The Island of Dr. Moreau
|
List Price: Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
(Click here)
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of The Island of Dr. Moreau
Movie Review: Back to the Island
Summary: 3 Stars
This Late 70's update of The Island of Lost Souls ( wisely retaining H.G. Well's original title) offers up two reunions in addition to its tropical horrors. Make-up artist John Chambers reunites with Don Taylor (both having worked on Escape from the Planet of the Apes in 1971) for this tepid but watchable adaption. Post's indifferent directing sabutages numerous potential horror moments, especially in the revelation of the various Humanimals on the island. The make-up seems dated even for its time (The Apes in Planet of the Apes look better) but perhaps that is why MGM had released this under its cheesy Midnite Movies banner.Castwise, Micheal York does a better job then most have done with that role in other film versions but Barbera Carrea's character suffers from underexposure (well, dramatically speaking) and the hints of her origins are never properly addressed in the movie. Burt Lanchaster plays a formidable and active Moreau and his performance is by far the best in the film. Worth noting, the movie reunited him with former circus buddy Nick Cravat; costar of earlier films w/ Lanchaster such as The Crimson Pirate and The Flame and the Arrow.
In comparison to other film versions, this one plays very well, albiet somewhat lackluster. Not as zany as the 1996 film and certainly an improvement on the 1933 film.
The DVD features a solid transfer although there are 2 blue film blemishes that appear very fast. The disc is pretty bare bones with only the trailer as a supplement. But for 9.99 one can not complain.
If you're already a fan of the film, then get it.
Movie Review: "Island Mutations..."
Summary: 4 Stars
For those who may read...please check the three other reviews also enjoyable on this site. This gem from '77 was the seminal movie experience I had as a young teenager. It actually made me want to become an actor! You had York leading the way as "Andrew Braddock"...curious, intelligent and completely empathetic. Then there was Burt ("dandy" as Judith Christ called him) as the doc of evil machinations. Then supporting the duo were Davenport, Basehart, and the exquisitely lovely Barbara Carrera. This was probably workman director Don Taylor's best film. The scenery-lensed by Gerry Fisher-is gorgeous, Laurence Rosenthal's music score also one of his very best. (That haunting English horn...) The French loved this, but the American critics and audience were much more tepid. I think it's a well-made and intelligent adventure, which raises some serious issues at the same time providing first class entertainment. Lancaster and York made a handsome duo. I loved this remake, and will never forget that dinghy in the open water as the film begins...Movie Review: Best movie about the human species darkside and frailties!
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is very thought provoking, it reveals the inner deamons that every person has and/or wants to bring out sometime in their life. Michael york brings out a stellar performance! This should be a requirement in highschool for a literature class or college. It could also be used for a philosophy class. This Movie is in the genre of 'Antigone', and also best characterizes Platoism and Aristotle to an extent.-Excellent
Movie Review: Quite Interesting And Involving.
Summary: 3 Stars
I just saw this movie very recently after never having seen it. I can't say I was disappointed--this was quite an interesting though-provoking movie. I actually saw the remake with Val Kilmer before I saw this 1977 version. There's no question that this version with Michael York and Burt Lancaster is better. This isn't the greatest film I've seen, but it surely isn't poor either. Michael York and Burt Lancaster both turn in great performances. I enjoyed Michael York also in Logan's Run and Burt Lancaster in The Birdman of Alcatraz. There was a thing or two I didn't quite understand about this film, but it wasn't enough to ruin the film for me. The makeup effects were good also. The scene with the tiger attacking one of the human-animal hybrids was well done. You have to feel sorry for Braddock near the end when Dr. Moreau's subjecting him to all of the horrid treatment. This movie was quite intriguing and interesting. I would have to actually give this film three-and-a-half stars. Well worth a watch.Movie Review: Lancaster better than Brando
Summary: 4 Stars
If you saw the Kilmer/Brando version I urge you to see this version. Burt Lancaster is excelent as Dr. Moreau and York does fine work as Prendick. This movie is more faithful and easier to follow. If you liked the original book by H.G.Wells than skip Brando and see this one instead. Youll be glad you did.