Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Starring:John Barrymore, Charles Lane (III), Brandon Hurst, Cecil Clovelly, Nita Naldi, Martha Mansfield, Louis Wolheim, J. Malcolm Dunn, Edgard VarÃ¨se, George Stevens (III)
Director: John S. Robertson
Studio: Madacy Records
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)
Fredric March won an Oscar® for playing the protagonist (and antagonist) of Robert Louis Stevenson's story. Dr. Henry Jekyll is an honorable man of science, albeit frustrated at the enforced celibacy of a delayed wedding date. Hyde is the fearsome creature he turns into after drinking a potion, and Hyde's appetites (mostly expressed with Miriam Hopkins's Cockney dance-hall wench) are decidedly unrestrained. March's performance is pretty theatrical, but it's fun to watch; his Hyde twitches and squawks and lopes around like an ape in a tuxedo. Rouben Mamoulian's direction has plenty of the brio of early-thirties Hollywood, and the transformations from Jekyll to Hyde are ingenious for the time. This film followed Dracula and Frankenstein into theaters by a few months, and it stands well with those horror classics--and it's a darn sight more fun (and much more down and dirty) than the 1941 MGM version of Stevenson's tale. --Robert Horton

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)
Classy MGM was not the studio most likely to make a horror movie in 1941, and in fact its production of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde ended up looking more like a glossy costume drama than a B-movie frightfest. The mood of Robert Louis Stevenson's tale of a divided doctor is ably captured in Joseph Ruttenberg's Oscar-nominated cinematography--more so, perhaps, than in Spencer Tracy's lead performance. Tracy wasn't especially happy about playing the role, although his transformations from good Dr. Jekyll to evil Dr. Hyde are convincing enough. One of the main reasons to see this version of the story is the young, impossibly beautiful Ingrid Bergman, then still a year shy of Casablanca. Bergman was cast in the good-girl part, but proved a shrewd judge of material, even this early in her Hollywood career; she finagled her way into playing the floozy instead, thus securing a more colorful acting platform than Lana Turner, who ended up in the more respectable role. Director Victor Fleming's previous movie was a little number called Gone with the Wind, and the Big Picture approach to that project may have influenced his work here--this Dr. Jekyll is just a bit too stately, too polished to really engage. The picture is so dignified it never cuts loose with the kind of wild invention that marked the 1932 version of the story, which won Fredric March an Oscar. It's the tale as imagined by Jekyll, rather than Hyde. --Robert Horton

Description

The classic tale about a scientist's investigation into the nature of good and evil will become a double feature for this title. The original 1932 Paramount uncut long version starring Frederic March - for which he won the Oscar - and the 1941 MGM remake with Spencer Tracy in the title role as well as Ingrid Bergman and Lana Turner will be offered together.

Customer Reviews:

The two Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde versions.......2007-06-20

Both 1932 and 1941 versions of this oft-told classic make for worthwhile viewing, with my own preference the earlier pre-Code entry starring Fredric March. It's the more frightening of the two, with stark, expressionist sets and ghoulish Hyde make-up accentuating Jekyll's turn from good to evil. The second entry has a gorgeous MGM gloss, and assured direction by Victor Fleming. It also has Spencer Tracy, a fabulous actor whose Hyde is a subtler rendition, a man with a heavier brow and leering expression, whose change seems more behavioral than physical. The second version also boasts the luminous Ingrid Bergman, playing against type as a streetwalker. See both entries, and make up your own mind. You won't go far wrong either way.

Exploring the Dark Side of Human Nature.......2007-06-14

This 1932 film begins with a man playing an organ in a mansion. He is to speak to the university, they have a full audience for him. Dr. Jekyll speaks of the duality of man's nature, the good and the bad side which are always in conflict. If the bad side of man could be eliminated how much better for mankind? Are our beliefs crippling us? Does Dr. Jekyll spend too much time in the charity ward? His life seems just perfect. But his wedding is pushed back to a future date. A street quarrel attracts Dr. Jekyll, he helps a young woman, and she invites him back. Dr. Jekyll continues to experiment in his laboratory, he is obsessed with his theory. He experiments with the elixir on himself (no objective observer!). The effect is to free the bad side of his nature.

Dr. Jekyll has a setback in his plans, and his elixir transforms him into Mr. Hyde. He returns in search of that young woman. [The make-up of Hyde tells you something about the outlook of that time.] Hyde acts beastly, but his money makes him attractive to the young woman Ivy Pearson. General Carew agrees to Jekyll's early marriage to his daughter. Then Ivy Pearson comes to Dr. Jekyll for help against Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jekyll promises Ivy she will never see Hyde again. But there is an unintended consequence to Jekyll's experiments, and Hyde returns involuntarily.! There seems to be no return to Jekyll's peaceful past. Muriel still loves Jekyll, and goes against her father's wishes. Jekyll sets Muriel free from her promise. But there is another transformation! The police and a crowd of people chase Hyde to his refuge. A shot puts an end to Hyde, and Jekyll returns at the end.

I thought this story was an argument for Prohibition (alcohol can release the beast in man).

a split review (4 stars for march but 2 stars for tracy) of a split personality.......2006-09-06

this dvd contains both the frederic march and spencer tracy versions of the robert louis stevenson novella. i had only seen the march film in a severely truncated print, and was always curious as to why this was deemed so good a movie; herein the dvd restores almost 20 minutes and i now agree to the quality: a nuanced performance by the leads (whither miriam hopkins?) and a splendid production under rouben mamoulian. the later spencer tracy version is a bore. revisionists are now trying to acclaim it as a misunderstood flawed masterpiece, but i disagree -- its just dull, featuring terrible miscasting of tracy, ingrid bergman, and lana turner. watch the movie to compare it with its far better predecessor.

What Is The Nature Of Man?.......2006-08-25

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (DVD)

What Is It?

This is the monster movie classic from 1941. It has a cast of big stars that your kids (and maybe you) will not recognize. The "Father of the Bride" Spencer Tracy plays the good doctor and the monster that haunts Ingrid Bergman & Lana Turner. It was directed by Victor Flemming after his 1939 hits "The Wizard of Oz" and "Gone With The Wind." Shot in black and white, this film looks and sounds wonderful on the new "re-release" DVD that also includes the 1930's version.

