The Wicker Man - Page 3 - The AV Maniacs

Jeff Nelson · 03-14-2003, 03:11 AM

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL is woefully underrated. The performances and direction are dynamite, the monster is properly sympathetic, and I'm sorry, but the much-maligned monster suit isn't that f**king bad, so deal with it.

This had better get an uncut release someday, or those responsible will be tied up and forced to watch over and over the old TV commercial for the Slim Whitman record collection.

Re: Christopher Lee's performance in CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, he does the best he can with the little he's given. The focus of the film seems to be on the Baron and his scheming and manipulating to achieve his goals, and not so much the character of the monster, which seems to often be relegated to the sidelines, or used for such perfunctory script requirements as witness-silencing. Kind of the character that Glenn Strange was saddled with in the later Universal sequels, except that Lee is a good actor and rises above the character's inherent limitations. Not that I'm comparing the film's quality to that of HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, etc., because I think CURSE is an excellent film (ok, I like HOUSE too, but more in a so-ridiculous-it's-good way). I just think the monster's character is similar. If Lee would have been given the part as written for Karloff, I have no doubt he would have been extremely impressive; for proof, look at Hammer's THE MUMMY. Lee's sympathetic monster says more with its sad eyes than many a respected actor can say with pages of dialogue. I do think Lee deserves much more credit than he's given.

03-14-2003, 04:22 AM

Interesting posts here all around.

I join the "I love Chirstopher Lee, be he's not a GREAT actor" crowd. Curse of Frankenstein is a great film - but Lee is not that great in it. Frankly, there's just not much for him to do.

I'm not even crazy about Wicker Man (I have the two dics set from R2.) I think it is an okay film, but the calls for it being a masterpiece are just over the top from my perspective. I'm not sad I bought the DVD (it cost $12 for goodness sakes) but it's just not truly great. It seems some are obsessed with it, I can't understand why, but realize I am in the minority on this one.

This really got me:

-- THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES (1959) – I have just rewatched this yesterday,by way of MGM/UA’s splendid DVD--

Wow! I bought the R1 disc only last week. I watched it mid-week. A very very good film, no doubt. The DVD though is truly lame. A passable transfer (though it could do with some work) and mono sound (it says it's stereo, but I swear it is not) with no bass at all. It possitively screeches at times. All in all - this transfer is one the worse I have bought recently.

Still - it IS a great flick.

03-14-2003, 07:57 AM

There is a DVD (Blue Underground? not sure) of "Frank and the Monster From Hell" coming out soon, with a commentary by Ms Smith and Dave Prouse.

Easily the most atmospheric, gory, camp, creepy and gothic of all the Frank films...the sequence of the lightning lit monster, being viewed by the terrified Asylum Governer, digging up the graves, is the single most gothic drenched scene Hammer have ever created.

The wonderful Asylum set is almost a character in itself, and Cushing is just perfect..mad, camp, funny and cold bloodedly ruthless.

The late 60's/early-middle 70's were a wonderous time for British Horror films.

Jeff Nelson · 03-14-2003, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 42nd Street Freak
Easily the most atmospheric, gory, camp, creepy and gothic of all the Frank films...the sequence of the lightning lit monster, being viewed by the terrified Asylum Governer, digging up the graves, is the single most gothic drenched scene Hammer have ever created.

The wonderful Asylum set is almost a character in itself, and Cushing is just perfect..mad, camp, funny and cold bloodedly ruthless.

The late 60's/early-middle 70's were a wonderous time for British Horror films.

I absolutely agree with all of the above. A great finale to a mostly excellent series of Gothic horror films. My only beef with FATMFH is with Cushing's silly wig, which I believe was reused from TWINS OF EVIL at his insistence. I much prefer his regular toupee.

Jari K · 08-03-2006, 05:03 PM

New UK SE is coming:

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=62351

"Disc 1: The Wicker Man – Original Theatrical Release (84 mins)
1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
English DD5.1 Surround
Theatrical Trailer

Disc 2: The Wicker Man – Director’s Cut (99 mins)
1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
English Mono
Feature length commentary: Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, and Director Robin Hardy, moderated by Mark Kermode
The Wicker Man Enigma - 35 minute documentary
Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man – 50 minute documentary presented by Mark Kermode
Original press book

Disc 3: Original soundtrack CD"

"Burnt Offering"-doc seems to be new at least..

Mike Brown · 08-03-2006, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Nelson

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL is woefully underrated. The performances and direction are dynamite, the monster is properly sympathetic, and I'm sorry, but the much-maligned monster suit isn't that f**king bad, so deal with it.

I just watched this and the suit and makeup was godawful! The movie was pretty good though.

Kieran M · 08-03-2006, 05:13 PM

I am SO looking forward to NOT seeing the remake for this amazing film.

