Universal Halloween '09 Boxset / Island of Lost Souls tidbit too

[X-human]

There's been semi-confirmation about a new classic horror boxset from Universal for this Halloween, containing movies unreleased on DVD and a few not even released on VHS.

From Jim Clatterbaugh Monsters From the Vault editor, when asked for more details on Universal's next horror boxset:

Unfortunately not. As Tom [Weaver] knows if you jump the gun on spreading the info around before the studio is ready, sometimes they'll cancel the item in spite. So until I get the green light, no can do. I can tell you that since this is an exclusive there's no need to make an announcement way in advance, remember the first Universal exclusive with Best Buy a few years ago? I think they announced it two weeks before it was released. Also, I can tell you the run for the release is 5,000 and the set will include 5 films. I can also tell you that Island of Lost Souls is not part of the set. The source that is releasing the set inquired about Island of Lost Souls, but Universal told them they were planning a standalone release of that title in the future (when I have no idea). Maybe we'll get a 2-disc Legacy version of it, no one knows but Universal. Finally, as I said the intent is for the set to be released in time for Halloween, if they don't make that date I'm not sure when it will be out. I'll let you know the titles as soon as I can.

http://monsterkidclassichorrorforum....l#reply-464478

Five movie boxset and IoLS? Am I dreaming?

[scott71670]

Hopefully we'll finally see The Mad Ghoul, etc. on dvd!!

[X-human]

Universal Cult Horrors Collection
Now Accepting Advance Orders!
Five-disc set includes "Murders in the Zoo," "The Mad Doctor of Market Street," "The Strange Case of Doctor Rx," "The Mad Ghoul," and "House of Horrors."
Available: 10/15/2009
$49.99 Was $59.99

http://turnerclassic.moviesunlimited...asp?sku=D05043

A bit steep, considering Universal's recent release The Classic Sci-Fi Ultimate Collection has twice the movies from the same MSRP.

[TheCoroner]

Originally Posted by scott71670

Hopefully we'll finally see The Mad Ghoul, etc. on dvd!!

Now that would be cool

[X-human]

Official Press Release:

Turner Classic Movies & Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Team Up to Offer Made-to-Order DVDs of Rare Films

Digitally Remastered Titles Never Available Before on DVD to Include Extensive Features from TCM Archives
New Titles Available Each Quarter, Including Five Memorable Horror Titles,
Three Early Cary Grant Vehicles and a Timeless Holiday Classic
TCM to Present Special Telecasts of the Films

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and Universal Studios Home Entertainment (USHE) have entered into an extensive new partnership to offer classic movie fans rare vintage films, all digitally remastered, on DVD on a made-to-order basis. The TCM Vault Collection Presented by Universal marks USHE's first foray into the manufactured-on-demand (MOD) arena. TCM began offering MOD featuring lost titles from the RKO library.

TCM and USHE are working to remaster a number of great titles never before available on DVD, with several never available on home video at all. The first titles made available include five chilling horror films, three early Cary Grant pictures and the unsung 1940 holiday classic Remember the Night, starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray and scripted by the great Preston Sturges. The films will be made available by request on DVD via TCM.com for the first time during the fourth quarter of 2009. TCM host Robert Osborne will provide introductions for selected titles, which will also include supplemental materials compiled by TCM and extensive material from the TCM archives. In addition, TCM will present exclusive premieres of the movies over the next six months.

"Many terrific films have been unavailable on home video for far too long, especially the holiday classic Remember the Night," Osborne said. "It's wonderful that today's movie fans will be able to enjoy these rare movies. TCM and Universal have worked hard to restore them digitally and provide historical context, bonus content and behind-the-scenes information, something DVD collectors are sure to appreicate. I'm proud to be part of this great project with TCM and Universal."

For Universal, the agreement is a great way to reach avid film fans. "Universal is very proud of its prestigious collection of Hollywood screen gems," said Craig Kornblau, president, Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "Like us, TCM is deeply dedicated to honoring Hollywood 's golden age. This collaboration presents the perfect opportunity to share Universal's rich cinematic legacy and celebrate vintage works with classic film fans."

The launch of TCM /Universal DVDs will be divided into three initial releases:

Universal Cult Horror Collection (films also available as singles )

DVD Availability: Oct. 31

TCM Premiere of Murders in the Zoo: Oct. 31

Suggested Retail Price: Collection - $49.99; Individual Titles - $19.99

This collection will include five rarely seen horror gems from the Universal vault, most appearing on home video for the first time. Special features include over a hundred photos, posters and lobby cards, trivia, articles and more.

Murders in the Zoo (1933) - Censors had a heyday with this horror film about a zoologist and sportsman who uses his zoo animals to kill his wife's lovers. Lionel Atwill plays the villain, with Kathleen Burke as his wife, a young Randolph Scott as the hero and the ever lovable Charles Ruggles providing comic relief as the zoo's press agent. Among the men playing Burke's doomed lovers is John Lodge, who later left acting to enter politics, becoming governor of Vermont .

Mad Doctor of Market Street (1942) - Lionel Atwill plays a mad scientist who places people into suspended animation and then revives them. When he is accused of murder following the death of one of his subjects, he flees on a ship, becomes stranded on a tropical island and soon becomes revered as a god by the natives. Una Merkel, Nat Pendleton and Claire Dodd co-star.

The Strange Case of Dr. RX (1942) - A mysterious killer bumps off acquitted murderers who have all been represented by the same laywer, played by Samuel S. Hinds. Lionel Atwill, Patric Knowles and Anne Gwynne co-star, with Shemp Howard (on hiatus from his work with The Three Stooges) providing comic relief.