How Was It?

This was a good film, but I think I would have been more impressed in 1941. The story was strong and interesting. Unfortunately the pacing of the film is just very slow.

Mr. Hyde becomes more "monstrous" as the film goes on. Each time he changes, it's uglier. This is a poetic choice, but at the beginning, it's hard to understand why Dr. Jekyll's friends don't see the amazing resemblance between him and Mr. Hyde.

Is It Good For Kids?

First of all, it is in Black and White. Most kids today have not been exposed to "good" black and white films, so most are turned off by it.

Secondly, it is still "Very Slow."

Finally, the issues are very heady. As "Mr Hyde", he has weird fantasies that are decidedly adult in there symbolism. Then it is a monster move with murder, ugly creators, and screaming women.

[...]
How about Spiritual Issues?

This is one of the most exciting parts of the film. The film starts in a church and ends with a Psalm being recited. Dr. Jekyll is trying to control the sin nature of the human soul with chemicals instead of God. (This is clearly stated at the beginning of the film.) When the Doctor realizes that he has an evil nature that he can not control, he dedicates all his time to breaking the bond in his soul to separate out his warring factions. The result is the personification of both halves. He names his evil side Hyde (or Flesh) and becomes him to indulge in sin. The sin starts at fantasies and watching "daring" shows, but then escalates to full consummation of evil. The problem of the soul is truly revealed when the Doctor decides to stop becoming Mr. Hyde, but then finds himself changing without the chemicals. He has not suppressed his evil, he has fed it, and now it is literally a Monster he can not control.

What Is Your Recommendation?

If you can get around the slowness of this picture, it is very interesting. Here we see that trying to live your life separate from God produces monsters, and the monsters may be us.

Otherwise, maybe it's time for a re-make... have you ever considered producing?

3 Stars For The 1941 Version.......2005-12-28

Although I thought it was good, Spencer Tracy in the 1941 version of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is not as good as the l932 version with Fredrich March. I found it unusual that the character was called "Harry" instead of "Henry." The make-up of Mr. Hyde was not very scary, unlike the hairy Frederich March. They put a lot more effort into the end of the film than the rest of the movie.

Average customer rating:

a fantastic show
I can't believe it, but this isn't that bad
Hasselhoff Pulls It Off
The performance is pretty good; the problem is the vehicle.
Great show, great music, deep on many levels.

Jekyll & Hyde - The Musical
Starring: David Hasselhoff , Coleen Sexton , Andrea Rivette , George Merritt (III) , and Barrie Ingham
Director: Don Roy King
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Jekyll & Hyde - The Musical (1997 Original Broadway Cast)
Jekyll & Hyde - The Gothic Musical Thriller (1994 Concept Cast)
Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
Jekyll and Hyde The Musical - Vocal Selections
Into the Woods (Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000I2J6YG
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Amazon.com

Baywatch alum David Hasselhoff stars in the dual title roles of Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical, Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse's version of Robert Louis Stevenson's gothic horror classic. The story of the brilliant scientist who uncovers the good and evil aspects of the human heart was a pay-per-view event on the Broadway Television Network, filmed on stage before a live audience. If that audience had seen a lot of Broadway shows, they probably didn't see much they hadn't seen before, but its familiar plot and accessible pop score give Jekyll and Hyde a certain appeal, especially for musical novices.

Notable songs for Coleen Sexton and Andrea Rivette (as good girl Lucy and bad girl Emma, respectively) include "Someone Like You," "Once Upon a Dream," and the duet "In His Eyes." Hasselhoff cuts an imposing figure but is somewhat unsteady in such anthems as "This Is the Moment," which are tailor-made for big voices (for example, Linda Eder, Wildhorn's wife and the creator of the Lucy role). --David Horiuchi

Description

The longest-running show in the history of Broadway's Plymouth Theatre, Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical brings new life to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story of romance and the epic battle between good and evil. A whirlwind odyssey pitting man against himself is set in motion when the brilliant Dr. Jekyll's medical experiment backfires, giving life to his evil alter ego, Edward Hyde. The show won a legion of repeat visitors (dubbed by the press as "Jekkies") and spawned hit songs on the pop charts with "Someone Like You" and "This Is the Moment."

Customer Reviews:

a fantastic show.......2007-06-09

this show was one of the best presentations i have seen of this specific show. when i ordered the movie i was very cautious to how it was made and presented. however, after i watched the movie, i was thrilled on the success of there show. they did great and everyone should see this film.

I can't believe it, but this isn't that bad.......2007-05-01

Well sure Hasselhoff's voice isn't strong enough for some of the songs, but overall this isn't that bad a job. Mr. Hasselhoff does himself proud with this production. Most of the songs are good and the cast is very good. While this isn't the best musical i've ever seen,I did enjoy the show and my wife and I had a very good time watching it.

Hasselhoff Pulls It Off.......2007-04-23

I had to give this version a chance. David Hasselhoff has an incredible singing voice and to give the performance he does in Jekyll and Hyde - The Musical is very impressive. But I admit I was a bit frustrated when I saw him practically pass out during his major schizo song. When that bed came in and he was still walking offstage, you could tell that song took quite a bit out of him.

Colleen Sexton as Lucy Harris. Wow wow wow wow wow! She brought quite a bit to the table, and she was in incredible company with the distinguished performers she shared the stage with including Andrea Rivette as Emma Carew. Sexton's and Rivette's performance of In His Eyes was outstanding. Not better than the original performances that predecessed Hasselhoff, but definitely is a ranking force in it's own. I would rank this second next to the Dream Cast concert of Les Miserables starring Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean.

This is the moment. Buy Jekyll and Hyde and give it a chance. You wont be disappointed.

The performance is pretty good; the problem is the vehicle........2007-03-13

Despite much negative opinion, this performance is in many respects not half-bad. I must confess that a good deal of negative criticism focussed on David Hasselhoff seems a lot more like grudge fulfillment. Still, others have turned in better performances. The question is, performances of what? Aye, there's the rub.