Sergio B · 08-03-2006, 05:39 PM

There was a picture of the worldwide one-sheet for THE WICKER MAN yesterday on Aint It Cool and it looked atrocious. It was yet another shot of Nicholas Cage running or in an action pose, just like in the one-sheets for the last 4 or 5 movies he's starred in. Hollywood is incredibly pathetic.

Kieran M · 08-03-2006, 05:57 PM

Sad.
I saw a poster in a local theatre for the remake, it featured "generic-spooky-little-girl" and some weak tagline ("be afraid" or "get ready for fear" or some such shit).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sergio B

Hollywood is incredibly pathetic.

Damn straight.

Paul A J Lewis · 08-03-2006, 07:43 PM

IIRC the 'Burnt Offering' doc was shown on UK television in about 2000. It's quite good.

Robert Plante · 08-07-2006, 09:24 AM

Saw this for the first time yesterday, a strong film; though I'm not sure I need to see it again, I'd like to see those documentaries and will be picking up the soundtrack for the gentle, spooky folk songs.

Graeme C · 08-07-2006, 01:10 PM

The Wicker Man: what's there not to love about this film? I'm quite an admirer of it anyway. I mean, this is a film where even Britt Ekland is good in it! It has great atmosphere - it manages to capture the eerie, insular and magical quality that you can sometimes find in the Highland villages and islands. A good story, told with wit: the luring of the pious Protestant policeman into the pagan's trap is nicely done and isn't something we've all seen a dozen times before. The music is excellent. Easily earns a place in the top ten of British horror films.

What doesn't it have? Gore, hysterical females being chased by Boogiemen, scary night-time scenes.

A masterpiece? In terms of British horror films I think it is. Anyway, it's damn good and I just wish the original film elements hadn't been lost forever.

Tim Young · 08-11-2006, 02:12 PM

The cover-art for the new release is up, and as usual I have borrowed it and given the release a preview page at http://mondo-esoterica.net/upcoming%...03%20disc.html

The new documentary and CD look tempting, although no mention of if the CD is for the theatrical film or the DC (the classic LandLord's Daughter song is not on the Theatrical cut soundtrack). I notice that the Christopher Lee interview seems to be missing and no mention of the Easter Egg video clip that was on the WB disc. However, its already available for £13.99 at play.com so might be worth picking up soon.

Ryan Clark · 08-12-2006, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Young

The cover-art for the new release is up, and as usual I have borrowed it and given the release a preview page at http://mondo-esoterica.net/upcoming%...03%20disc.html

The new documentary and CD look tempting, although no mention of if the CD is for the theatrical film or the DC (the classic LandLord's Daughter song is not on the Theatrical cut soundtrack). I notice that the Christopher Lee interview seems to be missing and no mention of the Easter Egg video clip that was on the WB disc. However, its already available for £13.99 at play.com so might be worth picking up soon.

Oh wow, I didn't even know there was a new set coming out! I'm not region free yet, but I want to see the director's cut and I NEED to own the soundtrack, so this is a must-buy for me. Love that cover art, too.

08-03-2006, 05:03 PM	#35
Jari K Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,949	Re: The Wicker Man New UK SE is coming: http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=62351 "Disc 1: The Wicker Man – Original Theatrical Release (84 mins) 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen English DD5.1 Surround Theatrical Trailer Disc 2: The Wicker Man – Director’s Cut (99 mins) 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen English Mono Feature length commentary: Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, and Director Robin Hardy, moderated by Mark Kermode The Wicker Man Enigma - 35 minute documentary Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man – 50 minute documentary presented by Mark Kermode Original press book Disc 3: Original soundtrack CD" "Burnt Offering"-doc seems to be new at least.. __________________ www.dvdcompare.net

08-03-2006, 05:13 PM	#37
Kieran M Thread-killer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 633	Re: The Wicker Man I am SO looking forward to NOT seeing the remake for this amazing film.

08-03-2006, 05:39 PM	#38
Sergio B Avowed CGI Hater Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts: 646	Re: The Wicker Man There was a picture of the worldwide one-sheet for THE WICKER MAN yesterday on Aint It Cool and it looked atrocious. It was yet another shot of Nicholas Cage running or in an action pose, just like in the one-sheets for the last 4 or 5 movies he's starred in. Hollywood is incredibly pathetic. __________________ The New Cult Vault

08-03-2006, 07:43 PM	#40
Paul A J Lewis Scholar of Sleaze Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bixby Snyder's sitcom Posts: 9,673	Re: The Wicker Man IIRC the 'Burnt Offering' doc was shown on UK television in about 2000. It's quite good. __________________ 'I'd buy that for a dollar!'

