Extras:
Production art gallery, poster and still gallery, theatrical
trailer, 4 collectible postcards, 24 page book.
Director:
Jules Bass
Screenplay:
Len Korobkin, Harvey Kurtzman, and Forrest J. Ackerman
Voices:
Baron Von Frankenstein: Boris Karloff
The Monster's Mate: Phyliss Diller
Francesca: Gale Garnett
Felix Flanken, Yecth, Dracula, Invisible Man, Dr. Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde:
Alan Swift
If you're a fan of the figurine-animated productions
like Rudolph and
more you'll know the nostalgia behind this. This movie is clearly a
little ahead of it's time and I think it would have done really well if
released recently. The premise is good but just a little flawed.
Mad Monster Party tells the story of Baron Von Frankenstein. He has
perfected a new way of destroying matter. He also happens to be the
leader of the orginization of monsters. Baron decides to throw his usual
party at his castle to announce his discovery, his retirement, and his
heir. The invitatios are sent out to the likes of Dracula, The Invisible
Man, the Creature, Wolf Man, Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde, the Monster and
his mate, the Hunchback and the Mummy. One is also sent to a pharmacy
worker: Felix Flanken who happens to be the nephew of Baron Von
Frankenstein. When the monsters arrive at the party (after a really
funny scene on the boat transporting them) they are shocked at the
announcement of their leader's retirement. The Monster and his mate
begin to think of a way to scheme Felix out of his inheritance but not
while secretary Francesa and Dracula devise a plot of their own.
The idea of all of these classic Universal Monsters is enough reason to
watch this movie. Couple that with some well written segments and
imagination and you have a great way to pass the time. Do have some
complaints though. I can't imagine Dr. Frankenstein actually inventing
something like a way to destroy matter and the idea that any of the
monsters would want it seems ridiculous. The plot also falls apart near
the end with a crappy final shot and a scene that actually has King Kong
show up. These inconsistencies keep this movie from greatness.
Into the disc. Anchor Bay is a great DVD studio since they usually put
out cult classics and you can expect a few extras at least. Plus they're
cheaply priced. Anyway the picture is GREAT. They did an excellent job
of touching this film up. It really looks like it was just made
yesterday. Pixelization is zilch and edge enhancement is nowhere to be
seen. The only gripe is that I noticed a few specks of dirt every once
in a while. But this is a terrific transfer nonetheless.
The sound is presented in it's original mono but it fits the movie's
tone and atmosphere fine. It just sounds a little tinny sometims but
overall good.
The extras are are all just slides ans stills but they're still good. A
trailer is also included. But the real gem is what is included in the
DVD case. 4 postcards which are pretty much just promotional lobby
inserts and a 24 page book telling the history and making of the movie.
Overall, Anchor Bay has produced a fine product that is well worth the
retail price of $19.98. In fact, many retailers are selling it for less
than that. A great addition to any film buff's library souly for the
fact that all of these monsters are together.
As of April 2009, Blu-rays and DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TH-37PX80B
37" Plasma TV with a Sony BDP-1500 Blu-ray player and played through a Yamaha DSP-AX820 amplifier.
PC games reviewed by the editor are on:
Since Jan 2011: Intel Quad Core Dell XPS 8100, i7 CPU 860 @ 2.80Ghz, 8Gb RAM, nVidia GeForce GTS 240, Windows 7
Since Nov 2005: Intel Pentium D 830 3.0Ghz, 1Gb RAM, 128Mb nVidia GeForce 6700XL, Windows XP
Since Aug 2003: Intel Pentium 4 2.66Ghz, 512Mb RAM, 128Mb GeForce4 MX440 graphics, Windows XP
Since May 2003: Intel Pentium 4 2.6Ghz, 512Mb RAM, 128Mb ATI Radeon 9600TX graphics, Windows XP
Since Jun 2002: Intel Pentium III 600Mhz, 384Mb RAM, Windows 98 SE, 64Mb ATI Radeon 8500LE
Since May 2000: Intel Pentium III 600Mhz, 384Mb RAM, Windows 98 SE, Voodoo 3 3000 AGP
