Universal Monsters: Undo BD 'fixes'

[crissrudd4554]

The 75th Anniversary DVD has the credit sequence with the noticeable jump cut so most likely.

[monks19]

Ok, thanks

[captainsolo]

To all: Can a fan edit of Murder in the Rue Morgue be of any interests ? If yes, I'll try to upload it soon and share it with you.

Do you mean one that restores the original sequencing? If so, yes!

MITRM has a great LD by the way. I've picked up an extra LD or two. Wish we could get a definitive list of what Universals and Hammers were worth tracking down on LD and/or VHS.

The new 4K Ghost of Frankenstein and Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man are excellent...but the new Son transfer is phenomenal.

[crissrudd4554]

A little over a year ago I did start a thread on CHFB detailing to the best of my knowledge the edits done on the video releases which Ive continually updated. I only focussed on the US VHS, LD, DVD, and BD releases. This is the list as I currently have it. If anyone has anything theyd like me to add or fix dont hesitate to post.


Dracula (1931)

1980 VHS- This release features the censored soundtrack that removes Renfield’s death screams and Dracula's death groans.

1985 VHS- Same as 1980 VHS.

1988 Laserdisc- Renfield's death screams and Dracula's death groans are restored.

1991 VHS- No significant edits.

1992 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

1999 VHS/DVD- Two VHS editions exist. One features the original film, the other features the film accompanied by the Philip Glass score. Some editions of the latter were released in a mini clamshell. The DVD edition gives viewers the choice between the unscored film and the Glass score.

2004 DVD- Renfield's death screams and Dracula's death groans are removed again although they are still featured on the track with the Glass score as well as the commentary track.

2006 DVD- Renfield's death screams and Dracula's death groans are restored again. Also, the 1997-2012 Universal logo is added to the beginning of the film.

2012 Blu-ray- The 1997-2012 Universal logo is removed. The 'flub' heard in Swan Lake during the opening credits which was present on all previous releases is fixed. Also corrected is the notable edit in the opening credits where the words and background change size.

2014 DVD- Same as Blu-ray.



Dracula (Spanish 1931)

1992 VHS- A different recording of Swan Lake accompanies the opening credits. The low ‘theme’ that is played at the end of the Opera scene in the English film is played in a few scenes in this film when Dracula exits his coffin. Also a 1992 copyright tag is added to the opening title card. Features English subtitles.

1999 DVD- No significant edits. Subtitles are optional.

2004 DVD- No significant edits. Subtitles are optional.

2006 DVD- Soundtrack is reverted to its original form although the 1992 copyright tag remains. Subtitles are optional.

2012 Blu-ray- No significant edits. Subtitles are optional.

2014 DVD- Same as Blu-ray.



Frankenstein (1931)

1980 VHS – This edition features the censored cut where Henry's victorious line 'In the name of God, now I know what it feels like to be God!', portions of the Monster's struggle with Frankenstein, Waldman, and Fritz, closeups of Fritz torturing the Monster, Waldman injecting the Monster with a needle, and Maria's death are removed. Reverb to the Monster's growls when Henry and Waldman descend the stairs just before discovering Fritz’s fate and after Henry learns of Waldman's death are missing. Also the end credit music cuts when the credits fade to black.

1986 VHS/Laserdisc- Some editions repackage the 1980 tape but later editions feature the ‘restored’ version. This edition restores most of the previously censored and/or missing bits while Henry's 'In the name of God...' line is dubbed by a crack of thunder. The end credit music continues over a black screen when the credits fade to black. To differentiate the ‘restored’ tape from the repackaged 1980 tape, a red sticker reading ‘Contains Restored Footage’ is placed on the front cover. Laserdisc edition features the ‘restored’ version.

1987 VHS- Same restored version as the 1986 VHS although the artwork is adjusted so the cover clearly labels it as the ‘Restored Version’.

1991 VHS- Same restored version as the ‘86 and ’87 VHS'.

1999 VHS/DVD- Henry's 'In the name of God...' line is fully restored while the end credits are frozen so they end simultaneously with the music. Some of the ‘black outs’ between scenes are shortened. A black and white version of the 1963-1990 Universal logo was added to the beginning of the film on the VHS but is absent on the DVD.

2004 DVD- The soundtrack is missing certain bits. These include missing 'Henry! Frankenstein!''s after Henry and Fritz descend the stairs and the aforementioned reverb to the Monster's growls are again removed. Also the moment where Henry opens the door after hearing Fritz scream is retimed so the sound of the handle clanging is in sync with when he grabs it although this leaves the last few seconds of the scene about a quarter of a second out of sync.

