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The Ed Wood Box

Including "Bride of the Monster", "Jailbait", "Glen or Glenda",

"Night of the Ghouls", "Plan 9 From Outer Space" and "The Haunted World of Ed Wood Jr."

directed by Edward D. Wood Jr.

(sometime credited as Daniel Davis, Edward Davis, Flint Holloway, Peter La Roche, Pete LaRoche, Larry Lee, Don Miller, Akdon Telmig, Akdov Telmig, Dick Trent, Ed Wood, Jr. Edw. D. Wood, Ed Woods)
USA 1953-59

Edward D. Wood Jr. is a part of film history. Often chided as making the worst film of all time (Plan 9 From Outer Space) - this is totally inaccurate. It is bad, but not that bad. His unusual, hap-hazard, and often amateurish style has come to identify his films - giving him a unique place in Hollywood history. So much of his legacy appears to be genuinely depicted in Tim Burton's Ed Wood that I suspect Johnny Depp's portrayal is 'right on the money' (NOTE: The Haunted World of Ed Wood Jr. is a response to Burton's poetic license with some noted variations from the truth). A simple, yet at times scheming, and gregarious enthusiast who's love of film superseded his own capabilities and budgets.

 

There is a current trend with many people I know about attempting something... anything. As they feel they cannot do their absolute best - they rather do nothing at all. I hate this. Ed Wood did something - knowing it would be flawed and derided.  It is those who mock him most that are the ones who never do anything with their lives but sit back and mock. I made a huge omission on our upcoming sweatshirts - not including the name of Edward D. Wood Jr. on the back. His passion and eccentric nature are a model for this website. To me he is close to a God! In fact I am going to try on my wife's angora sweater right now...

Glen or Glenda     Jailbait     Bride of the Monster     Plan 9 From Outer Space     Night of the Ghouls    The Haunted World of Ed Wood Jr.

  out of

DVD Review: Image Entertainment Boxset -  Region 1 - NTSC

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Distribution Image Entertainment -  Region 1 - NTSC
Audio English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)
Subtitles None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Image Entertainment

Aspect Ratio:
Full Screen (Standard) - 1.33:1

Edition Details:
• Black & White, Box set
• 5 Ed Wood Classics and one Documentary:
Glen or Glenda
Jail Bait
Bride of the Monster
Plan 9 From Outer Space
Night of the Ghouls
The Haunted World of Edward D. Wood Jr.
• Number of discs: 6

DVD Release Date: October 12th, 2004

Cardboard Box with 6 Keep Cases

Comments:

Each individual release here can range from about $20-$25... yet this Boxset with these hard-to-find and  eccentric films is only $29 US!

Great Boxset - our highest recommendation ! Each individual release is worth the price of the entire set. Nothing is as fun than watching these films at night with friends and big bowl of popcorn. Don't wait - it will be out-of-print soon and selling used for 100's. Trust me. out of  

Gary W. Tooze


(aka "Glen or Glenda?" or "Glen or Glenda: Confessions of Ed Wood")

 

directed by Ed Wood

USA 1953

Theatrical Release:  December 1st 1953 (limited release)

The film is about a transvestite who commits suicide. The policeman that finds him then consults a doctor who informs him (and us) all about transvestitism. Bela Lugosi makes appearances and, if Tim Burton's Ed Wood, is an accurate depiction, he is under the influence of narcotics. The film expresses itself akin to a short documentary on transvestitism rather than a feature film. It is filled with inaccuracies but interesting to say the least. Prime Ed Wood fodder and a must see for his following.

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The individual DVD:

       

But WE recommend the entire Boxset (GREAT deal!):

        

         

Runtime 1:08:24
Video

1.33:1 Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 6.68 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s 

Chapters : 16

Bitrate:

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Comments:

 

This is the film in the boxset with the most damage showing, but it is sporadic and there is still some fine grain showing through. I see a little saturation in the picture quality, but contrast is not bad at all. Like all the releases in the Box there are no subtitles and (in this case) only a rare theatrical trailer as an extra. But this trailer is worth its weight in gold as ice-breaker for party guests.  out of  

Gary Tooze



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directed by Ed Wood Jr.

USA 1954

(aka "Hidden Face")

Theatrical Release:  Unknown

Yes it has flawed direction, poor performances, illogical plot continuity but it is nonetheless a fascinating film akin to the Noir genre (if loosely associated). Lyle Talbot once again plays a kindly policeman (as he did in Glen of Glenda) also involving guns, small-time crooks and plastic surgery. Favorite things to watch for - In the doctor's office, since his desk is so huge, whenever anyone wants to sit down, the have to squeeze between a plant and chair. 

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The individual DVD:

       

But WE recommend the entire Boxset (GREAT deal!):

        

         

Runtime 1:12:27
Video

1.33:1 Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 6.60 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s 

Chapters : 12

Bitrate:

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Comments:

 

Excellent picture quality (no manipulation) and film grain everywhere. now this is not Criterion - but a solid transfer nonetheless. No subtitles and extras again only include the trailer. A perfect film/DVD combination to own. Ohh how I long for a commentary though - one day, one day... out of     

Gary Tooze

 

Recommended Reading in Film Noir (CLICK COVERS or TITLES for more information)

 

 

 



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directed by Ed Wood Jr.

