Tag Archives: Frankenstein

Books, Books, and More Books!

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I’m not sure what worries me more, the fact that I’m going to run out of room for all these books I want to add to my library, or just how the hell am I going to pay for all of them! I know I’ve stated before that if they stopped making movies now, I still wouldn’t be able to see them all before I’m gone. It’s really same for these books. With each movie offering you something we haven’t seen or experienced before, these volumes below, as well as so many more, are just waiting for you to read and absorb the knowledge within, which then in turn is going to help you see those films in a different light. It really is a never-ending path, and one I intend to continue to travel down as long as I can!

We have new books, updated and revised volumes, covering classic British horror films, horror in the USA, Lewton horrors of the ’40s, and much more. Take a look below and start that Want List or add to the one you’ve already started!

Bride of a Vault of Horror – Back in 2004, author Keith Topping gave us A Vault of Horror: A Book of 80 Great British Horror Movies from 1956-1974, which we reviewed HERE, and had a lot of fun with it. Then in 2024, he published a sequel, Return to the Vault of Horror, giving us reviews of another 58 titles of British horror films, following the same format and fun. Then last year, he switched to Science Fiction to give us Island of Terror (A Guide to 60 Great British SF and Fantasy Movies From 1936 – 1984). One would think that Topper has really kept himself busy, but apparently not. Because now we get Bride of a Vault of Horror: A Book of 72 Great British Films of Mystery and Suspense from 1933-1986! Taking a little different direction on the sub-genre but still covering plenty of horror titles and more here. Within the 600+ pages, this volume covers titles such as The Ghoul, Hell is a City, The Flesh and the Fiends, Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb, The Shuttered Room, and many more.

This is coming from Telos Publishing at the end of October, priced at £24.99 or $33.40. You can head over to their website by clicking HERE.

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DtH Episode 131 – Horror Through the Decades: 1930s

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For our second episode in this series, we move up to the 1930s. Besides the boom of Universal, and honestly the creation of what became the horror genre, there was still a lot going on during that time. From the Great Depression to the introduction of the Hayes Code to getting ready for another World War, it seems audiences wanted to continue to escape into the world of monsters. But while these are considered “old classics”, there is still a lot of dark subject matters here.

So, join us as we go through this decade, discussing some major events and titles that happened in the horror genre, almost 100 years ago!

Titles mentioned in this episode:

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DtH Episode 127 – Shock Theater

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Believe it or not, there was a time when instant access to hundreds of horror movies didn’t exist. Scary thought, huh? Before in the ’50s, unless you caught a movie in the theater, you probably weren’t going to see it, especially when you’re talking about the classic monster films, like Dracula and Frankenstein. But then in October of 1957, Universal had sold 52 of their titles, many of them being the classic monsters, were released to TV in what was called the Shock Theater package. And to help promote these, it was suggested for TV stations to have a “horror host” that would introduce the features. Simply put, it exploded. And help give birth to the Monster Kid generation.

Add in that Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine started the following year, there really was no turning back. Now you could see these monsters in the safety of your own home. A long way away from being able to hop on your computer or streaming TV service and find thousands of titles at your fingertips. But this was starting of real horror fandom, where you could get your weekly fix of monsters, as well as be reading Famous Monsters, buying your very own Aurora Monster model kits… life was great.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of this event and how it really was a game changer for horror movie fans. 

Films mentioned in this episode:

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Book Review: Monsters Unborn

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Monsters Unborn: The Lost Universal Monster Remakes
Published by Harker Press, 2026. 271 pages
By Bruce Kilkowski Jr.

Every time fans see another remake/retelling/sequel/or whatever they are calling their version of one of the classic Universal monsters, some tend to groan, thinking, here we go again. But the funny (actually no so funny) thing what this picture probably went through to even get started. And in this new book by Bruce Kilkowski Jr., you will get a good idea what I’m talking about.

This book goes through a bunch of unmade sequels or remakes, and proposals that were all based on some of the classic Universal monsters, mainly the Bride of Frankenstein, the Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. We learn how the story of a particular project got started, by who, and who else was involved, such as the writer(s), possible director(s), producer(s), and even the makeup effects guys who were going to design the new look.

