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Originally Posted by Sculpt
That's a very nice Universal set of films! I'm sure that wasn't cheap. Well, at least that wouldn't have been cheap in the recent past. What kind of special features do they have? I wonder if these directors or actors ever did a commentary on the films? Probably wouldn't have been recorded while they were watching the film (like they do today) but a smart guy could line up commentary during the film that fits (although I'm sure there wouldn't be commentary for every scene).
I think 2.5 (out of 5?) is the lowest I've seen you give Dracula. It has some slow spots, and I think Harken, the father, Mina and Lucy are rather drab, but Bela, Frye and Van Slone are really good, and they drive the film. I tend to go by my first viewing, which was during the day with my mom, and I was riveted. I'd never watch the film late night when I'm sleepy, unless I want to sleep there, and get woken up with a scream. 
I watched THE SET-UP (1949), and maybe I was checking it out too late at night, but found it a little humdrum... I really liked the first 30min setup or so, the couple, the boxing life of the new guy and mental degradation of the older boxer, and the manager taking the bribe. But the boxing sequences are pretty lame to be going on so long. The ending seemed a bit anticlimactic, in the sense what happened was about what I expected, and not very dramatic or dynamic, and the the ending seemed pretty abrupt. Maybe it sounds silly, but I wished they had condensed the film into an hour and then the next 30 mins into their new life. |
Personally, I wouldn't have minded seeing some of their new life...some happiness was needed.
The set I got has new Extras for DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY and THE WOLFMAN, so 4 out of six not bad. Along with all the original extras are some new commentaries for D, F and TM and good docs on Bela, Boris, Lon and Jack Pierce.
THE MUMMY (1932). This one I appreciate more as I get older. While it's still very slow paced and almost a remake of DRACULA in many parts, still has some kickass moments, one of the best openers ever for any film and such a tragic love story throughout. One of my favorite Karloff turns and LOVE the extreme close up of him after Edwards "I'd break your dried flesh to pieces"...apparently the Film makers did too as it's repeated a few times! ****