The Mummy (Universal Studios Classic Monster Collection) |  | Director: Karl Freund
Actors: Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, David Manners, Arthur Byron, Edward Van Sloan
Studio: Universal Studios
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.98
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Rating:  84 reviews
Sales Rank: 4122
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, DVD, NTSC
Languages: English (Subtitled), English (Original Language)
Rating: Unrated
Region: 1
Discs: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Running Time: 73 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 025192032721
ISBN: 0783227485
UPC: 025192032721
EAN: 9780783227481
ASIN: B00000JQB7
Theatrical Release Date: December 22, 1932
Release Date: September 28, 1999
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Karloff stars as Imhotep, an Egyptian mummy accidentally revived by a British archaeology team. He sets out to find his lost love and terrorizes every
Amazon.com
You have to hand it to the walking dead. What they lack in speed and agility, they more than make up for in sheer single-minded determination. Im-Ho-Tep is a case in point. He's an ancient Egyptian priest, cursed for his terrible crimes against the gods. A team of British archaeologists digs up his sarcophagus, along with a box inscribed with a warning that opening it will unleash death and destruction. You'll never guess what they do. Once freed, Im-Ho-Tep takes on the appropriately evil alias Ardath Bey and gets to the task of resurrecting his ancient lover--which will, of course, require a living human surrogate. While the premise may sound formulaic, The Mummy in fact turns out to be bracingly weird, relying on atmospheric creepiness rather than on jump-out-and-scare-you effects. Boris Karloff gives a terrific performance as Im-Ho-Tep. He has all the malevolence the film requires, but also manages subtler touches; the expression in his eyes as he is wrapped in preparation for being buried alive is absolutely chilling. Instead of forcing him to do all the tedious shambling around that so many mummies resort to, the filmmakers have wisely given Im-Ho-Tep/Ardath Bey a nearly living appearance once he's cleaned up and has a few psychic powers to boot, making him a potent adversary. Stock up on ace bandages and prepare for a good spooky evening. --Ali Davis
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 84
 Universal April 13, 2010
Joseph Adams (Superior, WI USA)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Starring Boris Karloff,this classic Universal studios mummmy flick doesn't deliver any scares for me and is dated. Still worth seeing as a pice of art, it is still in black and white. See it if you must see every Unoversal horror film. They are to america what Hammer was to the u.k. I thought it was o.k., but not a film I would want to see again.
 The "Less is More" philosophy of movie magic April 2, 2010
Baron Sardonicus (Pennsylvania)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
What stands out significantly for me in Karl Freund's 1932 Universal horror classic THE MUMMY is the amazing makeup (a tour-de-force in some opinions) by Jack Pierce. This had to be a daunting and meticulous task, and not easy at all on Boris Karloff. The overall effect is truly remarkable and downright spooky. (Check out the extreme closeup on the DVD at 39.51 or 45.32. This shot would make a super computer wallpaper.)
Second to the makeup would be the camera work and lighting. It's at times subtle and then dramatic, and it paints an atmosphere of strong menace.
The 1930's was a golden period for horror and supernatural films. Now, of course, the 1940's had their good crop of frightful fare (Val Lewton and Jacques Tourneaur come to mind, as do films such as THE UNINVITED and DEAD OF NIGHT). But there's something about those first Universal films that were extraordinary, and so steeped in rich horror and fantasy... So macabre and ominous and otherworldly.
There's a good amount to praise and to like about this film, even though for me it is not as good as Universal's FRANKENSTEIN or THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. Those two movies are top drawer 1930's horror in my book, along with the deliciously uber-creepy THE OLD DARK HOUSE (also from 1932, also featuring Karloff).
Many elements of THE MUMMY reminded me of Tod Browning's DRACULA: the long periods of silence in some parts of the film, the intro music (melody from SWAN LAKE), a woman character under the power/magic/control of a sinister yet emotionally tortured man, a budding romance, eternal life, and the mature doctor/elder battling evil (here it is Edward Van Sloan, who also played Dr. Van Helsing in DRACULA and Dr. Waldman in FRANKENSTEIN). I suppose Universal figured if DRACULA worked so well they may as well borrow from it in certain ways. It is almost a revamping of the vampire movie in some ways. Pun intended.
