Sam Katzman was n accomplished movie producer and director dabbling in many genres including, westerns, musicals, adventures and dramas. But probably where Katzman is best known for his sci-fi / horror films of the 50s.
Now Arrow Video have collected 4 of Katzman's sci-fi monster movies in one limited edition Blu-ray collection entitled Cold War Creatures.
Our Rating System:
**** = Don’t Miss it!
*** = Worth a look.
** = An OK way to spend an evening.
* = You haven’t missed anything.
Creature with the Atom Brain (1955) An ex-Nazi mad scientist tries to get an American gangster to return to power, all with the help of radio-controlled atomic-powered zombies. ***
The Werewolf (1956) Two scientists find an unconscious man in the wreckage of a car crash. They take him back to their lab and inject him with a serum, but instead of helping him it end up turning him into a werewolf. ***
The Zombies of Mora Tau (1957) Zombie crewmen of a sunken ship have been protecting the wreck's legendary box of diamonds, but that doesn't stop a group of treasure hunters from trying to retrieve them. ***
The Giant Claw (1957) A world is in full panic when a purposed UFO turns out to be a giant bird with no regard for life or buildings. ***
Now while these monster films may not be the greatest in cinema history. One thing is for sure they are entertaining. The Giant Claw has the reputation as one of the worst films ever made. But that isn't true the film is solid the only reason people have a problem with it is the crazy looking bird complete with visible wires.
I have to say there is one thing Katzman knew how to do, and make an entertaining piece of cinema. Now as a fan of 50s sci-fi cinema I think this is a great collection of 50s B monster movies.
Now Arrow Video have transferred all of these movies in 1080p and presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic wisdescreen. The audio is DTS-HD Master Audio Mono on all films with English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The black and white B films look stunning on Blu-ray. The picture is crisp and the audio is clear, with no signs of damage to these prints.
For the movie fan Arrow Video went above and beyond with this set and loaded this Blu-ray set with tons of bonus features. Take a look at the on disc features.
DISC 1 - Creature with the Atom Brain
* Brand-new introduction by historian and critic Kim Newman
* Brand-new audio commentary by critic Russell Dyball
* Sam Katzman: Before and Beyond the Cold War Creatures, a brand-new feature-length illustrated presentation on the life, career and films of Sam Katzman by historian and critic Stephen R. Bissette
* Condensed Super 8mm version of Creature with the Atom Brain, produced for home cinema viewing
* Theatrical Trailer
* Image Gallery
DISC 2 - The Werewolf
* Brand-new introduction by critic Kim Newman
* Brand-new audio commentary by critic Lee Gambin
* Beyond Window Dressing, a brand-new visual essay exploring the oft-overlooked role of women in the films of Sam Katzman by historian and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
* Condensed Super 8mm version of The Werewolf, produced for home cinema viewing
* Theatrical Trailer
* Image Gallery
DISC 3 - The Zombies of Mora Tau
* Brand-new introduction by critic Kim Newman
* Brand-new audio commentary by critic Kat Ellinger
* Atomic Terror: Genre in Transformation, a brand-new visual essay exploring the intersection of mythical horror creatures and the rational world of science in the films of Sam Katzman by critic Josh Hurtado.
* Theatrical Trailer
* Image Gallery
DISC 4 - The Giant Claw
* Brand-new introduction by critic Kim Newman
* Brand-new audio commentary by critics Emma Westwood and Cerise Howard
* Family Endangered!, a brand-new visual essay examining the theme of Cold War paranoia in Sam Katzman monster movies, by critic Mike White
* Condensed Super 8mm version of The Giant Claw, produced for home cinema viewing.
* Theatrical Trailer
* Image Gallery
Also included as a part of this huge box set is cool physical features.
* Fully illustrated 60-page collector’s book featuring extensive new
writing by Laura Drazin Boyes, Neil Mitchell, Barry Forshaw, Jon Towlson
and Jackson Cooper
* 80-page collector’s art book featuring
reproduction stills and artwork from each film and new writing by
historian and critic Stephen R. Bissette
* 2 double-sided posters featuring newly commissioned artwork by Matt Griffin
* Reversible sleeves featuring original and newly commissioned artwork for each film by Matt Griffin
So as you can see this is one epic set of 50s B monster movies that would make a great addition to anyone's collection. It is truly much more than just a Blu-ray set it is a display piece for classic film fans.
I highly recommend this set for fans of those old drive-in flick from the 50s. This set it filled with hours of sci-fi fun that even kids of this generation I fill will have fun watching. You can head over to Amazon.com and order your copy today.
Out
of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray of Cold War Creatures receives...
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