While the classic Universal monster films such as 1931’s Dracula with Bela Lugosi were way before my time, they’re still a nice part of my childhood as I grew up watching a lot of these films on TV back in the day. It’s good to know that these movies can be found in one massive set in the Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan or a newcomer to these classics, as you’ll have a fang-tastic time regardless.
While it’s sad that Universal’s reboot of the monster films didn’t turn out so well, those who have waited and wanted to see just how good these classic films can look and sound will be pleased with this massive 24-disc Blu-ray set. All of the Universal monster movies are here just in time to get ready for Halloween or your next binge watch day. Ranging from 1931’s Dracula all the way up to 1956’s The Creature Walks Among Us, these 30 films will keep you enthralled, entertained, and most of all, creeped out in a good way as you make your way through them.
For those curious as to the full listing of films included, here they are:
Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), The Mummy (1932), The Invisible Man (1933), The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Werewolf of London (1935), Dracula’s Daughter (1936), Son of Frankenstein (1939), The Invisible Man Returns (1940), The Invisible Woman (1940), The Mummy’s Hand (1940), The Wolf Man (1941), The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942), The Mummy’s Ghost (1942), The Mummy’s Tomb (1942), Invisible Agent (1942), Phantom of the Opera (1943), Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943), Son of Dracula (1943), House of Frankenstein (1944), The Mummy’s Curse (1944), The Invisible Man’s Revenge (1944), House of Dracula (1945), She-Wolf of London (1946), Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951), Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955), Revenge of the Creature (1955), and The Creature Walks Among Us (1956)
Most are sure to laugh at the special effects and camera tricks used in these films when compared to modern day effects, but these movies did some impressive techniques that shaped special effects into what they are today. More importantly are the legendary stars that brought these iconic characters to life, such as Bela Lugosi as Dracula, Boris Karloff as the Mummy, and Lon Chaney Jr. as the Wolfman who helped push character acting and acting in general to new levels during these early years of cinema. The make-up used on them was also pretty awesome for its time and still looks amazing after all these years.
Another thing that’s amazing is how clean and clear the picture and audio is on these, thanks to the films being in 1080p high definition with Dolby HD audio to match. The only hiccup of this movies is that Universal had initially put the two Black Lagoon monster films on one disc instead of giving each its own, resulting in 720p presentations for both films. Thankfully Universal is handing out replacement discs for those who call or email them to get the optimal experience.
As if this collection wasn’t epic enough, there’s some pretty sweet special features included as well, starting with a 48-Page collectible book that showcases pictures and notes from the movies that any collector will love. Then there’s awesome extras such as behind the scenes documentaries and featurettes that give us classic cast and crew interviews, film buffs and historians giving their takes on the films, and more. Then there’s cool stuff such as the 1931 Spanish version of Dracula and a few of the films having a 3D version included in the set as well.
I could go on about how great this set of films are and the amazing special features included, but you’ll want to do yourself a favor and pick up the Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection for yourself and discover the monster magic these legendary movies have. Anyone young or old will want to get bitten by these films and have a howling good time with this massive set.
