Halloween Interlude: "Dracula" (1931)

I am...Dracula. I bid you...welcome.

Classic Monsters Wave 2 Blu-ray: "Dracula," "Frankenstein," "The Bride of Frankenstein" and "The Wolf Man"

The following Blu-ray releases are scheduled to drop on September 17 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Synopsis: The original Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi, launched the Hollywood horror genre and defined the iconic look and frightening character of the famed vampire. Towering ominously among the shadows of the Carpathian Mountains, Castle Dracula strikes fear in the hearts of the Transylvanian villagers below. After a naive real estate agent succumbs to the will of Count Dracula, the two head to London where the vampire hopes to stroll among respectable society by day and search for potential victims by night. The inspiration for hundreds of subsequent remakes and adaptations, this classic film directed by Tod Browning is the signature adaptation of Bram Stoker’s story with its eerie passion, shadowy atmosphere and thrilling cinematography.

Synopsis: An unforgettable masterpiece, the original Frankenstein stars Boris Karloff as the screen’s most tragic and iconic monster in what many consider to be the greatest horror film ever made. Tampering with life and death, Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) pieces together salvaged body parts to bring a human monster to life. The mad scientist’s dreams are shattered by his creation’s violent rage as the monster awakens to a world in which he is unwelcome. Featuring groundbreaking makeup by Jack Pierce, director James Whale’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece novel blends themes of horror, isolation and compassion, and remains one of the most shocking movies of all time.

Synopsis: In one of the most popular horror films of all time, The Bride of Frankenstein, Boris Karloff reprises his role as the silver screen’s most misunderstood monster who now longs for a mate. Continuing exactly where the original left off, the critically acclaimed sequel introduces Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger) as a deranged scientist who forces Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) to help him create a companion for the monster. Once again directed by James Whale and adapted from Mary Shelley’s classic novel, the sequel features outstanding makeup and special effects, instantly making the Bride of Frankenstein (Elsa Lanchester) one of the most recognizable monsters of all time.

Synopsis: “Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright." In 1941, The Wolf Man introduced the world to a new Universal movie monster and the mythology of the werewolf was redefined forever. Featuring a heartbreaking performance by Lon Chaney Jr. and groundbreaking make-up by Jack Pierce, this story of a cursed man who transforms into a deadly werewolf when the moon is full has not only become a masterpiece of the horror genre, but of all time.

Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection

Photo and information courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment

From the era of silent movies through present day, Universal Pictures has been regarded as the home of the monsters. Now, in celebration of the studio's 100th Anniversary, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection showcases 8 of the most iconic monsters in motion picture history including:

• Dracula
• Frankenstein
• The Mummy
• The Invisible Man
• The Bride of Frankenstein
• The Wolf Man
• Phantom of the Opera
• Creature From the Black Lagoon  

Over 12 Hours of Bonus Features:

• Creature from the Black Lagoon in 3D (Blu-ray Exclusive!)
• Rare Alternate Spanish Version of Dracula
• Documentaries
• Expert Commentaries
• Interviews
• And Much More!

Plus a collectible 48-page book, The Original House of Horror: Universal and a Monster Legacy, featuring rare photos, archival materials and more.

For additional information, go here.

Animation Spotlight: "Hotel Transylvania" Channels Classic Movie Monsters

"I bid you welcome"

Many classic monster movie characters are brought to live via 3D animation in the recently released film Hotel Transylvania. The usual suspects, Dracula, Frankenstein, a mummy and a werewolf are featured, as are some unusual suspects, including Bigfoot, The Blob and a giant tarantula. The majority of the characters are based on monsters who appeared in motion pictures from the 1930's through the 1950's, but some are taken from folklore or created from general representations, such as a Cyclops and a human skeleton. The monsters are all guests of Count Dracula, who is throwing a birthday party for his "young" daughter, Mavis (who is about to turn 118).

The screenplay, by Peter Baynham and Robert Smigel, is clearly targeted at the younger demographic with its message of tolerance and acceptance, but older viewers who are familiar with the characters will likely appreciate their representations and smile at familiar references to their legacies. The central plot revolves around Dracula (Adam Sandler), who is afraid that his daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez), will leave the nest once she turns 118. He goes to great lengths to keep her close to him, especially since he is a single parent and is extremely protective. However, his efforts are sometimes deceptive, which causes problems between father and daughter when the truth is finally revealed. Adding to Dracula's misgivings is the arrival of a young man, Johnny (Andy Samberg), who is human and somehow finds his way into the "monsters only" hotel.

Dracula tries his best to make Johnny look like a monster and soon turns him into a mini-Frankenstein, so no one will realize that their monster ranks have been infiltrated. Adding to the Count's problems is the mutual attraction between Johnny and Mavis, who may be falling in love for the first time. These problems are difficult for a control freak like Dracula to handle, leading to many amusing moments. While the outcome of the various storylines are not difficult to figure out, the characters are well written, likable and beautifully drawn.

Hotel Transylvania is like heaven for a monster movie geek, as dozens are shown throughout the film. Among my favorites are The Fly (Chris Parnell), who is the hotel's fitness coordinator and, as you might expect, keeps throwing up on himself, The Invisible Man (David Spade), who is the victim of several practical jokes, and Quasimodo (Jon Lovitz), the hotel chef, who tries to cook Johnny when he discovers that he is a human. In addition, the animation is top notch and the use of lighting, particularly in the castle corridors, is reminiscent of classic horror movies and of the old View Master slides (for those old enough to remember them). Hotel Transylvania is a solid choice for Halloween viewing for parents/guardians and their children, who will all find something to smile about for the duration.