Order The Universal Monsters here to support Cereal At Midnight: amzn.to/3w7ulp0 Further Viewing: Universal Monsters on 4K Vol. 1 Review ua-cam.com/video/UYxo02Q_4Qg/v-deo.html Universal Monsters on 4K Vol. 2 Review ua-cam.com/video/UYxo02Q_4Qg/v-deo.html The Laemmle Legacy w/ Antonia Carlotta ua-cam.com/video/_Ke9rkcc8qQ/v-deo.html Icons of Horror: Universal Monsters ua-cam.com/video/sXnpCe0tMI4/v-deo.html
I have bought these so many times and already own all of these, many in the steelbooks from a few years ago. That said - I preordered this back in the fall and I’m gonna sell all my old copies and replace them with this edition. This seems to be the best looking, most awesome edition yet.
What a fabulous package. The front cover artwork reminds me of a Peter Max Poster. It’s so well put together. It could be a coffee table book / 4K BlueRay. For me your enthusiasm and love for these films adds so much. I’m split between Dracula and Bride of Frankenstein as my favorite.
Holy...! I had no idea this set was coming and it's amazing! I love the book concept, the design, the art, how the discs are held on, and of course the movies. I am in love with this set, and I wanna own it right now! I'll buy it and use your link as a thank you.
I know it’s not the point of the video, but I’m glad you mentioned the 70th anniversary. Somehow, I missed that one when I put all the big movie anniversaries on my calendar. And it’s a family favorite.
Mine should be arriving on Wednesday. I absolutely love the universal monsters. I love all 30 (31 if you count the Spanish Dracula) of them, the entire legacy.
This seems like a great gift to someone that has not experienced the Universal Monsters. They can read a little about each films impact and they hopefully will appreciate it more.
I love when packaging is a work of art itself. This is a genuine stunner. If were set up for 4K, I'd be all over this - just gorgeous! These movies were one of the cornerstones of my childhood. From the pages of Famous Monsters to "Shock It To Me Theater" - hosted by KEMO TV-20's Asmodeus - they contributed to my lifelong love of cinema (and TV horror movie hosts). Absolutely agree with other comments re: disc holders vs. Criterion Godzilla slotted packaging - and the similar James Bond book-styled set(s). I finally had to pull the discs from these sets and put them in cases, because the discs were slipping in the slotted holders - some requiring cleaning to remove glue residue. Universal clearly learned a lesson. The presentation AND the packaging look superb.
Brilliant piece Heath, your enthusiasm and passion for this is super. I wish we could get these for all the ‘families’ like romero’s dead series, Alien et al. I guess the films rights are all over the place!
I love that Universal is showing this kind of love to these horror icons. What it says to me is that they still have people working at the studio who are knowledgable about film history. Sadly I don't think that is the case with most studios these days.
I own Blu-ray versions of these films (and a 3D version of The Creature from the Black Lagoon), as well as a three movie set with figurines (Dracula, Wolfman and Frankenstein), but this book, the artwork and 4K disks are amazing. I just bought it!
has anyone seen the Universal channel on the roku ? its really loaded with classics but has commercials they call it lake and not lagoon ? not sure why
I think you hit it on the head when you mentioned "comic collector". Call me old fashioned, but I don't feel the "Pop-art" style vibe compliments these old black n' white classics! (That's a... I say, that's a hint son!🐓) Too garish pour moi. But kudos to Universal for releasing these gems!
Great review my set is out for delivery it’s great been waiting since last fall for this. How big is this compared to that Godzilla big criterion disc book combo just curious they look to be the same size. Such a great looking set.
Also, replacing the original art is acceptable in cases where they bring on an actual artist to handle it. I know the Universal Monsters also had Alex Ross covers in the past, so Universal clearly knows not to let bad art cheapen the presentation of their films.
Two minor issues I have with this: first, they covered the limited edition number with a flyer, so unless you open it, you can't see the number. Some collectors may feel put off by this. Second, why did they not include the 3D version of Creature.........it would have been easy and made it much more endearing.....just my $0.02
I dont tend to buy the whole 'its so much more expensive to make 4K' is that purely down to time constraints, and the transferrence of more data. 80% of the blu rays I own use 4k masters, these are done regardless of the release. That set looks cool but I'd never see myself needing the universal monster films in 4K. They're an interesting part of cinema history but not my favourites.
The 5x larger cost of 4K over Blu-ray is raw materials (3 layer, 100GB discs are much more expensive), authoring costs, and the actual replication. We've been told this by so many people over the last couple of years, from Bill Lustig at Blue Underground to Jesse at DiabolikDVD/Cauldron, and I just heard it again last week from someone new. The 4K master is just one of four or five components required for a 4K release.