"Jekyll and Hyde" occupies the musical and dramatic world of "Phantom of the Opera" and "Sweeney Todd" - without being anywhere as good as either. Dramatically, although the musical follows a fairly single-minded and coherent line, it seems jumpy and fragmented because of the jumpy and fragmented changes of sets. We might go over the plot at this point - except that here we have classic of English literature which ought to be familiar to every person who gets into high school. If you haven't read Stevenson's tale, go read it and don't expect a Cliff's Notes version of it here.

Musically, "Jekyll and Hyde" is, in a word, boring. The music gropes in vain to achieve melody but in every instance fall short to one degree or another. The notes meander within traditional tonality, but fail to leave a lasting impression. That some of the numbers achieved a fleeting popularity is more a tribute to marketing than to any inherent musicality. No amount of belting or breathless intensity can give these tuneless tunes any more than an underachieved dramatic impact.

It's not an uncommon opinion that the problem with this version of the musical is that it stars David Hasselhoff. This is, to a large extent, a bum rap. I will admit that comparing the sound track here with the CD of the original Broadway production (starring Robert Cuccioli), there's no doubt that the original version is more satisfying. That doesn't mean that Hasselhoff doesn't turn in a solid performance - he does - nor that he doesn't have moments of chewing up the scenery. In fact, in many respects, Hasselhoff is the best thing about the whole production.

The star invests his rýle(s) with sincerity and authenticity. I suspect this gets past some viewers who let themselves get distracted by surfboards and talking cars. This part has been better played and will be better played, but Hasselhoff gives the audience their money's worth nonetheless. He clearly delineates Hyde from Jekyll, although his bag of tricks is rather limited - he sometimes manages a really chilling manic look to Hyde, but not as often as he should. Cuccioli's command of his voice serves him sell in this regard, but Hasselhoff's voice shows little difference between his 2 characters. His singing voice, as it happens, isn't bad. It's certainly up to the singing-in-the-shower sort of voice that we often hear in American musicals.

Hasselhoff's part dominates the musical, so that all the other characters are relatively minor. They are, however, played professionally in all cases, giving Hasselhoff a firm backing. I don't see, however, any one performer to single out as being anything but good-but-not-great.

I have already alluded to the physical presentation of the production. The many sets tend toward darkness rather than brightness. As a continuing factor, this becomes dreary. One wonders why we didn't start with well-lighted sets and gradually move toward darker ones. In addition to the less-than-useful dimness, the frequent set changes make the musical seem fidgety. Fortunately, the musical itself shows a single-minded devotion to its story line and manages - barely - to preserve a sense of unity and linear development.

On the whole, "Jekyll and Hyde" is entertaining on one hand and a bit of a chore to watch on the other. It tries very hard to ingratiate itself, succeeds in part, but in the end fails owing to the grisly nature of its development and ending. Nonetheless, it's a fine effort and worth seeing. Even the flaws are instructive.

Great show, great music, deep on many levels. .......2007-03-13

This is a great performance of a great play, with terrific songs. It has meanings in many levels, and much to stimulate thought about love, duty, addiction, violence and twists of fate, and personal character.

Average customer rating:

a fantastic show
I can't believe it, but this isn't that bad
Hasselhoff Pulls It Off
The performance is pretty good; the problem is the vehicle.
Great show, great music, deep on many levels.

Jekyll & Hyde - The Musical
Starring: David Hasselhoff , Coleen Sexton , Andrea Rivette , George Merritt (III) , and Barrie Ingham
Director: Don Roy King
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Jekyll & Hyde - The Musical (1997 Original Broadway Cast)
Jekyll & Hyde - The Gothic Musical Thriller (1994 Concept Cast)
Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
Jekyll and Hyde The Musical - Vocal Selections
Into the Woods (Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00005NKSV
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

a fantastic show.......2007-06-09

I can't believe it, but this isn't that bad.......2007-05-01

Hasselhoff Pulls It Off.......2007-04-23

The performance is pretty good; the problem is the vehicle........2007-03-13

Great show, great music, deep on many levels. .......2007-03-13

Average customer rating:

for lover's of rene
Not your typical sexploitation film
THE ADULT VERSION OF JEKYLL & HIDE!
Warped..of course!
Cool

Adult Version of Jekyll & Hide
Starring: Laurie Rose , Rene Bond , Jane Louise , Linda York , and Jack Buddliner
Director: Byron Mabe , and Lee Raymond
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305836922
Release Date: 2000-05-09

Description

Jekyll and Hyde get a sex change! When slimy stud Dr. Chris Leeder (Jack Buddliner) takes possession of Dr. Jekyll's ancient notebook, he quickly becomes obsessed with the murderous sex crimes of the original Mr. Hide. Ignoring the notebook's warning that the Jekyll and Hyde formula "makes people appear as they really are," the demented doc mixes the potion and promptly turns into..."Miss Hyde" (Jane Tsentas), a sexy blonde in a mini-skirt who just happens to be a homicidal nymphomaniac! After enjoying a lesbian romp with Leeder's secretary (legendary skinflick starlet Rene Bond), and the sadistic slaughter of a drunken sailor (ouch!), Miss Hide decides to pay a visit to Leeder's fiancee (Jennifer Brooks) and permanently cancel the wedding...Gender-bending adult horror, "The Adult Version of Jekyll & Hide" is another outrageous classic from the Mighty Monarch of Sexploitation, producer David F. Friedman.

Customer Reviews:

for lover's of rene.......2007-04-08

really only good if you are a rene bond completist, there is much of her here but not much else when she isn't

Not your typical sexploitation film.......2007-01-10

Compared to other films of the sexploitation genre, the "Adult Version of Jekyll and Hide" is well done. I think the take on the Jekyll and Hyde theme is goofy and ridiculous, but it makes for a very entertaining movie. The acting, the sets, and the script are all decent. Aside from being a nudie film, this movie also doubles as a suspense/horror movie as there are some violent scenes which are quite graphic. Nothing to scare anybody, but definitely more than your typical sexploitation movie.

The film also features an entertaining commentary by the producer, David Friedman, as well as the theatrical trailer and some sexploitation ads. The film quality is crisp and clear. Sometimes I prefer watching these movies with a little more grain: it gives the movies a bit more bite and adds to the sleaziness of it all!

