The Invisible Man [Blu-ray] [1933] [Region Free]

This 2 DVD set features an intriguing, if mismatched double bill of films starring Claude Rains: ‘The Invisible Man’ (of 1933), and ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (of 1943).Unlike a lot of the classic Universal horrors, this remake of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ was filmed in colour. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t really get going, and I found myself more interested in the extended opera sequences than in the behind-the-scenes shenanigans of the ‘phantom’.And the most important, dramatic moment - namely the unmasking - was rather poorly done. The rubbish little burn on the side of Claude Rains’ face doesn’t even begin to compare with the frightening make-up that Lon Chaney wore in the far more effective 1920s silent version.‘The Invisible Man’ is the better film here. Directed by James Whale (of ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ fame), it features some simple yet splendid special effects, and touches of black humour.The extras on the discs are good too: audio commentaries, and making of featurettes for both films.

WOW… what a great film. I always “try” to put myself into the mindset of the audiences back in 1933 while watching these classic monster films from the early 30’s to get the full benefit. What I would give to be a 14 year old seeing this (and other films) for the first time during the dirty-30’s. Must have been as mind blowing as The Exorcist was to audiences in 1974.I seldom achieve that state of mind but it does work to make me appreciate them all the much more. James Whale was in his true element directing these gothic horror films, with the help of great sets and cinematography as well.Claude Rains is perfectly cast as the obsessed scientist who goes mad and has a hatred of mankind, somewhat well founded in some aspects I must say. That awesome voice coming out from that great make-up and excellent wardrobe leaves a lasting experience even almost 90 years later. No film is complete without Una O’Connor and her trademark scream and unique voice.A must have for horror or film buffs.

Having seen other versions on the theme of invisibility, and I thought this particular version would be the usual type of poor special effects (cigarettes dangling from thin wires, actors struggling with an imaginary foe) but I was very surprised with the special effects used. Though the film was made more than eighty years ago the effects used where mind blowing. At the time of production (1933) the visual effects must have been at the cutting edge, the only rival at that time being King Kong (1933) released in the same year by RKO.The film also uses much of the plot of the H.G. Wells novel, For instance Griffith's growing megalomania. Even the inclusion of a love interest does not spoil the story. The practicalities of invisibility are not avoided, how for instance do you keep warm in the depths of an English winter, when for all intents of purposes you have to be naked and barefoot.Finally this outstanding movie was made by James Whale, for Universal who's other directional efforts include Frankenstein, The Old Dark House, Bride Of Frankenstein and the best version of Showboat made in 1936. For the price the Blu-ray version is outstanding value and takes pride of place amongst my Universal horror collection.RMM.

In 'The Invisible Man', a scientist who has discovered the secret of invisibility has also been driven mad by his findings. Whilst he plans a reign of terror, there is a frantic search to find the 'Invisible Man' before he holds the country to ransom.In 'The Phantom Of The Opera', a timid violinist Erique Claudin(Claude Rains) falls in love with the Opera singer he watches every night from the aisles. When he is terribly disfigured by acid during an arguement over a supposedly stolen Concerto, Claudin escapes by staggering into the sewers below the Opera House. Soon after, the same Opera House starts to experience a rash of bad luck, with a series of accidents and culminating with the murder of the resident Opera Dame. Now the door is open for Claudin's favourite singer Christine Dubois(Susanna Foster) to be the star attraction. Just who is responsible for the terror at the Opera?1933's 'The Invisible Man' is rightly regarded as one of Universal's greatest Horror films. Okay it is borderline science fiction, but the Invisible Man's motivations and madness are the stuff of horror. It is superbly directed by James Whale, who sticks very close to the original story by H.G Wells. Central to the films success is a marvellous performance by Claude Rains, an actor born into poverty in the East End of London. He is a mixture of cunning, madness and pathos in the title role. The performance is even greater considering he spends the entire film wrapped in bandages apart from the final scene. The other great draw are the fantastic special effects that still hold up so well today, nearly 80 years after the film was made. TerrificI wish the same could be said for 'Phantom Of The Opera' another vechile for star Rains. Once again, his performance his excellent, but really there is little else to recommend it as a horror film. That is probably because it isn't a horror film, rather a romantic melodrama with a vein of comedy running through it. Treat it as such and you might enjoy the musical numbers that take up large portions of the film, and the interplay between policeman Raoul D'Aubert(Edgar Barrier) and Opera singer Anatole Garron(Nelson Eddy) who are both suitors of Christine. In fact, you might have to pinch yourselves a couple of times to remind yourself there is a 'Phantom' in the Opera at all. The best thing about the film is that it is soaked in glorious technicolour, and of course the music is eminently listenable. If you are looking for a horror film though, I would recommend that you visit either the masterful silent 1925 version starring Lon Chaney or even the underrated 1960 Hammer version.However this whole package deserves five stars as there are a great wealth of extras on the two discs, as well as two classic films. Just don't buy it expecting two horror films, as you might be dissapointed. 5 out of 5