The Mad Ghoul (1943) - This creepy tale follows a mad professor, played by George Zucco, who has discovered an ancient Egyptian gas that turns anyone who sniffs it into a heart-eating zombie. David Bruce plays the doctor's assistant who gets dosed with the gas and goes on a murderous rampage. Evelyn Ankers and Robert Armstrong co-star.

House of Horrors (1946) - The legendary Rondo Hatton, whose acromegaly deformed his face and made him a frequent Hollywood villain, marked one of his last roles with this offbeat film. Martin Kosleck plays a mad artist who, after saving Hatton and making a bust of his face, uses the disfigured hulk to murder art critics. Hatton died of a heart attack the year this film was released.

Looks to be DVD-R's, which is a disappointment.

[Nailwraps]

Maybe DVD-R, but don't judge a book by it's cover.

[cazzasguy]

I have bought this set - it was rather expensive, but there will be no other way to view these films for a long time to come, if ever. There still seems to be some debate as to whether the discs are genuine DVDs but I don't really understand that. They look and feel like every other disc in my 1,300 strong collection, and reputable software has confirmed after analysis that they are not DVD-Rs so what the hell! Should you be a fan of vintage horror, particularly here in the UK where TV stations largely screen rubbish from other genres most of the time, just bite the bullet and come up with the cash. It was a real delight when The Mad Doctor of Market Street appeared on my TV screen for the first time in 30 years, and the PQ is great too.

Now, when is someone in the film industry with two brain cells or more going to decide that The Uninvited (1944), Island of Lost Souls (1932), Dante's Inferno (1935), or numerous others are worthy of a DVD release?

[rxfiend]

[QUOTE=cazzasguy;620179]I have bought this set - it was rather expensive, but there will be no other way to view these films for a long time to come, if ever. There still seems to be some debate as to whether the discs are genuine DVDs but I don't really understand that. They look and feel like every other disc in my 1,300 strong collection, and reputable software has confirmed after analysis that they are not DVD-Rs so what the hell! /QUOTE]

The easiest way to tell if it is a DVDR is to flip it upside down and you'll be able to tell right away if it's a burnt disc or not.

[cazzasguy]

Of course rxfiend, and the discs all appear to be "normal" dvds, but some people on the monsterkid.com forums (whose opinions I value a lot) believe there are DVD-R's which are almost indistinguishable from regular products.

All I can say is, you couldn't wish for better picture and sound quality from the films, and the packaging is attractive as well. Only reservation I have is about the central spindle holding three discs, but provided you take care the set should provide good entertainment for a long, long time.

Just watched The Mad Ghoul, and how better to spend 66 minutes of a weekend?! Great stuff.

[scott71670]

I have this set and the discs are absolutely not dvd-rs. I may also add that theyare packaged in a pretty neat tray system. There is one film per disc and while trailers are not included, lobby card galleries are present, as well as having each film given a trivia list and legnthy TCM essays. Really amazing stuff, but since it comes from the Vault Collection I am going to have to assume these are very limited pressings given only to Movies Unlimited and since they are not DVD-r (press on demand) that once they run out they've run out, so act quickly.

[X-human]

Originally Posted by cazzasguy

There still seems to be some debate as to whether the discs are genuine DVDs but I don't really understand that. They look and feel like every other disc in my 1,300 strong collection, and reputable software has confirmed after analysis that they are not DVD-Rs so what the hell!

Well the interesting thing is that they also can't be confirmed to be truly pressed DVDs. All verification software comes back as an "unknown format". It's possible that since DVD-Rs are a dye format, you can just change the color not the function. These may be specially manufactured.

I will be buying this regardless, hell I've bought other outright Warner Archive DVD-Rs. But unfortunately I need to be collecting a paycheck first!

hell I've bought other outright Warner Archive DVD-Rs. But unfortunately I need to be collecting a paycheck first!

[X-human]

Movies Unlimited had a free shipping sale after Christmas so I figured now or never. Just finished watching them last night. Although the extras only amount to text and a handful of photographs, they're a nice treat to a set by all rights could of been bare bones.

Transfers were very good all across the board. Nothing earth shattering mind you, but that goes both ways. These don't look like typical beta master to my eyes. Contrast and detail remained steady throughout with very little print damage.

I've done some mini-reviews of the films so I'll include those here:

Murders in the Zoo (1933)
Lionel, Tigers and Bears, oh my! Features sex, sadism, real animal attacks and murders. Kathleen Burke also brings a certain intensity to her role as well. A concise plot with a cold blooded execution. Recommend.

Mad Doctor of Market Street, The (1942)
Solid Universal effort with Lionel Atwill holding the show together with a little help from ditzy dame Una Merkel as comedy relief.

Strange Case of Doctor Rx, The (1942)
An intriguing plot which does manage to keep you guessing with all its red herrings. The lead couple play off each other well enough but Shemp and Mooreland seem to be reaching a bit too much for a gag.

Mad Ghoul, The (1943)
One of the more interesting premises, but a lackluster effort all around. A by the numbers outing from Universal.

House of Horrors (1946)
Little to recommend with this bare bones cheapie. Kosleck has some great moments, but the rest of the cast is hardly at their best with little to work with. Joan Shawlee's cheesecake modeling was the only thing keeping me going.

Ten bucks a pop isn't unreasonable for these in the boxset. I'd gladly watch all the Lionel entries again, and again, and again so I'm very happy with my purchase.

[rhett]

All that depravity for a 1933 shocker? That's some pretty perverse pedigree there. I must check it out. Thanks for the reviews, man.