Creature from the Black Lagoon
OVERALL:
ASPECT RATIO(S)
Full Frame (1.33:1)
SOUND MIX
FEATURES
STUDIO
RECOMMENDATION
Mono 2.0
- Audio Commentary
- Back to the Black Lagoon Documentary
- Production Photos
- Cast & Crew Bios
- Production Notes
- Theatrical Trailers
Universal
Buy it!
GRADING SCALE
Film 
Features
Audio 
Video
"Creature from the Black Lagoon" was the last monster that Universal created. Even after audiences had seen the Wolfman, Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, and the rest, "Creature" still went on to become another hit and even spawned two inferior sequels. Dominated by fabulous underwater photography and a striking score, "Creature" looks and sounds great. Add to the fact that it still has a few geniune scares, though they won't look as scary in a non-3D viewing, which the 50s audiences got to partake in.
Features
This follows the usual successful format of Universal's other great Classic Monster dvds. There's a 40-minute documentary that is one of the better ones produced. It covers the production, scoring, and casting of the film, and even mentions the other 2 sequels. Also included is another speedy commentary from Tom Weaver. He also did the commentary for "The Wolf Man" and here he offers insight and facts nonstop. The rest of the features are some informative text offerings. One thing absent are animated menus, which the first set received.
Audio
The sound on this one is actually good. The first set usually suffered from too much loudness when it came to the score, but this one sounds very balanced. You won't find yourself adjusting the volume between speech and the score. Nicely recorded.
Video
You have to give Universal credit on the transfer for this one. The out-of-water scenes look crystal clear, which hardly any specks. The only flaw is in the underwater shots, which looks quite soft. Heck, the film is 40 years old and it won't ever look this good. Terrific transfer.
Overall
Still enjoyable and scary after all these years. Do yourself a favor and add this to the rest of those monster dvds. It may not have the glamour of "Dracula", "Frankenstein", or "The Wolf Man", but "Creature" still packs a punch.