The Devil Doll (1936) Blu-ray Review

Tod Browning was an iconic director. He directed some of the best film in early cinema history. He is responsible for Bela Lugosi's Dracula and Mark of the Vampire and the controversial 1932 Freaks. Then in 1936 he took filmmaking to a whole other level with his film The Devil Doll.

Tod Browning put together an all-star cast of Lionel Barrymore (It's A Wonderful Life), Maureen O'Sullivan (The Quiet Man) and Frank Lawton (David Copperfield) for The Devil Doll. Now for the 87th anniversary of this film's release Warner Archive Collection has given this film a Blu-ray release just in time for Halloween 2023.

Paul Lavond (Lionel Barrymore) is a wrongfully accused escaped convict who uses a mad scientist shrinking serum to create tiny people. He then disguises himself as a kindly old lady running a toy store, so he can secretly send his tiny assassins out to exact a terrifying revenge on the men who framed him.

The Devil Doll is truly a delightfully devilish adventure. Lionel Barrymore is tremendous in his role. He really proves his diversity in this film. Tod Browning shows off his expert skills in bringing his vision to the screen. But probably the best part of this film is the special effect of Leonard Smith. The effects are so good they must be seen to be believed.

The Devil Doll has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The soundtrack is an English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio. There are also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

This Blu-ray features a brand new 4K scan. This new scan brings new life to this sci-fi horror film. I must say I was extremely impressed with how great this film looks in 2023. To think this film is almost 90 years old and you would never know it! There is no scratches or debris. The audio is free of hiss or pops. It is a stunning scan.

Now a simply stunning 4K scan of this film might be enough to call this a must buy. But that is not all that is include on this Blu-ray. Warner Archive added some very cool bonus features. take a look at what is included on this disc.

* New feature commentary by Film Historian Dr. Steve Haberman and Filmmaker/Film Historian Constantin Nasr

* Classic WB Cartoons

Milk and Money (1936) Porky's family are going to lose their farm, so Porky works a milk route, but is warned if he breaks a bottle he's fired.

The Phantom Ship (1936) Uncle Beans and the kids visit a haunted ship named The Phantom. The ship is trapped in the ice and is thought to house a pirate treasure. 

*Original Theatrical Trailer

As a huge fan of Looney Tunes, it is always cool to see cartoons added to the Warner Archive Collection Blu-rays. And to see a couple of the classic black and white cartoon receive some love in physical media format, it does my heart good.

So, if you love Tod Browning films, Lionel Barrymore, Maureen O'Hara or classic sci-fi/horror the Devil Doll Blu-ray release is a simply must own release. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today!



Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of The Devil Doll receives....