THE ADULT VERSION OF JEKYLL & HIDE!.......2001-10-04

Yes! Before there was BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA! Before there was MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTIN! There was THE ADULT VERSION OF JEKYLL & HIDE! That's right, its HIDE not HYDE! Because in this ADULTS ONLY version of the famous story by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON (Author of TREASURE ISLAND and other great books!) the good doctor is interested in the murderous sex crimes of the ORIGINAL Mr. Hyde! When he recreates the experiments he transforms into--(wait for it!)--the blonde bombshell Miss Hyde! Not to worry, this alter ego also has an APPETITE for SEX and MURDER! This is a film that knows what the audiences wanted in 1972 and certainly tries to give it to them! And with this DVD you get the proverbial much, much more! AUDIO COMMENTARY from the producer! Plus neat stuff from the FRIEDMAN GALLERY OF EXPLOITATIVE ART! Oh, and the ORIGINAL TRAILER!

Warped..of course!.......2001-02-25

Being a fan of all things "Dr.J/ Hyde" I sought out this curio for the sheer novelty of the thing. It's definitely not for everyone (buy YOU aren't everyone or else you wouldn't be reading this review!!) so the cult-film fanatic will enjoy. Basic story with the good doctor discovering Dr.Jekyll's old diary. That's basically the story with the doc transforming into a beatiful babe about mid-way through. Some masochistic violence (Hyde-style) ensues. Cool T&A throughout. The three rating is for good cult-film style fun, with 1 star for "Ms.Hide"?

Cool.......2000-07-06

Not much for storyline here. It's a classic Jekyll and Hyde movie with probably more T&A then needed. But I mean, come on, you don't watch these movies for the great story, right>

Van Helsing - The London Assignment (Animated)

Average customer rating:

A New Opening
Van Helsing
good
"Van-Fluff", the perfect way to describe it.
Even Worse Than The Movie

Van Helsing - The London Assignment (Animated)
Starring: Hugh Jackman , Robbie Coltrane , David Wenham , Grey DeLisle , and Dwight Schultz
Director: Sharon Bridgeman
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001CNRNY
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Amazon.com

Van Helsing: The London Assignment is a wild and clever animated prequel, slightly more than a half-hour, to the live-action hit film about 19th-century monster hunter Dr. Gabriel Van Helsing. Set just before actor Hugh Jackman's dark hero heads off for battle with Count Dracula in Eastern Europe, The London Assignment finds Van Helsing attempting to stop Dr. Jekyll, and the latter's terrifying associate, Mr. Hyde, from their bizarre and bloody quest to turn septuagenarian Queen Victoria into a lovelorn girl again. While the widescreen artistry is often brutal, it is also breathtaking, especially in a fantastic chase sequence involving train cars. Besides Jackman, several actors from the feature lend voices to their cartoon counterparts, including Robbie Coltrane (as Hyde), Alun Armstrong (as Cardinal Jinette), and David Wenhman (as sidekick Carl). Special features include an incisive interview with Jackman about his character. --Tom Keogh

Description

Combining thrilling adventure and cutting edge animation, Van Helsing: The London Assignment is the original prequel that unlocks the incredible story behind Van Helsing and Mr. Hyde. Deep in the heart of London, the demonic creature, Mr. Hyde, terrorizes the late-night streets in a haunting crime spree. With the city in a panic, the Knights of the Holy Order send Van Helsing into London with the mission of tracking down and capturing the evil Mr. Hyde. Featuring the voice of Hugh Jackman, this original animated film will thrill you with non-stop adventure and give you an inside look into the world of Van Helsing.

Customer Reviews:

A New Opening.......2007-01-10

The Van Helsing movie opens with Van Helsing in a final battle with Mr. Hyde in Paris. This short animated adventure tells you how he got to that point. Van Helsing and Carl travel to London to investigate some sinister killings of young prostitutes. But the chase leads to far more complex plots than just the killing on young women.

Van Helsing gets tied up in a plot that involved Dr. Jekyll who is physician to Queen Victoria. The not-so-good doctor is obsessed with the Queen and has devised a plot to further his own ends with her. As we know from the full-length movie, Mr. Hyde manages to get to Paris. I won't reveal who the battles progress or the details of the plot but I found it to be rather entertaining. Other than Mr. Hyde being huge (taken from The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) unlike in Stevenson's book where Hyde is smaller than Jekyll, the story doesn't twist his tale as much as that of Dracula in the longer feature.

The animation is clean and the voices are true (Hugh Jackman and others from the feature film). If you enjoyed the feature film then you are sure to enjoy this one as it is very true to the movie (other than Carl being in the field). Check it out.

Van Helsing.......2006-08-17

I rate this cartoon movie at three stars, but the documentary is worthy of 5 stars. Its actually worth the price just for the documentary. Its basically a great making of feature about the 2004 Van Helsing film.

good.......2005-11-16

This movie is reasonably good. It's something to watch when you're bored but don't want to sit through a long, gritty movie. The London Assignment is short, sweet, and packs quite a bit into it.

"Van-Fluff", the perfect way to describe it........2005-09-04

This over all prequel to motion picture is just an overblown fluff piece that could have been saved or perhaps will show up on the eventual DVD release of Van Helsing.

The animation feature is nicely done and the sound is great. The supliments are more or less a kind of press junket for te feature film follow-up.

At only a half-hour running time, you wish it was at least 80 mins. Hugh Jackman and the cast provide voice talent to bring this 'teaser' to life.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Even Worse Than The Movie.......2005-05-27

Well, they did it with the Riddick series and it succeded, so I guess Universal decided it would work for Van Helsing as well. This is one of the hugest pieces of crap I've ever seen make it to DVD. Everything about it including the music and voices make it seem like some episode of a boring Saturday morning cartoon. From the first minute of it I was wishing for it to be over, and when it was I was happier than ever. If you didn't like the movie you'll probably hate this, likewise if you didn't like this but haven't seen the movie I doubt you'll like it either. If you liked the movie and haven't seen this I can't guarantee you'll like this short. Universal Studios have never sank so low in the history of their moviemaking.

