrate myself in praise of those who practice it! Humor--it's something much more sorely needed on HTF. And Mr. Theakston's phrase was FUNNY!
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post #83 of 101
6/22/09 at 11:40am

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

At least somebody got the joke
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post #84 of 101
6/22/09 at 12:39pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Well, I was hoping for a nice DVD box set of those Technicolor Montez/Hall films, but with Arabian Nights out and Ali Baba coming soon, I guess that is not in the cards. Years ago, AMC showed these films and the color was amazingly good with then new transfers:
ARABIAN NIGHTS
WHITE SAVAGE
ALI BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES
COBRA WOMAN (my favorite too)
GYPSY WILDCAT
SUDAN

What a perfect set it would make....6 films, 2 discs, non flippers.
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post #85 of 101
6/22/09 at 1:04pm

Re: Universal stuff for 2009-2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Theakston
...or at least actually GOOD Universal programmers like DESTINATION UNKNOWN, THE CROSBY CASE, and THE LAST WARNING.

I would love these too, and would add such things as:
HALF WAY TO SHANGHAI
BOMBAY MAIL
BOMBAY CLIPPER
I STOLE A MILLION
NIGHTMARE (1942)
NORTH TO THE KLONDIKE
THE STRANGE DEATH OF ADOLF HITLER
THE SUN NEVER SETS
GREEN HELL
THE SUSPECT (1945)
THIS WOMAN IS MINE
THE WEB
THE RUNAROUND
ZANZIBAR
SUTTER'S GOLD
SAN DIEGO, I LOVE YOU

and the rest of the James Whale Universal films as well as the four Universal Olsen and Johnson films.

The Paramount's deserve their own thread.
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post #86 of 101
6/22/09 at 1:45pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

My understanding is that the Olsen and Johnson films are in rights hell.
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post #87 of 101
6/22/09 at 1:52pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
Originally Posted by BrianRi
"plant such a seed"?!? Jesus H. Christ, gimme a break! Mr. Karlosi, I'm not targeting you personally, but your quote is just one of many that shows an inflated sense of importance that one guy's opinion on an internet message board is going to have on a major studio. Heck, let's say I'm wrong; we'll still never know which opinion was "the straw that broke the camel's back" in terms of a studio deciding whether or not to release a title.

"Universal's Mediocrity Collection" Again I say, Chee-rist! It's funny, fer gawd's sake! You know? Funny? Ha-ha? A chuckle? That sensation you get in your belly that's supposed to release tension? Humor--I beg for it, I plead for it, I prostrate myself in praise of those who practice it! Humor--it's something much more sorely needed on HTF. And Mr. Theakston's phrase was FUNNY!


If you go back and check my original response, it was not written in response to Jack Theakston's "Universal's Mediocrity Collection" joke.
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post #88 of 101
6/22/09 at 1:54pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

For those that have mentioned "Svengali (1931)", it was recently included as a bonus feature on the VCI release of "Svengali (1955)".

The 1931 transfer looks MUCH better than the old Alpha edition. The URL for the Amazon listing is HERE and a review at DVD Talk is HERE.
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post #89 of 101
6/23/09 at 8:07am

THE MAD GHOUL (1943)!!!!!!

THE MAD GHOUL (1943) is a competently produced and entertaining effort coming from the "middle" 1940s period of Universal Pictures B-film doublebill programmer output.

It's somewhat (truly) grisly (albeit tastefully done) premise of a young zombified medical student (David Bruce) forced by a deranged scientist (George Zucco) to surgically remove the hearts of their intended victims is remarkably guite strong fare for its time to be sure.

One of the most effective moments is the (unexpected) murder of the over-inquistive (and negligently careless) newspaper reporter "Scoop" McGuire (Robert Armstrong).

Fortunately the always arrogantly egocentrical George Zucco not only pays for his misdeeds in THE MAD GHOUL (1943) but later in HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1944) as well when the dastardly scoundrel meets his match in Boris Karloff and J. Carrol Naish!

I certainly wouldn't rank it with Universal's less memorable horror films of the period.

I welcome its (eventual?!) release on DVD.

Jeff T.
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post #90 of 101
6/23/09 at 2:25pm

Re: Universal Horror for 2009..............

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Karlosi
Well Jack, I don't think everything remaining on that list is "bottom of the barrel". I join a couple of others in saying I enjoy THE MAD GHOUL, too. I would love to get JUNGLE WOMAN, THE JUNGLE CAPTIVE, and HOUSE OF HORRORS among others.

Of course everyone is entitled to his opinion, but I'm just saying that I don't think it helps matters any to denounce these remining titles and plant such a seed in Universal's mind.

I wasn't really denouncing those films, but it's understandable why they haven't been released. They're unfamiliar and likely have limited cult appeal, even among the sort of people who used to scour TV listings for old horror films. On the other hand, the ones I listed from the 60s and 70s were shown on TV quite a lot in the 80s and 90s and have more of a built-in audience. For example, THE SATAN BUG stills airs occasionally on cable and has a cast loaded with familiar character actors. One would think a film like that or a Vincent Price picture would be a more likely candidate for release than THE JUNGLE CAPTIVE or THE MAD GHOUL.
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