I definitely am not into the art which is weird. I guess I am just old school when it comes to that kind of stuff and these movies and why was this pushed back? I remember it was supposed to come out last year. I'm going to have to watch your video on the 4K because I don't see how you can make these movies look any better than they already do on Blu-ray. Sometimes I'm very leery of 4k because it's just another way to get you to buy something you've already bought to make it look shinier when it's really the same as the Blu-ray. I'm still not happy. They decided to use the other phantom of the Opera, not the one with Lon. I like both versions and I know they consider this part of universal but man I think they picked the wrong one.
@@CerealAtMidnight Oh, I know. What I meant was I’ll wait for the inevitable standard complete set. Not really a fan of how they split the previous releases up into two box sets.
Universal milking the classic monster movies to death. How many times are they going to keep putting these out?? All the way back in the VHS 📼 days they were milking these films. How many classic universal monster movies sets do you need??
Alternate perspective: Since these are some of the greatest movies of all time, they should be constantly in print and in editions that will appeal to a wide range of customers. Nobody is expected to buy them more than once...or even at all. Not every release is targeted to the same buyer. I'd MUCH rather have too many options for great movies than not enough (looking at you, Disney),
If you have the 30-film set, you already have this book. This is the same booklet that's included in that boxset (just bigger). This is just a repackaged version of what we already have with (IMO) unimpressive art that doesn't fit the tone of the movies. If Universal had actually put in some effort to include new supplements, this might be worth it. But as it stands, this is a hard pass for me.
Yuck, the art work sucks! Somebody at Universal saw what Criterion did with Godzilla. That is obvious. I've collected Universal Monsters high and low since early vhs. DVDs, Bluray, Steelbooks etc,etc. This is gaudy art work to say the least. The worst. Thanks for your review, I just don't love it. 🙄
@@ericgraff660 If they wanted to use revisionist art - rather than the original poster art - it should at least have been art deco in style. There are plenty of underappreciated artists that could have nailed this concept.
Waist of money the bluray 30 movie collection has all movies and if you have the best tvs you still get the same quality I stand with the monsters but I'll stay with my bluray collection
It's funny to me because what you're saying is the exact opposite of what most 4K TV owners say. The standard line (which I've seen hundreds of times) is "when you have a 4K TV, Blu-rays look like trash." That said, enjoy your collection! I'm no 4K snob, and I love those Blu-rays, too. I just think the 4Ks look even better.
Order The Universal Monsters here to support Cereal At Midnight: amzn.to/3w7ulp0
Further Viewing:
Universal Monsters on 4K Vol. 1 Review ua-cam.com/video/UYxo02Q_4Qg/v-deo.html
Universal Monsters on 4K Vol. 2 Review ua-cam.com/video/UYxo02Q_4Qg/v-deo.html
The Laemmle Legacy w/ Antonia Carlotta ua-cam.com/video/_Ke9rkcc8qQ/v-deo.html
Icons of Horror: Universal Monsters ua-cam.com/video/sXnpCe0tMI4/v-deo.html
It reminds me of the Criterion Godzilla blu-ray set, but it looks like this has better disc holders.
I have bought these so many times and already own all of these, many in the steelbooks from a few years ago. That said - I preordered this back in the fall and I’m gonna sell all my old copies and replace them with this edition. This seems to be the best looking, most awesome edition yet.
What a fabulous package. The front cover artwork reminds me of a Peter Max Poster. It’s so well put together. It could be a coffee table book / 4K BlueRay. For me your enthusiasm and love for these films adds so much. I’m split between Dracula and Bride of Frankenstein as my favorite.
You can actually get t shirts with the design. I went to the universal orlando theme park and they had a bunch of tristan eaton merch.
Big thank you for sharing to see it's size and giving us time to decide on canceling or keeping pre-order.
Holy...! I had no idea this set was coming and it's amazing! I love the book concept, the design, the art, how the discs are held on, and of course the movies. I am in love with this set, and I wanna own it right now! I'll buy it and use your link as a thank you.
I know it’s not the point of the video, but I’m glad you mentioned the 70th anniversary. Somehow, I missed that one when I put all the big movie anniversaries on my calendar. And it’s a family favorite.
That's fantastic! Absolutely amazing packaging. Groovy set!
It's kinda a mini movie poster shape but it's a book. Interesting packaging. I also would buy a shirt with that artwork.
Mine should be arriving on Wednesday. I absolutely love the universal monsters. I love all 30 (31 if you count the Spanish Dracula) of them, the entire legacy.
This seems like a great gift to someone that has not experienced the Universal Monsters. They can read a little about each films impact and they hopefully will appreciate it more.
