- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 19,041
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
A perennial favorite, especially for those who grew up on the Universal monsters -- even on TV -- this 1948 horror / comedy still works on the funny bone, while bringing a few of the classic monsters back from their resting places.
While I'm not a huge fan of A & C, this one has always worked for me, and the Universal Blu-ray is a nice presentation.
While not part of the formal centenary restoration program, A & C Meet Frankenstein is hardly an old transfer. The scanning element was a composite fine grain master struck from the original negative in 2009, with some additional dirt clean-up performed for the new Blu-ray.
Generally the image has been cleaned of major problems, and while it still could have used a bit of clean-up, this is not a restored title.
The main titles are window boxed, which never thrills me, and they appear to be a generation or two away from the body of the film -- possibly something to do with the fact that they contain animation.
The Blu-ray has generally pleasing blacks, and what appears to be a full grayscale. Detail is evident, making the Blu-ray miles ahead of the older DVD -- which it should be.
At a street price of $24, it seems a bit pricey for what it is, as I place it on par with the recently discussed Rio Grande from Olive. For Olive, I can understand a higher price point being necessary, as titles are licensed. For studio product, and with the minimal amount of work that went into its release, I would have preferred to see this priced closer to $15 at street, especially as an unrestored title.
With To Kill a Mockingbird priced at $16, Harvey at $20, and Born on the Fourth at $15, I'm a bit confused as to how these are priced.
Terrific film, too expensive, and I'd love to see an end to window boxing.
Image - 3.5
Audio - 4
RAH
While I'm not a huge fan of A & C, this one has always worked for me, and the Universal Blu-ray is a nice presentation.
While not part of the formal centenary restoration program, A & C Meet Frankenstein is hardly an old transfer. The scanning element was a composite fine grain master struck from the original negative in 2009, with some additional dirt clean-up performed for the new Blu-ray.
Generally the image has been cleaned of major problems, and while it still could have used a bit of clean-up, this is not a restored title.
The main titles are window boxed, which never thrills me, and they appear to be a generation or two away from the body of the film -- possibly something to do with the fact that they contain animation.
The Blu-ray has generally pleasing blacks, and what appears to be a full grayscale. Detail is evident, making the Blu-ray miles ahead of the older DVD -- which it should be.
At a street price of $24, it seems a bit pricey for what it is, as I place it on par with the recently discussed Rio Grande from Olive. For Olive, I can understand a higher price point being necessary, as titles are licensed. For studio product, and with the minimal amount of work that went into its release, I would have preferred to see this priced closer to $15 at street, especially as an unrestored title.
With To Kill a Mockingbird priced at $16, Harvey at $20, and Born on the Fourth at $15, I'm a bit confused as to how these are priced.
Terrific film, too expensive, and I'd love to see an end to window boxing.
Image - 3.5
Audio - 4
RAH
