Creature From the Black Lagoon: The Legacy Collection (Creature from the Black Lagoon / Revenge of the Creature / The Creature Walks Among Us)
by Jack Arnold, John Sherwood
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: John Agar, John Bromfield, Julie Adams, Lori Nelson, Richard CarlsonDirector: Jack Arnold, John Sherwood
Brand: MCA
Producer: William Alland
Writer: William Alland
Writer: Arthur A. Ross
Writer: Harry Essex
Writer: Martin Berkeley
Writer: Maurice Zimm
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 241 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-10-19
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Universal Studios
Movie Reviews of Creature From the Black Lagoon: The Legacy Collection (Creature from the Black Lagoon / Revenge of the Creature / The Creature Walks Among Us)
Movie Review: Great Package, Excellent Value
Summary: 5 Stars
The 'Black Lagoon Set', like the rest of the Creature Feature Legacy Collections released by Universal, is an excellent value. The quality of the re-master and subsequent transfer to DVD is stellar. The audio tracks (originally mono-stereo wasn't invented until 1956) have been mixed into two-channel stereo, and they shine. Anyone able to do so should run the sound through audio equipment rather than the (normally poor) speakers on their television. If the set-up is done properly the sound image that forms around a TV is flawless. The quality of these tracks (as is the case with a huge number of older films) will be a revelation.
This set contains the usual array of special features. All of the theatrical trailers are included. Because the original feature was shot in 3-D there are a variety of trailers for it. The trailers (which haven't been re-mastered) are in good condition (likely because these films were made more recently than those in the other sets). Ricou Browning, Ben Chapman, Julie Adams and Lori Nelson lent their memories and insights to an interesting feature about the history and the making of the series. The stories they tell are a joy to listen to. There's an array of photos from the original productions on the first DVD and audio commentaries that have been added as a second soundtrack to each of the films. Those are interesting but will be for purists only.
The Creature from the Black Lagoon ****
The first of the series is a classic, and rightly so; it holds up well, even after more than fifty years. The story is a good one. The scenes are edited together well and the film almost never bogs down. The acting is above average by the standards normal for the genre at that time. The look of the creature was (and still is) excellent. The underwater sequences were staged and shot brilliantly. They still hold up well. The film's hierarchy of characters and the way it's set up for the story is particularly striking. There really isn't an individual who is clearly evil. Even the creature is just depicted as defending his home. In this case it's man that's shown as the interloper, a stance that was rarely taken back then.
The film has some limitations though, most of which are to do with the period in which it was shot. Some of the props look like props. Wires that shouldn't show sometimes do. The pecking order as to which characters will be creature-fodder painfully obvious. The scenes that were set against filmed backdrops are easily spotted. Julia Adams screams well (and looks great) but if it weren't for being the object of fascination for the Gill-man her role would just be window dressing. Her wardrobe is also far too stylish for the setting of the film (though thankfully the producers stopped short of having her wear high-heeled shoes).
These points don't prevent the picture from being enjoyed. The best moments in the film are still capable of suspending belief and the Gill-Man is still an intriguing character. This is a movie that should be accepted and enjoyed on its own terms.
Revenge of the Creature **
If the plot of the first film was 'scientists trip over creature and terror ensues' then the sequel is 'scientists capture creature and terror ensues'. The wrath of the beast is fearsome and (except for one glaring flub) the action scenes are done well but that's where the good things end. The acting is either over the top or uninspired and much of the dialogue is terrible. It's just a rehash of the original release; easily the weakest of the three pictures.
But watch for the first ever screen appearance by Clint Eastwood.
The type of silliness that led to Ashlee Simpson's recent song-without-lip-movement incident has been inherent in the industry for a long time and is displayed boldly here. In a pair of scenes where she she's clad in dark clothing Lori Nelson appears to be wearing either a corset or some kind of torso encasing girdle. In one of them she's cinched up so tight she looks uncomfortable just trying to walk. If this was the case the idea was a stupid one. Nelson had a lovely (and trim) figure. She didn't need it placed in a restraining harness.
Dumb, dumb, dumb ...
The Creature Walks Among Us ***
The development of the character of the Gill-Man takes some huge steps in this film. The performance given by Don Megowan is a thoughtful one and he creates a character that's both sympathetic but still intimidating. The capture, scientific alteration and subsequent subjugation is approached in a thoughtful manner as well. The film blurs lines and directly questions which side is bad, good, and even right or wrong.
It's hampered by some bad acting, and, also by its own good intentions. The subplot that's used to blur the lines is a decent one but the execution is awful. Dialogue ranges between stiff and trite and the acting could have come from out-takes of failed auditions. Jeff Morrow and Leigh Snowden give the best performances of the group but their limitations show quickly. Rex Reason and Gregg Palmer are just plain bad. Ultimately, these segments read like a daytime soap (and a bad one at that). As well, the climatic moment of the film is hampered by some poorly executed special effects. The wires aren't supposed to show. Sheesh!
It's too bad. This could have been the best film of the series.
More Creature From the Black Lagoon: The Legacy Collection (Creature from the Black Lagoon / Revenge of the Creature / The Creature Walks Among Us) reviews:
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Summary of Creature From the Black Lagoon: The Legacy Collection (Creature from the Black Lagoon / Revenge of the Creature / The Creature Walks Among Us)
No description available for this title.Item Type: DVD Movie
Item Rating: NR
Street Date: 10/19/04
Wide Screen: no
Director Cut: no
Special Edition: no
Language: ENGLISH
Foreign Film: noSubtitles: no
Dubbed: no
Full Frame: yes
Re-Release: no
Packaging: Sleeve
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