I love when packaging is a work of art itself. This is a genuine stunner. If were set up for 4K, I'd be all over this - just gorgeous! These movies were one of the cornerstones of my childhood. From the pages of Famous Monsters to "Shock It To Me Theater" - hosted by KEMO TV-20's Asmodeus - they contributed to my lifelong love of cinema (and TV horror movie hosts). Absolutely agree with other comments re: disc holders vs. Criterion Godzilla slotted packaging - and the similar James Bond book-styled set(s). I finally had to pull the discs from these sets and put them in cases, because the discs were slipping in the slotted holders - some requiring cleaning to remove glue residue. Universal clearly learned a lesson. The presentation AND the packaging look superb.
It’s huge! I wonder how it looks next to criterion’s showa Godzilla set
Just want a print of that cover, honestly. Looks great
I thinking bout getting this set
Brilliant piece Heath, your enthusiasm and passion for this is super. I wish we could get these for all the ‘families’ like romero’s dead series, Alien et al. I guess the films rights are all over the place!
Heath, that media book for the Universal Monster films looks f’n incredible! I might pick that up.
That’s massive!! Dang!
punk-rock traditionalist 🤘
Give us the stickers
Interesting to see this set. I am not a big fan of oversized packaging, just because I have no space for it. Artwork is pretty sweet though!
Wow this is fantastic, I'm going to see if i can get my hands on one! :)
These SHOULD be evergreen titles that any casual viewer can always pick up. And if they make something cool enough to double dip on? Even better
Thanks Heath! I wonder if the text of that book is the same as the booklets in the other 4K sets....
I love that Universal is showing this kind of love to these horror icons. What it says to me is that they still have people working at the studio who are knowledgable about film history. Sadly I don't think that is the case with most studios these days.
I own Blu-ray versions of these films (and a 3D version of The Creature from the Black Lagoon), as well as a three movie set with figurines (Dracula, Wolfman and Frankenstein), but this book, the artwork and 4K disks are amazing. I just bought it!
How does the ‘book’ stack up with Criterion’s Godzilla Showa era? Same dimensions?
both are 14.5" tall and 10.5-11" length
I bought these films in 2003/2004 in the legacy editions. I love those sets.
Sold. Was on the (graveyard) fence, but seeing it in your video won me over. Really handsome set.
I have these on blue ray.and regular DVD already. Now I want this.!!!!!!!!
Was adamantly opposed to buying this again (already got the two 4k box sets) - but after watching...going for it.
Wow! That is absolutely beautiful.
I had no idea it was a giant book. I cancelled my preorder but this is interesting.
has anyone seen the Universal channel on the roku ? its really loaded with classics but has commercials they call it lake and not lagoon ? not sure why
I was so worried this was gonna have the dreaded sleeves.
Thanks, Heath! God bless and stay safe!
Seeing it now I want it even though I already have the individual steelbooks and the Blu-ray set and the legacy DVD’s with all the sequels 😭
Not a huge monsters fan but this looks really good!
That’s awesome.
Keen, but current weakness of Australian dollar makes it pretty costly!
I think you hit it on the head when you mentioned "comic collector". Call me old fashioned, but I don't feel the "Pop-art" style vibe compliments these old black n' white classics! (That's a... I say, that's a hint son!🐓) Too garish pour moi. But kudos to Universal for releasing these gems!
Awesome universal monsters 4k set 👌
I bought it. I’ll have it Friday. And I did use your link.🎉🎉
I cancelled my order for this as wasn't happy the how the discs are in the book. For the price I think the standard 4K packaging is better
HOLY CRAP wtf is that?! This is the first time I’m hearing anything about this set 😮
This is stunning!!!!
I'm one that never got the 4k's , so for me, this is the way to go,, I will get this set,, soon... Thanks
Yes, I support the monsters.
man this annoys me how cool this set is! I already bought the 4 bundles!
Great review my set is out for delivery it’s great been waiting since last fall for this. How big is this compared to that Godzilla big criterion disc book combo just curious they look to be the same size. Such a great looking set.
I don't have that Godzilla set for comparison, but I do think it's about the same size.
I hope they release shirts and stickers amazing artwork
Yes!
That’s way bigger than I thought. For the price they could’ve included the Blu-Rays but it’s still cool.
Im hope I can find and purchase this
I want to upgrade the Universal horror films on 4K but I don't have the space to display this massive book. It's too big!
Also, replacing the original art is acceptable in cases where they bring on an actual artist to handle it. I know the Universal Monsters also had Alex Ross covers in the past, so Universal clearly knows not to let bad art cheapen the presentation of their films.
