An Artistic Creation

Frankenstein is an excellent example of how film in the early 1930s was still used as a visual art form, as in the silent films of the previous decades. It falls right on the cusp of the transition between silent and 'talkies', proudly boasting its predecessor in a visual vehemence soon to be lost in following decades, when storytelling began to overthrow the simplicity of watching moving pictures.
Colin Clive lays down a terrific performance as Henry Frankenstein, the mad, foolish but passionate scientist who longs to create pure life but succeeds only in creating a monster. He is matched in performance by the now legendary but then unknown Boris Karloff who took the role of a monster, traditionally what nightmares are made of, and played it with such compassion that the audience fell for him, a sympathy equaled two years later by the 'monster' Kong, both brought by man into a world they did not understand, and killed by man for their ignorance of that world.
A haunting, slightly disturbing film with some quaint, well timed frights. It has a distinct style suggestive of early German silent films, such as Nosferatu and the Cabinet of DR Galigari, because of its harsh compositions created with striking sets, intense lighting, strong makeup and greater dramatic acting, altogether making this a first-class piece of art.

good movie bad dvds

Ive read other reviews that talked about playing issues with the legacy series. Ive bought several none of them will play all the way through without problems. Audio sync problems, picture freezing. Its not my player as all other dvds will play just fine.
In other words the movies are great (if you like the old stuff) but the dvds themselves are of poor quality.

the true godfather of all horror movies and the birth of the the universal horror cycle

along with dracula(also released in 1931) universal staked(pun intended) it's claim as the studio of monsters. frankenstein is one of the finest film of it's day or anytime for that matter. boris karloff rightly became a ster as the misunderstood monster. karloff plays him as sad ,loney creature that didn't asked to be made and who only wants to love and be loved,but can't seem to do eather. there is a sadness for the monster that no other monster in film, except king kong, has ever had. while you fear him you also cheer for him to find some understanding,and find no joy in his fate.karloff gives this creature a soul and depth that is even more amazing because he never speaks a word.and the theme of man tring to play god and finding himself unable to give his creation a reason to be alive or a purpose. not a bad little message for an hour and 15min. horror movie.lets see one made today take on that message. the sequels "bride" is even better than the first and "son"maked the last time karloff played the monster and the last time the monster had any real soul. in ghost lon chanry jr. takes the role on but turns it into a more anamillist version,and bela turns in his best role as the broken necked igor. house is a great little meet ing of all of the monsters and has karloff in the role of the mad doctor this time. a great collection and great transfer. a must for movie lovers everywhere.