Universal's Classic Monsters Wave 1 Blu-rays

The ever popular Universal Monsters will receive individual Blu-ray releases following a box set that included all of the famous monsters last year. The first wave of the releases begins in June, with Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Mummy, The Invisible Man and the Phantom of the Opera.

Creature from the Black Lagoon

Synopsis: Perfectly blending Universal's classic monster heritage with the science-fiction explosion of the 1950s, Creature from the Black Lagoon tells the mythical story of a dangerous half-human, half-fish creature lurking in the depths of the Amazon. After discovering a unique prehistoric claw fossil on an expedition deep in the jungle, archaeologists investigate its origins which lead them directly to a mysterious creature. Led by marine life specialist David Reed (Richard Carlson), the men try to capture the monster who has become obsessed with David's assistant, Kay (Julia Adams). Originally released in 3D, this thrilling adventure inspired sequels, TV series and more that continue to strengthen the monster's legacy to this day.

The Blu-ray edition of Creature from the Black Lagoon features 3D and 2D presentations of the film, a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track and the following extras:

• Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver 
• Back to the Black Lagoon 
• Production Photographs 
• Trailer Gallery 
• 100 Years of Universal: The Lot 

The Mummy

Synopsis: The Mummy features horror icon Boris Karloff in a legendary performance as the Egyptian Imhotep who is accidentally revived by a team of archaeologists after 3,700 years. Imhotep was once a high priest, embalmed alive for trying to revive the vestal virgin whom he loved after she had been sacrificed. Alive again, he sets out on an obsessive and deadly quest to find his lost love. Featuring groundbreaking makeup by Jack Pierce and artful direction by Karl Freud to achieve a mysterious atmosphere, this terrifying classic inspired countless sequels, spoofs and spin-offs that continue to fuel the legacy of the monster to this day.

The Blu-ray edition of The Mummy features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track and the following extras:

• Feature Commentary with Makeup Artist Rick Baker, Filmmaker Scott Essman, Screenwriter and Film Historian Steve Haberman, Sculpture Studio Owner Brent Armstrong and Collector Bob Burns 
• Feature Commentary with Film Historian Paul M. Jensen 
• Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed 
• He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce 
• Unraveling The Legacy of The Mummy 
• The Mummy Archives 
• Trailer Gallery 
• 100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era

The Invisible Man

Synopsis: The signature adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel of the same name stars Claude Rains as a mysterious scientist who discovers a serum that turns him invisible. Covered by bandages and dark glasses, the scientist arrives at a small English village and attempts to hide his amazing discovery. He soon discovers, however, that the same drug which renders him invisible is slowly driving him insane and making him capable of committing unspeakable acts of terror. Directed by James Whale, the horror classic features groundbreaking special effects by John P. Fulton that inspired many of the techniques that are still used today.

The Blu-ray edition of The Invisible Man features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track and the following extras:

• Feature Commentary with Film Historian Rudy Behlmer 
• Now You See Him: The Invisible Man Revealed 
• Production Photographs 
• Trailer Gallery 
• 100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters

Phantom of the Opera

Synopsis: One of the most popular stories of all time, Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera is the legendary horror tale of the masked Phantom of the Paris Opera House. Following a tragic accident that leaves him disfigured, crazed composer Erique Claudin (Claude Rains) transforms into a masked phantom who schemes to make beautiful young soprano Christine Dubois (Susanna Foster) the star of the opera and wreak revenge on those who stole his music. A heroic baritone (Nelson Eddy) tries to win the affections of Christine as he tracks down the disfigured "monster" who has begun murdering those who resist his mad demands. Inspired by the original 1925 silent film, this lavish Technicolor production remains one of the most unforgettable adaptations ever to be filmed. 

The Blu-ray edition of Phantom of the Opera features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track and the following extras: 

• Feature Commentary with Film Historian Scott MacQueen 
• The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked 
• Production Photographs 
• 100 Years of Universal: The Lot