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- Feb 8, 1999
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- Robert Harris
Scream Factory's second foray into the works of Mr. Price is a set that I've been awaiting since the arrival of the first.
There's a special place in the hearts of those who grew up in the '60s for Mr. Corman's AIP horror/comedy series of productions -- all seven or so of them.
Looking back, it's easy to understand how they were produced, and slowly grew in budget and quality -- beginning with the first, House of Usher. Throughout, Mr. Price seemed to serve as a linch-pin.
Scream Factory's selection for a second set, doesn't stick with the AIP productions. It sets a wider scope, including some non-Corman works, from other production companies.
Of the Corman / Price films, one has always stood out for me, probably because of it's odd amalgamation of comedy and quick scares -- a perfect teen date film.
The Raven (1963), concerns a trio of completing magicians in (probably) the 13th or 14th century. The fact that the trio is played by Mr. Price, Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre, set something very special in motion for future productions. I also love the fact that the score by Les Baxter, plays for comedy.
The other true Corman / IAPs included, are The Comedy of Terrors and The Tomb of Ligeia.
Apparently not desirous of emptying the AIP well too soon, as these may be the major attractions, Scream has added to the mix, The Last Man on Earth, based upon the novel by Richard Matheson (who also penned some of the AIP screenplays), and which was also the basis for the 2007 I am Legend.
Also included are two sequels, Dr. Phibes Rises Again! and The Return of the Fly (1959), and a production licensed from the WB / Allied Artists library, House on Haunted Hill (1959).
With a blend of elements from presumably three different entities, the quality doesn't stray too far from very acceptable.
Here's a rundown on what my eyes and ears are telling me.
House on Haunted Hill - 1959 - black & white
Appears to be taken from a FGM with occasional light scratches. Nice b/w palette, with decent gray scale and good black levels.
Image - 3.75
Audio - 4.5
Return of the Fly - 1959 - black & white
Also appears to be from a FGM, and is generally good-looking, with a nice gray scale, and only occasionally blacks that send to be overly pushed.
Image - 4
Audio - 5
The Raven - 1963 - color by Pathe - directed by Mr. Corman
Slightly weak color, nice grain structure, a bit twitchy (either from the dupe or the transfer), but overall a pleasant experience.
Image - 3.5
Audio - 4.5
Comedy of Terrors - 1963 - color - directed by Jacques Tourneur ( Cat People, I Walked with a Zombie, Leopard Man, Out of the Past, Curse of the Demon)
Good color and densities. Nice grain structure.
Image - 3.75
Audio - 4.5
The Last Man on Earth - 1964 - black & white - directed by Ubaldo Ragona
An odd film that works, except shooting in Italy as the U.S. Good black & white reproduction. Occasional dirt and rubs on the element.
Image - 3.5
Audio - 4.5
Tomb of Ligeia - 1964 - color - directed by Mr. Corman - screenplay by Robert Towne
Decent color, albeit a bit weak in places - nothing special
Image - 3
Audio - 4.5
Dr. Phibes Rises Again! - 1972 - color - directed by Robert Fuest
The newest, and best looking of the bunch. Nice color, densities, grain. No problems.
Image - 4.25
Audio - 5
With two boxed sets now available, there's not only room, but a necessity for a third to bring the entire group of films together with Tales of Terror (1962), Tower of London (1962), The Oblong Box (1969), along with a few other delights.
Currently $70 on Amazon for 7 films. For me the three Cormans are worth the price of admission.
Recommended
RAH