The Dan Curtis Macabre Collection (Dracula (1973) / The Turn of the Screw (1974) / Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1968) / The Picture of Dorian Gray (1973))

Average customer rating:

Sound problem apparently solved
a great set of movies from dan curtis
Excellent Value
Defective Set???

The Dan Curtis Macabre Collection (Dracula (1973) / The Turn of the Screw (1974) / Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1968) / The Picture of Dorian Gray (1973))
Starring: Jack Palance , Simon Ward , Nigel Davenport , Pamela Brown , and Fiona Lewis
Director: Dan Curtis , and Charles Jarrott
Manufacturer: Mpi Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000060MVF
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Customer Reviews:

Sound problem apparently solved.......2006-12-12

I'm simply reviewing the sound issue mentioned in a previous review, since the story and picture are great. I was hesitant to order this since a few reviewers stated that the 3rd & 4th discs(Dorian Gray & Turn Screw) were almost inaudible and further, MPI knew nothing about it. Well, i think its the old "failure to admit a mistake" stance on MPI's part. I received my set yesterday and not only is the sound fine on these last two discs, IT'S ACTUALLY LOUDER THAN THE FIRST TWO DISCS(Dracula & Jekyll). It seems they overcompensated for the problem of volume. With it comes a little more hiss, but i'd rather be able to hear these great movies. So order freely without fear.

a great set of movies from dan curtis.......2006-05-04

in the 70's dan curtis gave t.v. some of its best horror movies and shows,the 4 in this collection are the best.
1.dracula features jack palance as the count and it is a very nice production.
2.turn of the screw stars lynn redgrave as the governess to two possised children.
3.dr.jekyll and mr. hyde stars jack again and is a very good take on the oft told tale
4.the picture of dorian gray is good but to me is the weakest of the lot.
still a very nice collection of movies to run a cold streak up your back.

Excellent Value.......2004-03-12

This package contains four films either produced or directed by Dan Curtis, creator of TV's "Dark Shadows." The most successful piece is "The Picture of Dorian Gray", featuring a moodier, more atmospheric interpretation than the classic film starring George Sanders (not yet on DVD, alas). The Dracula adaptation stars Jack Palance as the nefarious Count, and follows the novel much more closely than the Lugosi or Christopher Lee versions. Still, it's not as gripping as it could be.

Palance also stars as Jekyll/Hyde, and this film is easily the weakest of the bunch. Overlong and plodding, it never catches fire. Palance's understated performance is a plus, and there are several strong sequences, especially at the beginning, but towards the end it starts to drag.

The Turn of the Screw is excellent, a definitive adaptation of the Henry James novel. (The review below mentions an audio problem on this disc, but I didn't experience anything like that.) It's not often that I find a horror flick genuinely scary, but this one does the trick.

These films were (I believe) made for TV, so the video quality isn't great and the audio is mono. The films are also sold separately, so you're not forced to buy them all. But this package is the better value.

Defective Set???.......2003-09-13

Wow I love Dan Curtis and his stuff but Disc #4 Taming of the Shrew is Audio Defective! The menu and Bonus Clip interviews have sound but the actual Movie sound is almost completely muffled and inaudible! I called 'Julie' at MPI and she said it was the first she'd heard of it. I wonder if just mine was defective or a glitch in their pressings. I'd like some more feed backs on this set to see if others have this same problem. Rinky Dink Quality is why I'm giving this set a low mark.

Average customer rating:

One of the greatest silent films.
The first US horror film
The absolute best looking version, however.....
Wow!
A Weird But Good Movie From The Silent Movie Era!

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Starring: John Barrymore , Charles Lane (III) , Brandon Hurst , Cecil Clovelly , and Nita Naldi
Director: John S. Robertson
Manufacturer: Kino Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Double Feature (1932/1941)
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
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Svengali

ASIN: B00005O5CF
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Amazon.com

It took John Barrymore to bring class to the American horror film, at least in the eyes of the industry. Dignified and virtuous as Dr. Henry Jekyll in this 1920 silent, Barrymore transforms into id incarnate as the lascivious Mr. Hyde. With almost no makeup beyond his gnarled, knobby fingers and greasy hair, Barrymore relies almost solely on a bug-eyed grimace, a spidery body language, and pure theatrical flourish. He tends to be hammy as the leering beast of a thug but brings a tortured struggle to the repressed doctor, horrified at the demon he's unleashed, guilty that he enjoys Hyde's unrestrained life of drinking and whoring, and terrified that he can no longer control the transformations. Martha Mansfield costars as his pure and innocent sweetheart, and Nita Naldi (the vamp of Blood and Sand) has a small but memorable role as the world-weary dance hall darling who first "wakens" Jekyll's "baser nature." --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

One of the greatest silent films........2007-05-13

I wish I could've been around when this movie first came out. For its time it is a truly shocking and horrific movie. As it stands I think it is one of the gems from the silent picture films era. It really tries very hard to delve into the difference between good and evil and the effects of it on a man who learns how to split himself into both. A really excellent film and a fantastic performance by John Barrymore with an excellent supporting cast. It's easy to see why Mr. Barrymore was one of the finest actors of his day. Enjoy!

The first US horror film.......2006-06-17

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has long been hailed as a classic by critics and audiences alike, both the story itself and the classic with John Barrymore. The film was made in 1920 and is truly a silent film as the only noise in the whole film is the theatre organ. It is of course designed as a suspense/horror film and although the scares are mostly psychological, it is definitely a classic in the horror genre. This was one of the very first Jekyll and Hyde films preceded only by the 1911/1912 version starring famed director James Cruz; there was also "Januskopf, Der" also in 1920 but released in the UK and probably without the appropriate rights as was "Nosferatu" by the same director. And of course the third 1920 film with Sheldon Lewis that seems to get few accolades and is normally mentioned so people can get the good version with Mr. Barrymore. This version was directed by John S. Robertson and is definitely the best portrayal of the Robert Louis Stevenson story I have seen thus far.

