The Return of Chandu
by Ray Taylor
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Bela Lugosi, Dean Benton, Lucien Prival, Maria Alba, Wilfred LucasDirector: Ray Taylor
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 208 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-06-29
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Vci Video
Movie Reviews of The Return of Chandu
Movie Review: This same serial also available on two separate DVDs -- Great stuff!
Summary: 5 Stars
I own this same 1934 serial which was first available by purchasing these two SEPARATELY-PACKAGED DVDs from ALPHA VIDEO:
The Return of Chandu the Magician, Vol. 1
(Volume One, Chapters 1-6)
The Return of Chandu the Magician, Vol. 2
(Volume Two, Chapters 7-12)
By buying EITHER the newer singly-packaged version by VCI, OR, the separately-packaged version (by ALPHA VIDEO, as I have listed above), you will get the COMPLETE 1934 SERIAL, shown in its entirety, in 12 chapters. Now, there has been some discussion on reviews here that the VCI print is better than the ALPHA VIDEO print -- that's probably true but I have to say that I'm very pleased with the picture and sound quality of the latter. Thus, if budget is your priority, I think that you'll be plenty happy with ALPHA VIDEO's 2-volume version. If you're a stickler for quality, then you'll of course want the single-package VCI version.
I compared the total times and, whichever way you buy it, the VCI and ALPHA VIDEO versions are within four minutes of one another, based upon what the packaging descriptions state (the single VCI DVD totals 208 minutes and the two ALPHA VIDEO DVDs total 212 minutes), so I'm sure that they're very close in terms of scenes. I just wanted to let potential buyers know all this information in case they preferred to go with the two separate DVD option.
Also, this terrific Lugosi serial was later edited (cut) into the following 1935 film:
Chandu on the Magic Island:Feature
If you want this cut-down "Movie Feature Version" of the original serial, go with the above packaging and NOT this one:
AMC Monsterfest: Chandu on the Magic Island/ Ghosts of Hanley House
"Ghosts of Hanley House" (which I own on a separate DVD of its own) is a really, cheesey, poorly made movie of a completely different genre so you're not getting a bargain by acquiring the two films on a single DVD!
"The Return of Chandu the Magician" (serial) is just superb with Lugosi playing Frank Chandler, aka Chandu the Magician, as he battles on with the evil High Priest Vindhyan on the South Seas Island of Lemuria.
It is on this island where Chandu's fianc?e, the Egyptian Princess Nadji (played by the lovely Maria Alba) is being held captive until Chandu can rescue her. You'll love seeing the special effects as Chandu "vanishes" into thin air -- it really freaks out his adversaries too!
This serial entry is, of course, shot in black-and-white and the aspect is full-screen. As I previously mentioned, the total running time for the two-DVD option DVDs is 3 hours and 32 minutes <212 minutes>. (The running time for the 1935 feature film, Chandu on the Magic Island:Feature is only 65 minutes!)
For a full Saturday afternoon of old theater serial nostalgia, grab this one ASAP! Tons of fun -- my highest recommendation!
Summary of The Return of Chandu
This classic cliffhanger, in 12 mesmerizing chapters, stars Bela Lugosi in a rare turn as the hero. He plays Chandu, a mystic magician with supernatural powers, who battles the black magic Cult of Ubasto on the magic island of Lemuria, in order to free the lovely Princess Nadji. Inventive sets and excellent music make for entertaining fun! Bonus Features: Chapter Selection Menu|Actor Bios|VCI Cliffhanger Promo|Bonus Serial Trailers. Specs: DVD9; Dolby Digital Mono; 208 minutes; B&W; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1934; SRP - $19.99.Classics DVD Video
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