2006 DVD- Soundtrack is still missing bits. The moment Henry opens the door after hearing Fritz scream is again adjusted although this time only the door handle ‘sound’ is moved up. In the scene where Henry passes out, the sound of the handle clang heard after Elizabeth cries ‘Henry’ is missing. Restored end credits where music continues over black screen and ‘blacks out’ are restored to their original length.

2012 Blu-ray- Soundtrack is still missing bits. The scene where Henry opens the door after hearing Fritz scream now reverts back to the original timing where the handle clang sounds off about a split second before Henry grabs it. The aforementioned handle clang sound missing from the scene where Henry faints is restored. Also the shot of Henry and Fritz approaching the gallows has been edited so the scenery remains consistent yet the two figures and the slab they're pushing now noticeably jumps a short distance.

2014 DVD- Same as Blu-ray.



Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932)

1992 VHS- No significant edits.

1995 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2005 DVD- No significant edits.



The Mummy (1932)

1985 VHS- No significant edits.

1986 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

1990 VHS- No significant edits.

1991 VHS- No significant edits.

1999 VHS/DVD- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2008 DVD- No significant edits.

2012 Blu-ray- Opening Universal logo fades in a second or two later than previous releases.

2014 DVD- Same as BluRay.



Island of Lost Souls (1932, Paramount distributed, now Universal owned)

1993 VHS- Some of Parker's dialogue when he criticizes Moreau about Lota's origins is cut, particularly when he calls it 'criminal' to create a woman with human emotions and suffering through an animal. Also about two seconds of footage is cut when Ouran kills Donahue.

1995 Laserdisc- No significant edits. The aforementioned missing bits are still missing.

2011 DVD/Blu-ray- Criterion Collection logo and 1997-2012 Universal logo is added to the beginning of the film. The aforementioned missing bits are restored.



The Invisible Man (1933)

1987 VHS/Laserdisc- The musical piece "La Rosita" played on the radio when Grifffin sneaks into Kemp’s house that was present in the original release is replaced with "Hearts and Flowers". This also removes sound effects heard in the scene such as the sound of the door opening and closing.

1990 VHS/Laserdisc- The LD feature 'La Rosita' and the missing sound effects. Source: http://monsterkidclassichorrorforum.yuku..._x_EOUrJdi

1991 VHS- No significant edits.

1999 VHS/DVD- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- When Jaffers and the villagers creep into the room for their second attempt at apprehending Griffin, it cuts to the pantsless Griffin waving his arms and laughing hysterically. On the '99 DVD Griffin's laugh starts about a 1/4 second before it cuts to him. Now the laugh occurs when it cuts directly to him.

2012 Blu-ray- Restores "La Rosita" as well as missing sound effects. The sound effect of the wig hitting the table after Griffin pulls it off during the 'reveal' scene is missing.

2014 DVD- Same as Blu-ray.



The Black Cat (1934)

1983 VHS- Released on MCA Videocassette label, later reissued on MCA Home Video label, as double feature with The Raven. Movies were time compressed to fit properly (Thanks MisterBeaumont and Scoundrel for this info.).

1986 Laserdisc- Also a double feature with The Raven, movies are still time compressed (Thanks MisterBeaumont and Scoundrel for this info.).

1992 VHS- Correct time restored.

2005 DVD- No significant edits.



The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

1984 VHS- The opening MPPDA/NRA notice is missing.

1985 Laserdisc- The opening notice is still missing.

1991 VHS- The opening notice is restored.

1999 VHS/DVD- The opening notice is missing again.

2004 DVD- The opening notice is restored.

2012 Blu-ray- The scene of the Monster approaching the Hermit’s hut is edited. Originally it began in a wide shot which cut to a closer shot. The wide shot is now enlarged to match the close shot but the two are cut together awkwardly. Even worse is a blowing tree branch in the foreground that was blowing in the wide shot now magically ‘disappears’.

2014 DVD- Same as Blu-ray.



Werewolf of London (1935)

1992 VHS/Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2001 DVD- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.



The Raven (1935)

1983 VHS- Released on MCA Videocassette label, later reissued on MCA Home Video label, as double feature with The Black Cat. Movies were time compressed to fit properly (Thanks MisterBeaumont and Scoundrel for this info.).