The classic story line is of course known by many. Dr. Jekyll, a kind and decent paragon of society starts experimenting with various potions, and hits upon one that turns himself into a fully realized personification of his dark side. The person Jekyll holds responsible is the father of his beloved Millicent, whose cynical nature opens the door to his baser instincts and his fascination with the dual personality. Despite my familiarity with the story the script was very unpredictable right up to the ending, it was very difficult to tell what was going to happen next which for a silent film is remarkable. This is often considered the first US horror film, and even though the "scare" factor is not necessarily there..... the film is ungodly creepy which is normal of older horror films as they played more on suspense than sheer terror. I think this film ranks up there with the original "house on haunted hill" as one of the best suspense films of all time. The creep factor is very evident especially in some of the later scenes, and John Barrymore does an amazing job of doing Hyde with no facial makeup which in my opinion makes this the best treatment of the story. The basic concept of the story is a split personality so Hyde being a grotesque mockery of Jekyll's appearance versus an entirely different creature as in later films, stays truer to that concept. It also makes one get downright chills after the transformation. The only downside of this film is the soundtrack which seems to have no bearing on the events of the film at all and would best be described as church organ wankery, although even with this the quality of the film was not detracted from too much. Hopefully it will eventually get a new soundtrack such as "Nosferatu" did--but due to the fact the organ is the only sound, if I require sound next time I watch it I will just gather some classical music together. This film is difficult to watch for someone from the generation of talkies--I am quite used to older films, but silent films especially one such as this with very few title cards requires full 100 percent attention as it is very easy to miss things, and I did not realize until watching this film how often I space out for a minute or so. This fact shows how good a film it is, as once resigned to full attention you find yourself wanting to keep that full attention. This story is riveting and is much like reading a book as there are many things left to the imagination as there is much action and dialogue between the characters; but there are not title cards for all the dialogue. I found myself extrapolating and imagining what the actors were saying either based on the visuals or the title cards that have been displayed. Even though it may be difficult for the talkies generation, there are a wealth of silent films and any horror buff needs to see this to understand what the beginning of horror filming was like.

The star of this film is of course John Barrymore, whose acting is a standout among all the other principles in this film, through his grimace and general creepy way of moving as Hyde his is a standout performance above all the rest, and even though it is surprising that he is the only one of his siblings that has never been nominated or won any awards it is not surprising that he is now known as the best actor out of all of them. I will be honest, other than Martha Mansfield's depiction of Millicent, Jekyll's fiancé, none of the other actors were particularly noticeable in their roles. Ms. Mansfield's emotions and acting as she grew more and more concerned about her fiancé were a delight on the screen and as she had very few displayed lines on screen almost everything with her part was done visually. As for the other actors everyone did a decent job at their role but no one really stood out on an acting level.

The photography of this film was very basic, partially due to the time and also I believe the direction. There are many wide shots in the film, that jump to close-ups which make the actions very effective. There were very few heavy close-ups although there were some, it seemed as if they went out of their way to avoid any strong close-ups of Mr. Hyde--in some case the shot would widen out on his transformation, which was also a good illustration of how painful that transformation was. As disturbing as Mr. Hyde's appearance is, I am glad there are not any extreme close ups of his vile countenance. The other main aspect I noticed was the film started out very light, and near the end of the film there were more and more low key scenes, leading up to the finale. And in regards to Millicent; most if not all of the shots that involve her are high key lighting, which further magnifies her character's virtuousness on the audience.

All in all my silent film experience was excellent, and I am glad that I picked one that was completely silent excluding the church organ. It was a very good film, and the comparisons between a silent film and reading a book are many. There is much more room for imagination on films such as these and due to the silent nature you cannot turn around or space a section as you can miss quite a bit. There is a large focus on characterization and acting as a whole--- even though there were few standouts, the actors have to work much harder in a film with no sound and low instances of dialogue to make the film a good watch. The imagination factor comes in on sound effects quite a bit as with this film there are none. Every scream, every hit of the club and every gasp have to be imagined, and for a horror film makes it that much scarier. Just like in older horror films where music is used minimally to focus on the events, having no sound effects at all really puts you in the hot seat as what we imagine is always scarier than what someone else can put on the screen.

The absolute best looking version, however............2006-04-26

This Kino edition of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with John Barrymore is the first US horror film. One of his very best. The sets are wonderful and the time period costumes make this a very realistic looking film. This Kino version is by far the best quality print (35mm) and the picture quality is excellent, not dark and sharp and clear. However, this version on Kino seems to be edited. Some scenes seem to stop short before they are finished. Perhaps some of the footage was either missing or was so deteriorated that Kino chose not to include it. I previously owned the Image version of this film, and while the picture quality is no where near the Kino version, I seem to remember that the footage that is missing on the Kino version, is on the Image version. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this. Oh well, considering that this film is over 85 years old, I am happy that a very satisfying version is now available on dvd. Thanks Kino, for a job very well done. I also appreciate the bonus materials at the end of the film. In particular the 1909 audio recording of the transformation of Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde. Also the Stan Laurel spoof is nice (but not particularly funny). This is a must dvd for any collection, silent or sound.

Wow!.......2006-03-16

This is an excellent silent film. John Barrymore's performance is outstanding and the film looks great, considering its age. Highly recommended.

A Weird But Good Movie From The Silent Movie Era!.......2005-06-21

This is a great and spooky movie from the 1920's and based on an old classic horror book. John Barrymore (Drews's great grandfather) Stars as Dr. Jekyll and his evil and scary alter ego Mr. Hyde who is the result of some weird experiment he has performed. I recommend this movie!

Average customer rating:

Doc Jekyl and Kung-Fu Hyde
underrated action film
Adam Baldwin
Um...
NICE TRY BUT DISAPPOINTING RESOLUTION

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Starring: Adam Baldwin , Steve Bastoni , Anthony Wong , Jason Chong , and Karen Cliche
Director: Colin Budds
Manufacturer: Mti Home Video
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Control Factor
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Evil Eyes
My Bodyguard
Blind Justice

ASIN: B00005Q2ZM
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Amazon.com

Any connection to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic horror tale is tenuous at best in this action-packed superhero story with dark undertones. Adam Baldwin is San Francisco surgeon Henry Jekyll, whose honeymoon in Hong Kong becomes a nightmare when a triad gang murders his wife and marks him for death. Saved by a mysterious Chinese healer who speaks in fortune cookie clichés, he becomes a kind of hero-in-training (think The Karate Kid and Mr. Miyagi) with a mystic twist: he discovers the herbal formula to release his inner brute and transforms into a demonic-looking Hyde. The colorful mix of cop show, gangster thriller, and mystic martial arts adventure ends on an anticlimactic note, as if this made-for-TV feature was the pilot for a never-launched TV series, but it's an energetic and spirited film that, for all its kooky clichés, remains oddly compelling. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Doc Jekyl and Kung-Fu Hyde.......2006-02-19

This is the loosest adaptation of anything I've ever seen. In fact, loose doesn't even begin to describe it. What Sci-Fi has done is taken the title of the Robert Louis Stevenson's novella in order to draw viewers in, and nothing else.