USA 1955

(aka "The Atomic Monster or 'Bride of the Atom' or 'Monster of the Marshes')

Theatrical Release:  May 11th, 1955 - Hollywood, Califormia

Bride of the Monster is a very competent B-movie! Bela Lugosi's performance as Dr. Eric Vornoff is hypnotic (literally) - the stuff of legends. Wood's lack of attention to detail is paramount in this film's high ranking in his ouvre. The stunning climax is packed full of Tor Jonson at his "George-the-animal Steele" best... out of     

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Cover and Individual purchase link

 

The individual DVD:

       

But WE recommend the entire Boxset (GREAT deal!):

        

         

Runtime 1:10:09
Video

1.33:1 Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 6.99 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s 

Chapters : 12

Bitrate:

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Comments:

 

This is one of my favorites from the boxset. Again it has nice grain and limited extras (just a trailer), but the image quality is quite good as is the contrast and sharpness, and I doubt anyone would be disappointed. Audio is again  weak point of these releases and this is a shade better than "Glen or Glenda" but still I can't see you doing much with it from a DVD production standpoint. out of   

Gary Tooze



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(aka "Grave Robbers From Outer Space")

 

directed by Ed Wood Jr.

USA 1959

Theatrical Release:  July 1959

Firstly this is far from the worst film of all time... it is instead quintessential Ed Wood - meaning it has production weaknesses, but an overall feel of B-movie mood and setting. This guy just loved making films - you can see it, but he wasn't particularly adept at doing so. Regardless, THIS is the film he is most remembered for. It is also his longest project by a wide margin running at almost 2 hours. It is easily about the most fun a cinema scholar (not me) could have watching a film. It has gravitated itself (45 years after release) to pop-culture status - it's wooden performances and disjointed plot details are all so comforting to see - like returning to a good book. Yes, nothing in Ed Wood's methods have been altered - reused sets and ad-hock dialogue are cornerstones to this films infamy. seriously you are crazy if you don't watch this at least once in your life - but 2 and 3 times will give you a ride you don't want to forget.

 

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Cover and Individual purchase link

 

The individual DVD:

       

But WE recommend the entire Boxset (GREAT deal!):

        

         

Runtime 1:51;16
Video

1.33:1 Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 4.78 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s 

Chapters : 20

Bitrate:

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Comments:

 

NOTE: SEE HERE for comparison to the Legend colorized version.

****

The print for this film is in acceptable condition. Relatively sharp, with some slight contrast boosting. Audio is a bit better than in the previous releases, but nothing to rave about - it is a function of the filming process that Eddy used. Some real effort went into making this DVD with the addition of the "Plan 9 Companion" documentary. A trailer is also included. Great image and good extras. It screams for a commentary - and I suspect one will come one day.

Gary Tooze



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(aka 'Dr. Acula" or "Revenge of the Dead")

 

directed by Ed Wood Jr.

USA 1959

Theatrical Release:  unknown

To be fair the regular Wood performers have improved with age and the performances in this, although far from award nomination, and not as bad as they were in previous efforts. Considered perhaps the least "Wood-like" film as it does have some semblance of organization in the production. If you look closely many of the markers are still there though. ..out of

 Reviews    More Reviews    DVD Reviews

Cover and Individual purchase link

 

The individual DVD:

       

But WE recommend the entire Boxset (GREAT deal!):

        

           

Runtime 1:09:21
Video

1.33:1 Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 6.8 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s 

Chapters : 12

Bitrate:

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Comments:

 

Softer than Plan 9, but still plenty of grain (actually excessive in parts). The DVD looks almost like a new film was transferred and it is hard to fault the image at all. The audio is likewise strong, and perhaps the best of the films in the box. Unfortunately there are no extras at all. Still a nice addition and back-up to Plan 9...  out of    

Gary Tooze



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directed by Brett Thomson

USA 1996

Theatrical Release:  May 1st, 1996 - USA

The 1996 documentary provides a complete profile of Wood's life and career, but it also branches out into extended profiles of many of Wood's associates. The director, Brett Thompson, managed not only to track down many of the surviving members of Wood's coterie, but he nudged them into opening up, telling the stories of their experiences, resentments and joys while working with Wood.

Running 112 minutes, the film could have been streamlined and some of the digressions removed, but that would have weakened the central premise, which is not only that Wood was in his own way a significant filmmaker, but that his charisma attracted and held this never-say-die band of collaborators. The film is also clearly a response to the poetic licenses taken by Burton's film, but it dovetails the supplements of that DVD beautifully, expanding one's familiarity with the characters, the atmosphere and Wood's own psyche.
The full screen picture has speckles, even during the interviews shot for the film. The clips are rather soft, but the presentation is adequate, and there is a viable stereophonic musical score.

Excerpt from the Hollywood Report article located HERE

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Cover and Individual purchase link

 

The individual DVD:

       

But WE recommend the entire Boxset (GREAT deal!):

        

           

Runtime 1:51:52
Video

1.33:1 Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 5.13 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s 

Chapters : 18

Bitrate:

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Comments:

 

There are lost of good positive extras in this documentary DVD release (rarely seen - Ed Wood's First film - 23 minutes - audio commentary with Bela Lugosi Jr and Brett Thomson - AE biography <unedited>, collection of outtakes and behind the scenes footage etc. etc.) This DVD alone is worth the price of the whole boxset.   out of     

Gary Tooze



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Gary Tooze

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