MANIACAL MAYHEM (Three films starring Boris KARLOFF) (Eureka Classics) Two-Disc Blu-ray

It's Boris Karloff, who don't love a Karloff movie, this set is not has best but still enjoyable.

As a fan of Boris Karloff and many of the Universal Horror films of the '30s and '40s, I was very happy when this Eureka Blu Ray set was announced. All three of these films are weird hybrids in that they are mash-ups with other genres.THE INVISIBLE RAY (1936) is a sci-fi horror with a lovely performance from Karloff at his most soulfully haunted. In tone and content it's probably the closest to the other Universal Horrors of the period in that it has Karloff paired with Bela Lugosi. Karloff is playing a "mad scientist" doomed by the hubris of dealing in areas "where man is not meant to go". It boasts some strong visuals considering the time when it was made and is entertaining enough, although compared to say THE BLACK CAT (1934) or THE INVISIBLE MAN (1933) for example, it's not an unalloyed masterpiece.BLACK FRIDAY (1940) also pairs Karloff with Lugosi and is a horror/gangster film (although sadly the two big horror icons do not share any scenes together). Whilst Karloff gives a good solid performance, the film really belongs to an barnstorming Jekyll and Hyde-like turn from Stanley Ridges. The science (or rather pseudo-science) on display is utterly and delightfully mad. Apparently a partial brain transplant will cause not only personality changes but also physical changes, for example in both hair style and colour! Nevertheless this is engaging material and works not in spite of, but surely because of its lunatic flights of fancy.THE STRANGE DOOR (1951) is a period piece with a strong Gothic flavour based on a story by Robert Louis Stevenson. Karloff is -rather sadly - a supporting player here, playing a role that a number of other actors could have easily taken on. On the other hand it has Charles Laughton at his brilliant scene-stealing best playing a "wicked squire"-type with a fascinatingly twisted motivation for his evil schemes. Almost everyone is upstaged by Laughton, but the rest of the cast are by no means feeble or lacklustre. It has to be said though, that try as they might, the actors playing the hero (a wastrel who comes good) and heroine just can't overcome the ludicrous plot device of their having to fall in love within the space of about 2 short scenes...Whilst basically a slightly up-market bodice ripper, this is still a very well directed and pacey film and the visuals and sets are impressive for a 1950's B-movie programmer. Horror fans will notice a lot of recycled sets and props from earlier Universal films.All 3 of the movies are beautifully restored and this especially pays off in THE STRANGE DOOR where many details are now crisp, sharp and clear.The set is a little thin on extras, although there are a couple of contemporary trailers, a glossy booklet and some good commentary tracks from the likes of Kim Newman, Stephen Jones and Jonathan Rigby.Overall then, this set is recommended, particularly if like me you're an admirer of Karloff or you like the other Black & White horror films of this period.

Bought as gift but know it's one they wanted.

When compared to the bela lugosi Edgar Allen poe collection. This collection shows its faults. Coming out after 1935 studios wanted less violent films on screen and it shows. 1936s Invisible ray is great but doesn't live upto the films before it. Finally black friday doesn't have boris and lugosi meet each other once.Though these are fun films. They aren't as good as tye cheaper lugosi collection. Still worth the watch though.