The TV movie follows Dr. Henry Jekyll, now a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. The entire supporting cast of Stevenson's story, even in name, is nonexistent. Jekyll travels to China with his new bride for a honeymoon. There he encounters Chinese mobsters who maim the doctor, kill his wife, and leave him for revenge.

Up to this point, the movie had potential. An action-adventure vigilante retelling of "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" might have been worth seeing. Unfortunately, the movie never even tries to live up to its source material. Dr. Jekyll apprentices himself to a local medicine man and studies martial arts under the name "Edward Hyde." It looks like Sci-Fi had to throw both of those names in there somewhere in order to keep the title. Eventually, in the final third of the movie, Dr. Jekyll does make a medicine that gives him glowing eyes, sharp teeth, and a killer edge. But Stevenson's theme of the struggle between good and evil inside of every man is unexplored. If Sci-Fi was going to take the title, they should have at the very least tried to stay true to the theme. Under the influence of the medicine, Dr. Jekyll is aware, even more aware, of what he is doing. Mr. Hyde is all alias, no altar ego.

The acting performances are solid, but the movie is hard to enjoy when it begs to be compared to its classic source material. Before the halfway point of the movie, the "Based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson" in the credits seems like a bold-faced lie. If you enjoy American-in-China-karate-action movies, and you have nothing better to watch, try this on for size. If you're looking for an adaptation of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", avoid this, or you'll be sorely disappointed.

By the way, the recent "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" was a better Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde action movie.

underrated action film.......2006-02-17

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde was a pleasant surprise. We thought it would be the usual kung foo action film, instead found it to be full of gentle humor, Chinese medicine, and interesting characters. Adam Baldwin(Dr. Jekyll) and Chang Tseng(Dr. Chau) relate extremely well to each other and have a unique student-teacher relationship. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie.

Adam Baldwin.......2005-11-24

He makes me swoon... and I was surprised to see him in something not half bad. The lack of resolution makes me wish it had been fleshed out into a series, but still overall enjoyable.

Um..........2005-10-27

Quick thing to the last reviewer. Adam can't do his brothers proud- HE'S NOT A BALDWIN BROTHER. Take it from someone who carpools with his kids, that mistake ticks him off

NICE TRY BUT DISAPPOINTING RESOLUTION.......2005-10-06

Francis Ford Coppola executive produced this film for his Zoetrope studios, and it must have been a pilot for a failed tv series, as it has no real resolution. Giving the classic story a new twist, it has nothing to do with its classic source, but instead is almost a transcendtalized superhero movie with a buff and surprisingly effective Adam Baldwin inhabiting the dual roles. Full of mystic mumbojumbo and some fairly well staged karate fights, this version gives us the dual-faced doctor as a vengeful fellow out to avenge the brutal murder of his bride on their honeymoon in Hong Kong. Baldwin teams up with a Chinese fairy godfather and learns the ins and outs of herbal medicine in his attempts to bring down the bad guys. Not bad but since we don't get a resolution, one feels a little cheated.

Average customer rating:

Old style Classic movie making!

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Starring: Lowell Gilmore , John Hoyt , Keith McConnell , Barbara Morrison , and Michael Rennie
Director: Allen Reisner
Manufacturer: Rhino Theatrical
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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

ASIN: B000068QMQ
Release Date: 2002-07-30

Customer Reviews:

Old style Classic movie making!.......2003-08-26

This film version is crisp and straight forward. Gore Vidal adapted it and in Black and White it is effective. This production is Spartan in effects and sets, yet contains the core essence that Robert Louis Stevenson imbued his book with.
The grace of the actors is displayed, and the evil of Hyde is represented by a Mole (with hair) that grows upon his face as THE major change of personalities.
The chracter differences are subtle and sublime compared to other versions.

Average customer rating:

Pleasant Surprise
"Redfield...Torrez...Engler...Randolph...Voytilla ~ Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (2002)"
Lame Retread
Redfield's Performance

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Starring: Mark Redfield
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
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Similar Items:

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Double Feature (1932/1941)
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Norton Critical Editions)

Product Features:

Platform:  DVD MOVIE  Publisher:  ALPHA VIDEO  Packaging:  DVD STYLE BOX  From London's fog-shrouded back alleys to the palaces of the rich, Jekyll's obsessions and Hyde's destructive lusts combine to make a cocktail of mayhem, madness and finally, murder.This thrilling new blood-drenched adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's chilling classic

ASIN: B0002HODVI
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Product Description

From London's fog-shrouded back alleys to the palaces of the rich, Jekyll's obsessions and Hyde's destructive lusts combine to make a cocktail of mayhem, madness and finally, murder.

This thrilling new blood-drenched adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson

Customer Reviews:

Pleasant Surprise.......2007-01-31

Forget the film's low budget; Redfield alone makes this one well-worth the price and the time. He is a very gifted and natural actor who gives new life to Stevenson's two-sided character. The entire cast is way above average, including Elena Torrez, who is mesmerizing as Claire, Kosha Engler as Jekyll's ill-fated fiance and Carl Randolph as his friend and confidant; but it is Redfield's film and he gives us a Jekyll and Hyde we are not likely to forget. Given the mostly lame fare Hollywood is turning out these days, it's encouraging to see professionals of this caliber produce entertaining films like this one.