Two minor issues I have with this: first, they covered the limited edition number with a flyer, so unless you open it, you can't see the number. Some collectors may feel put off by this. Second, why did they not include the 3D version of Creature.........it would have been easy and made it much more endearing.....just my $0.02
Everyone waxing rhapsodic over this please tell me how much the 2-foot shelving cabinets will cost to store it.
I would have preferred if it actually fit physically with the rest of my 4ks.
Universal needs to fix and release the Captain of the Guard 1930 or sell the license to Kino Lorber or some other company.
New Wave.
So, I bought this from Amazon and it gets delivered in a plastic satchel with no padding. I’ll never learn 😩
I dont tend to buy the whole 'its so much more expensive to make 4K' is that purely down to time constraints, and the transferrence of more data.
80% of the blu rays I own use 4k masters, these are done regardless of the release.
That set looks cool but I'd never see myself needing the universal monster films in 4K. They're an interesting part of cinema history but not my favourites.
The 5x larger cost of 4K over Blu-ray is raw materials (3 layer, 100GB discs are much more expensive), authoring costs, and the actual replication. We've been told this by so many people over the last couple of years, from Bill Lustig at Blue Underground to Jesse at DiabolikDVD/Cauldron, and I just heard it again last week from someone new. The 4K master is just one of four or five components required for a 4K release.
Right now, the 30 film 24 disc BR set is $90 and comes with a book and it will satisfy 95% of collectors or the 8 film BR set for $34 with a book.
For me its way too big should have been half the size and twice as thick where you gonna put it
So big and cumbersome and without individual cases, hard pass for me. Frankly the packaging itself is lovely but where do you put it?
I definitely am not into the art which is weird. I guess I am just old school when it comes to that kind of stuff and these movies and why was this pushed back? I remember it was supposed to come out last year. I'm going to have to watch your video on the 4K because I don't see how you can make these movies look any better than they already do on Blu-ray. Sometimes I'm very leery of 4k because it's just another way to get you to buy something you've already bought to make it look shinier when it's really the same as the Blu-ray. I'm still not happy. They decided to use the other phantom of the Opera, not the one with Lon. I like both versions and I know they consider this part of universal but man I think they picked the wrong one.
Between that abysmal screaming neon pop art and that ridiculously impractical packaging, I’ll happily wait for the inevitable standard release.
These movies are available in any packaging you could possibly want: individually, box set, Steelbook, and now this book packaging.
@@CerealAtMidnight Oh, I know. What I meant was I’ll wait for the inevitable standard complete set. Not really a fan of how they split the previous releases up into two box sets.
@mikeyhorror....Blah, blah, blah...
Cool but waaay too big for my taste.
Universal milking the classic monster movies to death. How many times are they going to keep putting these out?? All the way back in the VHS 📼 days they were milking these films. How many classic universal monster movies sets do you need??
Alternate perspective: Since these are some of the greatest movies of all time, they should be constantly in print and in editions that will appeal to a wide range of customers. Nobody is expected to buy them more than once...or even at all. Not every release is targeted to the same buyer. I'd MUCH rather have too many options for great movies than not enough (looking at you, Disney),
If you have the 30-film set, you already have this book. This is the same booklet that's included in that boxset (just bigger). This is just a repackaged version of what we already have with (IMO) unimpressive art that doesn't fit the tone of the movies. If Universal had actually put in some effort to include new supplements, this might be worth it. But as it stands, this is a hard pass for me.
Yuck, the art work sucks! Somebody at Universal saw what Criterion did with Godzilla. That is obvious. I've collected Universal Monsters high and low since early vhs. DVDs, Bluray, Steelbooks etc,etc. This is gaudy art work to say the least. The worst. Thanks for your review, I just don't love it. 🙄
100% agree. I didn't love the Godzilla box set art, but at least many of those films were made during the pop art decades. This set is an abomination!
The artwork doesn't fit the period. It's like they don't know their audience. They are trying to make them hip but it's come out lame.
@@ericgraff660 If they wanted to use revisionist art - rather than the original poster art - it should at least have been art deco in style. There are plenty of underappreciated artists that could have nailed this concept.
Waist of money the bluray 30 movie collection has all movies and if you have the best tvs you still get the same quality I stand with the monsters but I'll stay with my bluray collection
It's cool to love the Blu-rays, but we can't say they're the same quality as the 4Ks. They're not.
When you have a 4k oled TV you receive the same quality or 90% near it that's good enough for me especially it being black and white movies
It's funny to me because what you're saying is the exact opposite of what most 4K TV owners say. The standard line (which I've seen hundreds of times) is "when you have a 4K TV, Blu-rays look like trash."
That said, enjoy your collection! I'm no 4K snob, and I love those Blu-rays, too. I just think the 4Ks look even better.