The Mummy
|
List Price: Our Price: $2.69 You Save: $3.28 (55%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $1.99 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of The Mummy
Movie Review: Ancient Egypt vs 19th Century England!
Summary: 5 Stars
In 1959 Hammer Studios tackled one more of the Universal classics and this film blends the very best of all the Universal Mummy films and makes this one of the best Mummy films, ever, in my opinion. The talented team of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee once again grace the screen with Hammer's take on this legend and what a film! Moving at a much more accelerated pace than earlier versions of this story, this film barely allows the viewer to catch it's breath before we're whisked away to a new and even more exciting scene. Everthing works in this film, the acting, the directing, the sets and the music all come together to offer the viewer a completely enjoyable film that can be watched over and over, again. No longer a lumbering and slow *creature*, this Mummy is able to move quickly and with deadly accuracy, but the eyes of the Mummy are also able to tell of the pain and loss it has withstood. Christopher Lee gives an outstanding performance as The Mummy/Kharis and the final scene in the swamp is absolutely unforgettable. Peter Cushing is always a pleasure to watch in any film and this is a very good film for his talents. The supporting cast of, Yvonne Furneaux, Eddie Byrne, Felix Aylmer, George Pastell and Hammer stalwart, Michael Ripper make this a film not to be missed by any classic horror fan. If all you've seen are the Universal Mummy films from the *Golden Age* of horror or the new Universal Mummy films, then give this film an opportunity to entertain you, chances are, if you've not seen any Hammer films, you'll be seeking more of their titles out!Movie Review: Tomb raiders take note
Summary: 5 Stars
this was the first version of The Mummy legend that I ever saw, and until the last version with Brendan Fraser, it was the best. In fact, I would place it as a very close second. The newer version wins because of its outstanding special effects, but let's face it, it's really a spoof. Rather than an update of "The mummy", it's more like an update of "Abbot and Costello Meet the mummy".
The hammer "Mummy" is basically serious. Of course the whole Mummy legend is based on the bizzare death of Lord Carnavon after the opening of the tomb of Pharoah Tutankahmen. (a mosquito bite bcame infected and killed him)
It is well to remember that there are no big special effects in the Hammer film except for the mummy makeup and the simulated shotgun blasts that do not destroy Christopher Lee. The movie achieves true horror through the acting abilities of a truly outstanding cast of actors. Christopher Lee deserves special mention for his ability to express the complex feelings of Kharis even through heavy makeup.
There are some comments that the Egyptian scenes are stagy and unreal. Have you ever taken a good look at the surviving relics of Egyptian civilization? To the modern eye, they do seem stagy and unreal. That is part of our fascination with ancient Egypt.
This movie belongs in every collection of sixties melodrama as an example of what can be done with a simple plot, great actors, and a competent director.
Movie Review: The Mummy
Summary: 5 Stars
After a group of Egyptologists desecrate the tomb of the High Priestess Ananka, they befall the wrath of her mummified lover when he is awoken mistakenly by the Spell of Life. Hammer's take on the classic Gothic legend offers all of the same high production qualities and superb directing that fans have come to expect from the studio's finest director. The elaborate sets and colorful costuming are a welcome change from the Universal series that quickly began recycling its own themes and footage. The only slightly distracting element in the flashback sequences of ancient Egypt is the notable Anglicanization of the language and speech patterns. Besides this, all of the other elements fall together nicely, with more strong performances by Peter Cushing and the supporting cast. Lee's hindered movements and bodily expressions bring the character to life despite the creature's inability to speak. He offers the slender body composition of a corpse while providing the height and strength of a monster, making him an intimidating foe in yet another memorable performance. Fisher strikes the perfect median between the slow paced Karloff film and the over the top actioner Stephen Sommers would direct in the 90s, selling the Horror through his rounded characters and winning atmosphere. This is my preferred version of the story, and a must-see Hammer film!
-Carl Manes
I Like Horror Movies
Movie Review: Neck and neck with Dracula ?
Summary: 5 Stars
While watching this, for the first time just now, I kept telling myself that it was better than Hammer's first Dracula. I think this was because the supporting actors were much better and better-known; because the script was better-written; because the Egyptology was excellent; and because Yvonne Furneaux was dazzlingly beautiful. However, Dracula is still more powerful, and packs a greater punch. Also, its climactic ending is more dramatic: somehow, although the ending of The Mummy had potential as written, it didn't seem to close the story out as effectively as it might have done. So it's a photo-finish. The Egyptian scenes, given the budget, and with attendant artwork and hokey rituals, were really good. Jimmy Sangster, or the Art Director, had done quite bit of homework in this area. Part of what makes these Hammer frolics so impressive is the meticulous attention to the background detail, and the care lavished on settings and costumes. It's all so lush. The dialogue in this tale was also very interesting: the argument between the Egyptian devotee, and the rational infidel, Cushing, rang several bells. Yvonne's reincarnation from Egyptian princess to Mrs Banning was pure Rider Haggard, of course, but none the worse for that. I think she would have made a better Ayesha than Ursula Andress. All more entertaining than I'd expected, since the film isn't half as well known as Dracula.Movie Review: Perfect Hammer
Summary: 5 Stars
This DVD has been anticipated for a long time by Hammer Horror fans like myself. Warner Bros. has the liscense, as well as the liscense for at least two other Hammer films that are greatly desired by Hammer fans: The Horror of Dracula and The Curse of Frankenstein.The print Warner Bros. used for this DVD is simply beautiful. I've owned the VHS version of the film for years, but as soon as this widescreen DVD became available, I immediately went out and bought it. The sound and picture quality are wonderful, clear, and sharp. The colors are dazzling. I saw barely any wear on this forty-plus year old film. It is a perfect example of why Hammer films have held up all these year, and continue to entertain even now.
If you love Hammer Horror films, buy this movie. If you're a Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee fan, buy this movie. Show Warner Bros. you want them to release the other two movies by buying this film. I, like other Hammer fans, have written to them expressing my desire to see all the Hammer films they have liscense to released on DVD, but all the letter writing in the world won't do any good without sales. Do yourself a favor, and get it.