"Redfield...Torrez...Engler...Randolph...Voytilla ~ Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (2002)".......2006-08-25

Alpha New Cinema present "Mark Redfield's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (2002)...The cinema has a long, illustrious line of some of the greatest actors who portrayed Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on big screen (John Barrymore, Frederic March, Spencer Tracy and Jack Palance.)...and now with Mark Redfield gives them all an artistic run for the money, yes Redfield is that good...Redfield has created both a kinder, gentler Jekyll and a vicious, more brutal Hyde... unpredictable you are always trying to guess his next move, but alas he gets you everytime...take note that Redfield is suave and debonair as Jekyll, sinister and scary as Hyde, his performance in both roles is impeccable.....don't miss a single spine tingling scene.

Under director Mark Redfield, associate producers Tom Brandau and Thomas E. Cole, executive producer Terry Woods, producers Stuart Voytilla and Mark Redfield, writing credits of Mark Redfield and Stuart Voytilla, based on the Robert Louis Stevenson novel "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", original music Nalin Taneja, special makeup effects artist by Bob Yoho . . . . . cast includes Mark Redfield (Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde), Elena Torrez (Claire Caine), Kosha Engler (Miriam Carew), Carl Randolph (Gabriel Utterson), Howell Roberts (Lord Ashton), R. Scott Thompson (Mordecai Carew), E. John Edmonds (Sir Danvers Carew), Jeff Miller (James Parker), J.R. Lyston (Detective Inspector Newcommen/Additional Voices), James Nalitz (Poole), Jennifer Cortese (Alberta), Josh Petroski (Henderson), Robert Leembruggen (Jack Little), Ronald Burr (Cobb), Alena Wright (Annie Jackson), Melanie Ambridge (Ashton's Patient), Nicole Stover Woods (Little Girl on Street), Brad Marshall (Dr. Humbolt), Tom Brandau (Mr. Clarkson/Additional Voices), B. Thomas Rinaldi (Bertelli), Chuck Richards (Dr. Hastie Lanyon), James Mills (Louis Lumiere), Brian Naughton (Auguste Lumiere), James Griffith (Coachman), Randolph Aitken (Williams (as Randy Aitken), Martin Thompson (Featured Player), James Laster (Featured Player), Leo King (Featured Player), Joel Mason (Featured Player), James Hackman (Featured Player), Hawkins Weber (Chaing/Additional Voices), Keith Thompson (Detective Charles Spottiswoode) . . . . . .our story opens with this statement - "More than one hundred years ago, Robert Louis Stevenson wrote a story about a man whose experiments with the human soul have since become legend. The tale is still told with horror the world over...it is the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"...our journey takes us through old London in 1900...Dr. Henry Jekyll believes that there are two distinct sides to men, a good and an evil side...also believes that by separating the two, man can become liberated...Jekyll succeeds in his experiments with chemicals to accomplish this and transforms into Hyde to commit horrendous crimes...when he discontinues use of the drug it is already too late...the entire production has an excellent cast, outstanding performances, top notch scenery and a mesmerizing score...Best Independent Film from the Festival of Fantastic Films, Best Actress Elena Torrez from the Shockerfest USA and especially that of Mark Redfield for Best Actor, his portrayal is compelling from beginning to end from the Shockerfest USA, Shriekfest Award given in recognition of Mark Redfield's work as an actor, writer, director, and producer.

BONUS FEATURES:
1. Trailers
2. Deleted Scenes
3. Audio Commentary by Director
4. "The Making of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde".

Great job by Alpha Video for releasing "Mark Redfield's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (2002)...looking forward to more releases from the vintage horror era of the '30s, '40s & '50s...order your copy now from Amazon or Alpha Video where there are plenty of copies available on DVD, stay tuned once again for original horror entertainment...just the way we like 'em

Total Time: 110 mins on DVD ~ Alpha Video 1008D ~ (8/31/2004)

Lame Retread.......2005-02-27

I love low budget independent films and had high hopes for this one. But this film is static. Never mind the production value, which is very noble for its budget, but the pacing is deadly. Admittedly these folks achieve much with little, but the film fails on the most fundamental level. It's boring. The editing is glacial and the pacing stalls. It should have been 65 minutes. The best thing about the Dr. Jekyll is Mr. Hyde who isn't seen nearly enough. He had the most dramatic potential. Instead we have to suffer through dithering Baltimorean-Brits stammer through endless and tiresome exposition. It feels like a backwater stage play committed to video.

Noble efforts by everyone in the production, but a story this tired needed a kick in the pants and funky new low budget technology should have given it a fresh voice. Instead it's just a lame retread.

Redfield's Performance.......2004-09-21

All I can say is that Redfield plays Jekyll and Hyde like no one has since Fredric March! Brilliant! The interesting spin on his version of the character(s) is that Hyde is possibly the true self and that Jekyll was always a mask. His twisted, wild eyed, dwarfish, satyr-like Hyde is truer to Stevenson's description than the hairy ape/wolf-man that people usually associate with the character. He plays Hyde with an almost comical glee, similar to March's performance. Evil can be humorous in a twisted ironic way. Script-wise it follows the original story closer than any film before it. We don't find out until toward the end that Jekyll and Hyde are the same person. But there were some surprising and unnecessary deviations from the story. For example, Sir Danvers has a son (?!) who Hyde kills instead of him (taking much of the horror away from the story as his son is almost as odious as Hyde. You're glad he gets killed), Hyde kills his mistress' lover instead of her, he reveals his secret to Dr. Lanyon's assistant instead of him, and a gun inexplicably explodes in hyde's hand maiming him (I'm still trying to figure out why this was put in the story) just to name a few. Also this film is one of the lowest budgeted modern indi films I've ever seen. The streets of London are miniatures with the actors cheaply superimposed upon them. It seems all the money went into making Mr. Hyde's excellent makeup, that they had to go and use cheap, $3.00 Halloween beards and moustache's that neither looked remotely real or even matched the actors hair color. It would have been better to leave the actors clean shaven. And Sir Danvers's snobbish son... with a modern gelled crew-cut?! Although the acting is forced at times, and downright bad at others, for the most part it's decent. Redfield's acting however is exceptional. Yes, I recommend sitting through the faker than fake beards, zero budget not-so-special fx, and bad acting just to see this guy play Jekyll & Hyde. It's truly inspired! Enough for me to give the film 4 stars. Plus it's a cheap DVD, so what do you have to lose?

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