08-07-2006, 09:24 AM	#41
Robert Plante Smell the Magic Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 178	Re: The Wicker Man Saw this for the first time yesterday, a strong film; though I'm not sure I need to see it again, I'd like to see those documentaries and will be picking up the soundtrack for the gentle, spooky folk songs.

03-14-2003, 03:11 AM	#31
Jeff Nelson Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,055	I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL is woefully underrated. The performances and direction are dynamite, the monster is properly sympathetic, and I'm sorry, but the much-maligned monster suit isn't that f**king bad, so deal with it. This had better get an uncut release someday, or those responsible will be tied up and forced to watch over and over the old TV commercial for the Slim Whitman record collection. Re: Christopher Lee's performance in CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, he does the best he can with the little he's given. The focus of the film seems to be on the Baron and his scheming and manipulating to achieve his goals, and not so much the character of the monster, which seems to often be relegated to the sidelines, or used for such perfunctory script requirements as witness-silencing. Kind of the character that Glenn Strange was saddled with in the later Universal sequels, except that Lee is a good actor and rises above the character's inherent limitations. Not that I'm comparing the film's quality to that of HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, etc., because I think CURSE is an excellent film (ok, I like HOUSE too, but more in a so-ridiculous-it's-good way). I just think the monster's character is similar. If Lee would have been given the part as written for Karloff, I have no doubt he would have been extremely impressive; for proof, look at Hammer's THE MUMMY. Lee's sympathetic monster says more with its sad eyes than many a respected actor can say with pages of dialogue. I do think Lee deserves much more credit than he's given.

03-14-2003, 04:22 AM	#32
Vee Guest Posts: n/a	Interesting posts here all around. I join the "I love Chirstopher Lee, be he's not a GREAT actor" crowd. Curse of Frankenstein is a great film - but Lee is not that great in it. Frankly, there's just not much for him to do. I'm not even crazy about Wicker Man (I have the two dics set from R2.) I think it is an okay film, but the calls for it being a masterpiece are just over the top from my perspective. I'm not sad I bought the DVD (it cost $12 for goodness sakes) but it's just not truly great. It seems some are obsessed with it, I can't understand why, but realize I am in the minority on this one. This really got me: -- THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES (1959) – I have just rewatched this yesterday,by way of MGM/UA’s splendid DVD-- Wow! I bought the R1 disc only last week. I watched it mid-week. A very very good film, no doubt. The DVD though is truly lame. A passable transfer (though it could do with some work) and mono sound (it says it's stereo, but I swear it is not) with no bass at all. It possitively screeches at times. All in all - this transfer is one the worse I have bought recently. Still - it IS a great flick.

03-14-2003, 07:57 AM	#33
42nd Street Freak Guest Posts: n/a	There is a DVD (Blue Underground? not sure) of "Frank and the Monster From Hell" coming out soon, with a commentary by Ms Smith and Dave Prouse. Easily the most atmospheric, gory, camp, creepy and gothic of all the Frank films...the sequence of the lightning lit monster, being viewed by the terrified Asylum Governer, digging up the graves, is the single most gothic drenched scene Hammer have ever created. The wonderful Asylum set is almost a character in itself, and Cushing is just perfect..mad, camp, funny and cold bloodedly ruthless. The late 60's/early-middle 70's were a wonderous time for British Horror films.

08-07-2006, 01:10 PM	#42
Graeme C Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: UK Posts: 86	Re: The Wicker Man The Wicker Man: what's there not to love about this film? I'm quite an admirer of it anyway. I mean, this is a film where even Britt Ekland is good in it! It has great atmosphere - it manages to capture the eerie, insular and magical quality that you can sometimes find in the Highland villages and islands. A good story, told with wit: the luring of the pious Protestant policeman into the pagan's trap is nicely done and isn't something we've all seen a dozen times before. The music is excellent. Easily earns a place in the top ten of British horror films. What doesn't it have? Gore, hysterical females being chased by Boogiemen, scary night-time scenes. A masterpiece? In terms of British horror films I think it is. Anyway, it's damn good and I just wish the original film elements hadn't been lost forever. Last edited by Graeme C; 08-11-2006 at 09:38 AM.

08-11-2006, 02:12 PM	#43
Tim Young a.k.a R-T-C Join Date: May 2005 Location: Keighley, UK Posts: 1,426	Re: The Wicker Man The cover-art for the new release is up, and as usual I have borrowed it and given the release a preview page at http://mondo-esoterica.net/upcoming%...03%20disc.html The new documentary and CD look tempting, although no mention of if the CD is for the theatrical film or the DC (the classic LandLord's Daughter song is not on the Theatrical cut soundtrack). I notice that the Christopher Lee interview seems to be missing and no mention of the Easter Egg video clip that was on the WB disc. However, its already available for £13.99 at play.com so might be worth picking up soon. __________________ Mondo Esoterica.net - Finally back in business for 2010!

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