Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection

Universal has been upgrading and repackaging its library of classic monster movies (and franchises) launched from the 1930s-’50s since the birth of DVD. This ultimate compilation features 4K restorations of all 30 films in the collection, spearheaded by the horror film landmarks Dracula (1931) with Bela Lugosi; Frankenstein (1931), The Mummy (1932), and The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), all starring Boris Karloff; The Invisible Man (1933) and the Technicolor Phantom of the Opera (1943), both with Claude Rains; The Wolf Man (1941) starring Lon Chaney Jr.; Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), presented in standard and 3D versions; and the Spanish language Dracula (1931). Also included are sequels such as Dracula's Daughter (1936), Son of Frankenstein (1939), and Werewolf of London (1935), with all of the commentary tracks, featurettes, and other supplements from earlier releases. It essentially compiles four previously released Blu-ray Legacy Collection sets (Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, and The Mummy), plus the new Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Invisible Man collections released last year. This will mean some overlap for those who have already purchased earlier Blu-ray releases, along with the duplication already built into this collection (there are three copies of the funny and creepy Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein and mad monster parties House of Frankenstein and House of Dracula, and two of the first monster team-up flick Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man). But overall this is a cost-effective instant collection upgrade to Blu-ray. Highly recommended. Editor’s Choice. (S. Axmaker)