3 Classic Horrors Of The Silver Screen - Vol. 2 - A Bucket Of Blood / House On Haunted Hill / The Ghoul [DVD]

Considering that this is a DVD from a company which specialises exclusively in releasing public domain films and TV shows, there is something really surprising that needs to be said about this particular item. And that is that it includes the authentic MGM beautifully restored edition of "The Ghoul" - you can tell that it is right away when it opens with the newly-put-on MGM logo. It is in quite pristine condition, not a scratch or fleck on the image, no jumps from missing frames, not a bit of hiss on the soundtrack and it is the full uncut 80 minute version. How they managed to get this print for this release is anybody's guess, but it's here, so you don't have to go for a more expensive edition to get hold of it!

The film itself seems to take place just about entirely at night, and the house where a lot of it is set is a stranger to the modern convenience of electricity, preferring instead to use candles. So, it's certainly quite a dark film, owing a lot to the style of German horror films of the previous decade or so, and actually being photographed by a man who had worked on some of them. And it may not be one of Boris Karloff's greatest films, especially since (apart from one appearance early on for his death scene) he only shows up in the last half hour. But he sure makes the most of it during that half hour! Before that, it does tend to be a bit slow and some scenes should have been edited more tightly. But there is a supporting cast to relish, who all have great moments: Cedric Hardwicke, Ralph Richardson in his film debut, Kathleen Harrison for the comedy (and looking remarkably young here!), and the peerless Ernest Thesiger (and I'm still not sure whether he's doing a Scottish or an Irish accent...and I have a feeling that he didn't know either!!!)

The other two films on the DVD are available on countless other public domain releases, but both of them are in their way rather great. I have only checked out parts of each of them, but they both look in acceptable and very watchable shape. I have never seen a mint condition print of Roger Corman's "A Bucket of Blood", and the one here has some noticeable damage and slightly dodgy sound, but it's as good as you are likely to find. And William Castle's "House on Haunted Hill" is softer in its image than one would ideally like, but again you won't find better in a public domain issue of it.

So, if you are looking to see "The Ghoul" (and I'm sure there must be SOMEBODY who is!), I would just like to say again that you can buy this DVD with confidence. You are not gonna get any extras, like the commentary, that the more expensive edition may have. But, hey come on, you do get a couple of other most enjoyable films too!!

I bought this in the strength of another review. I'd already seen "House" (not too bad but not good either (annit's Vincent Price!) and the less said about "Bucket" the better as far as I'm concerned! ~ I couldn't even be bothered watching it after 15(?) minutes ~ if that!.

But, "The Ghoul" ~ I'd heard of this and never thought to find a decent print ~ and this is great! A "lost" Karloff film from 1933 discovered in near perfect condition. Directed by T. Hayes Hunter, the story is daft with a "scientific" explanation ~ catalepsy ~ and it's probably not meant to be a comedy but who cares! Somewhat reminiscent of "The Old Dark House".

And what a cast ~ Ralph Richardson as a "slimy" parson (his 1st. "screen" appearance), Cedric Hardwicke as a dis-honest lawyer, with Kathleen Harrison as the light relief and Boris Karloff as "The Ghoul" a "heathen" Egyptologist . AND, And, and, Ernest Thesiger as a Scottish (! ~ boggles) Manservant. Dorothy Hyson and Anthony Bushell are the "love interest" and mere adjuncts but, I suppose, necessary!

I sat and cackled throughout, especially at Thesiger, his accent may be a wee bit exaggerated but he has the true "Scots idiom" and sanctimonious manner! ~ and perfectly delivered ~ and I'm a Scot! Then you really have to listen to the rest of the dialogue ~ everyone has wee "gems" (good writers!). And with delightful wee "background" details shoved in, e.g. the "lawyer's office" has shelves bending under heaps of dusty old files.

I watched it, straight through, 3 times in 2 days and found something new each time! Most enjoyable and definitely one for the collection!

I got this box set with a main aim to see house on haunted hill. THis film , in my opinion is the best. Not very scary but interesting. A bucket of blood was very funny, how a cat manages to get stuck in a wall is beyond me. I still haven't made myself sit through the ghoul yet. I started to watch it but it seemed to go very slowly.

This DVD is great for anyone that is interested in looking at the wasys in which filming was made in the past. And definately worth purchasing