1986 Laserdisc- Also a double feature with The Black Cat, movies are still time compressed (Thanks MisterBeaumont and Scoundrel for this info.).

1992 VHS- Correct time restored.

2005 DVD- No significant edits.



The Invisible Ray (1936)

1987 VHS- No significant edits.

1992 VHS/Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2005 DVD- No significant edits.



Dracula’s Daughter (1936)

1992 VHS- No significant edits.

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

1998 VHS- No significant edits.

2001 DVD- Some of the opening titles are different. Previously it read 'Based on a story by Bram Stoker Suggested by Oliver Jeffries'. The DVD titles now read 'Story...John L. Balderston Based on a work by Bram Stoker Suggested by Oliver Jeffries'. Also the Associate Producer, Director credits now appear after the Cinematographer, Art Director, etc. credits rather than before them.

2004 DVD- Same as previous release.

2014 DVD- Same as previous release.



Son of Frankenstein (1939)

1989 VHS/Laserdisc- No significant edits.

1990 VHS- No significant edits.

1992 VHS- No significant edits.

2001 DVD- A few seconds of footage is missing. It's of Wolf climbing out of the circular opening in the lab floor while looking for Ygor (just before his first proper meeting with the Monster). On the DVD it cuts to him already out of the hole. Even the music shifts noticeably.

2004 DVD- The aforementioned missing footage is still missing.

2014 DVD- The aforementioned missing footage is still missing.

2016 Blu-ray- A slightly different cut of the film is used. The aforementioned missing footage is featured here. However other 'oddities' are featured that were not on previous releases. First, the scene where Ygor spies on Peter while he's sleeping is longer. We now have footage of Elsa curling her hair then hearing a crack of thunder before going to check on Peter. Ygor has fled. Second the end of the scene where Wolf orders Ygor to keep the Monster in the lab is slightly longer. The shot of Ygor laughing as he pats the Monster and the Monster starts to crack a smile is longer and the Monster does give a smile. Third, after the following scene between Wolf and Benson there's a shot of Ygor motioning for the Monster to follow him before it cuts to them coming through the wall. Some alternate takes are featured as well including the shot of Wolf pulling the table over with the Monster strapped in after he is hoisted into the lab and of the Inspector talking to Wolf before they go back inside. On the latter, the timing of the last line of dialog is different to the DVD.



The Invisible Man Returns (1940)

1992 VHS- No significant edits.

1995 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.



The Mummy’s Hand (1940)

1992 VHS- No significant edits.

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2001 VHS/DVD- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- The word ‘has’ is removed from the line ‘Over 3,000 years ago, the Princess Ananka has died’ in the scene where the Priest recites the tale of Kharis and Ananka.

2014 DVD- Same as 2004 DVD.



The Invisible Woman (1940)

1993 VHS- No significant edits.

1995 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.



The Wolf Man (1941)

1987 VHS/Laserdisc- No significant edits.

1990 VHS/Laserdisc- No significant edits.

1991 VHS- No significant edits.

1999 VHS/DVD- No significant edits. However on the DVD, the closeup of the Wolf cane in the antique shop (when Larry says 'A wolf and a star') is now about a full second longer.

2004 DVD- Same as 1999 DVD.

2010 DVD- The closeup of the cane again is edited. The length is the same as the previous DVDs but Larry's line now comes about a full second after it cuts to the shot whereas previously the line came almost immediately after the cut. The scene would remain this way on subsequent releases.

2012 BluRay- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.



The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942)

1993 VHS- No significant edits.

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2001 DVD- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.



Invisible Agent (1942)

1993 VHS- No significant edits.

1995 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.



The Mummy’s Tomb (1942)

1992 VHS- Initial copies were missing the scene where Kharis kills Jane. This was quickly fixed due to fan complaints (Thank you HalLane for this information).

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2001 VHS/DVD- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits although music is a bit less ‘accented’ in some scenes compared to previous releases.

2014 DVD- Same as 2004 DVD.



Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man (1943)

1986 VHS- No significant edits.

1987 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

1990 VHS- No significant edits.

1992 VHS- No significant edits.

2001 DVD- There's a noticeable crack in the sound at one point during the opening credits.

2004 DVD- Same as previous DVD.

2014 DVD- Same as previous DVD.

2016 Blu-ray- The 'flub' in the opening credits has been fixed.



Phantom of the Opera (1943)

1987 VHS/Laserdisc- A few frames are missing from the start of the scene where Christine meets Claudin in the hall as well as when it cuts back to the Opera after Biancarolli initially awakes from being drugged.

