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The Student of Prague, a review by Danae Cassandra

The Student of Prague  (Der Student von Prague)
Year of Release: 1913
Directed By: Stellen Rye
Starring: Paul Wegener, John Gottowt, Lyda Salmonova, Grete Berger
Genre: Drama, Horror

Overview:

Balduin (Paul Wegener) is a penniless student in 19th century Prague who, in a chance encounter, rescues the beautiful Countess Margit Schwarzenberg and becomes romantically obsessed with her. Scapinelli, the sorcerer, lures the student with a bargain - 100,000 gold pieces - a vast fortune - in return for which "...he shall take from this room whatsoever he chooseth for his own use..." and Balduin hastily signs the contract. Much to the student's astonishment, the old magician approaches a large mirror, extracts Balduin's reflection and departs with it! Intoxicated with his new-found wealth, the student is unaware that he is now doomed to a horrific fate.

With its Faustian theme, 1913's The Student Of Prague is one of the first "horror" movies and a true classic of German expressionist cinema. Alpha Video is pleased to present this landmark film with an original score by Paul David Bergel and completely restored title cards.

My Thoughts:
Early though this film may be, there's still a disquieting, uneasy atmosphere to it. The concept of the doppleganger is still frightening, and the scene where he is drawn out of the mirror is haunting. It's unfortunate that only Baldwin is well-developed as a character, and that the plot is only loosely held together. Also, as good a job as Paul Wegener did playing his character, he is really too old to be convincing as a student. That seems to be an issue for early films like this (Elmo Lincoln as Tarzan comes to mind here). Recommended if you like silent films, especially German Expressionism (as this is a precursor). The story concept is intriguing, and I look forward to watching the 1926 remake at some point in the future.

Bechdel Test: Fail

Overall: 3/5

(From March Around the World 2016 on April 7th, 2016)

Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a review by addicted2dvd

Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953/United States) IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer | Universal Studios Home Entertainment (United States) Director: Charles Lamont Writing: Lee Loeb (Screenwriter), John Grant (Screenwriter), Sidney Fields (Story By), Grant Garett (Story By) Length: 76 min. Video: Full Frame 1.33:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

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Stars:
Bud Abbott as Slim
Lou Costello as Tubby
Boris Karloff as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Craig Stevens as Bruce Adams
Helen Westcott as Vicky Rdwards

Plot:
As American policemen in London, Bud and Lou meet up with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Feature Trailers
• Production Notes

This is a film I never seen before... but I definitely enjoyed every minute of it. It's Abbott and Costello... what is not to like about these films? Though it is slightly different then most of their other films that I have seen. in this one they went more with physical comedy then all the jokes. It was almost like I was watching Three Stooges instead of Abbott and Costello. Even with that said... this one is well worth the time put in to watch it.



(From Horror/Halloween Marathon 2015 on October 13th, 2015)

Ghost Whisperer Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

5. LOST BOYS
While cleaning the basement of an old inn, Melinda finds the lost spirits of three boys that died in an orphanage fire 50 years ago. She must help the boys pass on before the inn is destroyed and they become eternally earth-bound spirits.

My Thoughts:
This remains to be one of my favorite episode. I really liked the story behind it... even if it was obvious who the old man that bought the old inn was.

6. HOMECOMING
Melinda assists an upset teenage ghost and learns something that will affect the lives of everyone the boy left behind.

My Thoughts:
Another good episode... deals with a teen trying to find his birth mother but dies before he gets the chance.

7. HOPE AND MERCY
A woman who died during pregnancy can't cross over until her husband stops blaming himself. Plus, Andrea meets a con artist who discovers a surprise about her past.

My Thoughts:
A good... but somewhat standard episode. But I did enjoy the set up for the next episode at the end of this one.

8. ON THE WINGS OF A DOVE
Five years after his father's death, Jim begins acting strangely. Melinda notices and believes the problem is caused by his tortured spirit. Painful memories are brought back when she is surprised by a visit from a friend (Estella Warren).

My Thoughts:
This episode was enjoyable... was good to see Melinda's husband more in the thick of things. Now he gets an idea of what Melinda has to endure.

(From Ghost Whisperer Marathon on July 31st, 2008)