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Criterion Releasing del Toro’s Frankenstein

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I can’t say I’m surprised to hear the news yesterday that Criterion will be releasing Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein on 4K and Blu-ray this October. They’ve released a lot of his previous films, and have always done such stellar work, so while I’m not surprised, I am damn excited about it. With a planned release on Oct. 27th, the 4K+Blu-ray set will be 4 discs, that will feature 2 versions of the film, both in 4K. It will have the theatrical version on one disc and a new 158-minute extended director’s cut of the film, called Frankenstein: The Reborn Cut, both with Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The Reborn Cut will have a new commentary by del Toro.

Other features on the set include:

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Double Dose of Frankenstein Soundtrack?

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Even before the movie came out, because I was so excited about it, when Alexadra Desplat’s soundtrack became available on Amazon in a digital format, I bought it. It had 37 tracks with a running time of about 105 minutes. Granted, for a movie almost 2 1/2 hours long, and being del Toro, you know it’s going to have a big score. That is the artwork on the left below.

But about a week ago, I saw they were releasing the actual CD soundtrack, put out by AEC, (pictured on the right below) but even though it is a 2-disc release, it does not have the whole score that I originally purchased on Amazon. This version only has 29 tracks, but it doesn’t list the complete running time, but it looks like it’s about 15 minutes shorter. Not sure why they would do that, but there you have it. If you want the longer score, the digital format might be the only way. They are both showing available on Amazon.

DtH Episode 118 – Traumatizing Horror Movies

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Horror films are a unique genre because they can have a profound effect on the viewer. They can literally change lives, leaving such a strong impression that something shifts in the psyche. Whether it makes someone afraid to go in the water, uneasy around bugs, frightened by Frankenstein’s creature, or just generally on edge, these films can have a lasting impact.

They are meant to scare us, but for some, they remain harmless entertainment. For others, certain films reach much deeper, lingering in the mind long after the credits roll. And yet, we keep coming back for more.

Do these films help us confront our fears? Do they help us overcome them? Can they serve as a way to process real-world trauma, something made easier to face when it exists within the safe boundaries of a movie?

Join us for this episode as we explore the films that have had a lasting impact on us, along with others that have left a powerful mark on audiences.

Movies mentioned in this episode:

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What a Time to be a Horror Fan

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Horror fans and the Oscars have not had a long and friendly relationship. Over the decades, when some incredible performances have been given out in a wide variety of titles, because they are classified as horror, they usually get passed over. Not always, but in the history of cinema that is well over a century old, let’s face it… traditionally, if it is a horror film, it won’t get nominated besides maybe in makeup or visual effects.

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DtH Episode 113 – 2025 Wrap Up

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Another year in the books, which means it is time for our annual Wrap Up, where we not only go through our personal favorites of the year, but also some other standout films, as well as some others that came out in the last 12 months. For the second year in a row, it is astounding at some of the high-quality pictures that have been getting released. From some going straight to streaming services, to other wide release pictures, there have been plenty of fantastic titles out there. It really is a great time to be a horror fan.

It’s a long episode, so make sure you have a pad and pen, because we cover a LOT here!

Titles mentioned in this episode.

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2025 Year End Review Part 2 – Best Viewings

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And who says there are no good movies coming out these days? For the last couple of years, my Best Viewings of the year have mainly been recent releases, most from that current year. And 2025 was no different. There are 2 from the ’60s, 1 from 2023, 1 from 2024, and the rest from 2025. That tells me a couple of things. That either in past years, I was busy playing catch up with a lot of older great titles that I had never seen before, or that there are some still people out there busting their ass to make some original and entertaining horror films.

I didn’t think I was going to make it, but I set a new personal record for me, barely, but still did it. I manage to knock out 447 films this year, with 209 being new viewings. It sometimes amazes me how many I actually get through each year, but honestly, there are some nights when I can get through 3 movies with no problem. It really has to do with the love of cinema.

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