1990 VHS- No significant edits. The aforementioned missing frames are still missing.

1991 VHS- No significant edits. The aforementioned missing frames are still missing.

1999 VHS/DVD- The VHS edition uses the same print as the previous VHS releases while the print on the DVD restores the missing frames.

2012 BluRay- About a split second of music is restored to the start of the scene where Christine and Claudin meet in the hall.

2014 DVD- Same as BluRay.



Son of Dracula (1943)

1988 VHS- No significant edits.

1989 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

1991 VHS- A different recording of the Universal ‘Globe’ theme is played during the intro.

2001 DVD- The regular Universal ‘Globe’ theme is restored.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.



The Invisible Man’s Revenge (1944)

1994 VHS- No significant edits.

1995 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.



The Mummy’s Ghost (1944)

1993 VHS- No significant edits.

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2001 VHS/DVD- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.



House of Frankenstein (1944)

1992 VHS- No significant edits.

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2001 DVD- A glitch occurs in the scene where Karl catches up to Arnz’s squad. A shot of Karl running and Arnz turning in response repeat themselves.

2004 DVD- Aforementioned glitch remains.

2014 DVD- Aforementioned glitch is removed.

2016 Blu-ray- A few frames missing during a scene transition at the 35:01 mark.



The Mummy’s Curse (1944)

1993 VHS- No significant edits.

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2001 VHS/DVD- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.



House of Dracula (1945)

1993 VHS- No significant edits.

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.



She-Wolf of London (1946)

1998 VHS- No significant edits.

2001 DVD- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.



Abbott & Costello meet Frankenstein (1948)

1982 VHS- No significant edits.

1986 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

1988 VHS- No significant edits.

1991 VHS- No significant edits.

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2001 VHS/DVD- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2008 DVD- This particular release strangley features the Realart opening and closing logos.

2012 BluRay- No significant edits. The opening and closing logos/credits are reverted back to their original form.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.

2015 DVD- No significant edits.



Abbott & Costello meet the Invisible Man (1951)

1991 VHS- No significant edits.

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2001 VHS/DVD- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2008 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.

2015 DVD- No significant edits.



Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

1980 VHS- 3D version. A few frames are missing from a shot of the Amazon when Mark and David are placing rotenone in the lagoon.

1987 VHS- 2D version. The aforementioned frames are still missing.

1991 VHS/Laserdisc- 2D version. The aforementioned missing frames are restored.

1999 VHS/DVD- 2D version. No significant edits.

2004 DVD- 2D version. No significant edits.

2012 BluRay- Includes 2D and 3D versions. No significant edits. First widescreen release.

2014 DVD- 2D version. No significant edits. Widescreen version.



Revenge of the Creature (1955)

1993 VHS- No significant edits.

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2001 VHS- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- The music continues without pause during the first attack scene. Previously the music at one point stopped for about a second.

2014 DVD- Same as 2004 DVD.



Abbott & Costello meet the Mummy (1955)

1993 VHS- No significant edits.

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2001 VHS/DVD- No significant edits.

2005 DVD- No significant edits.

2008 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.

2015 DVD- No significant edits.



The Creature Walks Among Us (1956)

1993 VHS- No significant edits.

1994 Laserdisc- No significant edits.

2001 VHS- No significant edits.

2004 DVD- No significant edits.

2014 DVD- No significant edits.

[crissrudd4554]

Here's something that might be of some interest. The opening title sequence of Dracula's Daughter differs slightly between the VHS and BD versions. Also John L. Balderston gets a story credit on the DVD but not the VHS.

https://vimeo.com/182955829

[crissrudd4554]

This isn't for a video/audio project or anything but does anyone by any chance have the 1993 Japan LD for Bride of Frankenstein and can be kind enough to send me a scan of the cover??

[monks19]

Hey there. Any news on this project ? I'm still working on the Invisible Man, but that & Frankenstein aside, what's happening to all the others ? Is this project still on ?

Thanks to answer

[crissrudd4554]

Not sure to be exact. Was anyone able to obtain the Dracula and Frankenstein from that one site????

[monks19]

Not sure to be exact. Was anyone able to obtain the Dracula and Frankenstein from that one site????

And also Bride ?

[jerryshadoe]

What site?

Sorry, it's been a while and I'm still playing "catch-up" on a LOT of things, as well as many projects... including the audio for "...it's alive..."