Zita Johann is so striking here as the love interest(s). They don't make 'em like her anymore. Such a lovely and exotic face. She's perfect for this sort of movie.
Karloff is so "big" in this film, such a striking and formidable figure. There's a power there, and a dignity of sorts. He makes a huge impression on moviegoers (even though he is slim and has a slight lisp). He is imposing, and watching this film you realize how slender he really was when you see his arms and chest and shoulders here.
The early sequence in which Imhotep comes to life is the best part of the film-- simply because so much is not shown... you are left to your own imagination to fill in the creepy details. This entire scene is done so well (pacing, lighting, photography, compositions, audio, editing)... it's just wonderful to behold. You are pulled in, curious, waiting for the inevitable horror. It's fantastic anticipation, and a keen use of image and sound-- very economical, really. This scenario alone is why THE MUMMY is a good horror movie.
This is an artful film, nicely done. It has its little flaws but the picture is impressive. It's methodical in its suspense. It involves some strong emotions in the story. There's so much to observe and note, from little details to wide sweeping cinematic gestures; that formula/recipe makes for a good film.
Mummy - 1932 - Karloff March 13, 2010
Dale Thorn (Charleston SC)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Some of the reviews here suggest this version is not significantly better than the previous releases, which makes me think they may be confusing which version of this film they saw. The video portion of the film was improved slightly here, and it's reasonably clean, but not great. Where they did an astounding job here was with the audio - the previous release (in 2004?) had so much background noise it was like sitting over the engines on a jet plane that didn't have mufflers - really, really bad. This new version is very clean on sound, and the words are very clear and listenable. Overall, my viewing experience was excellent, and I highly recommend this version of the movie.
 Karloff Classic! April 30, 2009
Scotman (Mt. Shasta, CA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
For good old-fashioned Universal horror, get yourself wrapped up in Karl Freund's directoral debut with The Mummy (1932). Filmed in delicious black & white, ever so proper British archeologists are complaining all they found was this mummy (Imhotep) who reclined relaxedly (and dead) in the background.
When the inevitable assistant opens the little box with a curse on it, all sand breaks loose!
Ten years later, we learn that Imhotep has acclimated to Cairo society and is still searching for his timeless love, Princess Anck-es-en-Amon of the 18th Dynasty (there's a quiz after this review, OK??).
Lots of similarities to Dracula, Universal's earlier horror film, mainly because the scriptwriter who collaborated on Dracula also did the same with The Mummy: talismans (cross & amulets), hypnotic power (vampires and mummies can do both) and other such supernatural thrillers. And the actor who played Van Helsing in Dracula also appears as an Egyptian occult expert, Dr. Muller, in this film (Edward Van Sloan).
This rented disc is part of the incredible Universal collection and I highly recommend you pick this up. The disc I had included "Mummy Dearest", an excellent portrayal of the Mummy pictures over the years, the incredibly poor sequels and the inevitable fate of all Universal monsters: a meeting with Abbott & Costello!
The flashback sequence was very well-made: the mists of time part as we stare into the pool that transcends time and space. It played like a silent film, haunting music and suspense. Incredible music!
We learn that the film originally had many other scenes of our leading lady being reincarnated at different historical periods: Vikings, Crusades, and so on. But they cut all that out to make the picture go at a quicker pace: smart move in my opinion.
I pray to Osiris that you pick this DVD up soon!
Others to Pick Up Today!
Boris Karloff: A Gentleman's Life
The Boris Karloff Collection (Tower of London / The Black Castle / The Climax / The Strange Door / Night Key)
The Bela Lugosi Collection (Murders in the Rue Morgue / The Black Cat / The Raven / The Invisible Ray / Black Friday)
Uncanny?....Hell yes!!! April 3, 2009
Jeffrey Griffin (Miami, Fl.)
Karloff the Uncanny lives up to his name with this bone chilling portrayal. He is absolutely superb, and the wonderful supporting cast makes this gem a must-see. The modern remake can't compare. Buy it!!!!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 84
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