HOLY FREAKIN’ CRAP! FINALLY!

Updated on July 19, 2011 By Ken Begg 10 Comments

The Criterion Collection has just announced on its website that it release the 1932 horror classic ISLAND OF LOST SOULS. Directed by Erle C. Kenton and starring Charles Laughton and Bela Lugosi, the film has been one of the most long-awaited cult gems to make it to the digital format, and Criterion is releasing it to both DVD and blu-ray on October 25. It will contain a new high-definition digital restoration of the uncut theatrical version (with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition) and extras include an audio commentary by film historian Gregory Mank, new video conversations with John Landis, Rick Baker, Bob Burns, David J Skal, Richard Stanley and others, as well as the original theatrical trailer and a booklet featuring a new essay by critic Christine Smallwood.

Also, Incredible Melting Man will be coming out as part of MGM DVD on demand collection, i.e., DVD-Rs, as will the Vincent Price flick Master of the World.

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  • The Rev.

    This was a delightful surprise at T-Fest 2009. I’d definitely look to pick this up. Maybe those other two as well, since I haven’t seen either one.

  • roger h

    As many times as this film has been re-made, this is still my favorite partly cause I like anything with Charles Laughton.

    Of course Richard Basehart was in one of the 70s version and I would hate to tussle with Gypsy.

  • Gamera

    Is the ‘Island of Lost Souls’ the best screen adaption of ‘The Island of Doctor Moreau’? I haven’t seen the ’70s version. I didn’t hate the ’90s version quite as much as Jason MacIsaac in his review here, but still it pretty much sucked.

  • roger h

    The later 70s version (Not the Philippines version) is entertaining particularly due to good acting by Burt Lancaster and Michael York and fun makeup. Been awhile since I have seen it.

    I wont argue which is best, just that the Laughton version is my personal favorite.

  • Reed

    Vat… Is… The LAW?

    To puch the shark before it punches you!

  • Gamera

    Thanks Roger, I’ll have to check out both of them. And thanks Ken for the head’s up.

  • Rock Baker

    Island of Lost Souls is an authentic horror classic with seemingly endless black shadows from thick jungle foliage. I know personal taste varies, but I think you could make a pretty firm argument that “Lost Souls” is the best filmed version of the story you’re likely to find. That said, the Burt Lancaster version isn’t bad either (but it is a -no pun intended- different animal). See also the scaled down version, Terror is a Man (1959), the 50’s B movie take on the story.

  • roger h

    I would watch “Island of Lost Souls” as a double bill with “White Zombie” for a night of jungle fun.

  • When I was 12 years old, the junior high book fair had a sale and there was a book with a lurid pink cover by H. G. Wells. I’d read War of the Worlds and The Invisible Man so I thought this might be good too. Dr. Moreau still, literally, haunts my dreams. As in I occasionally have nightmares about him.

    Are we not men?

  • David Fullam

    Island of Lost Souls? Hell yes! A true classic film, horror or otherwise.