Halloween Treat From The Legendary Team Of Rankin And Bass
Added 11/15/2009
The creative partnership of Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass were responsible for the creation of some of the most delightful holiday specials for television in the 1960's and early 1970's, with their Christmas and Easter offerings such as "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Here Comes Peter Cottontail" now regarded as bona fide classics by successive generations of fans. The team produced only one "Halloween" themed story in the totally delightful "The Mad Monster Party" and it without fail every year made an appearance on our television during the holiday. Although Halloween itself is not really mentioned in the storyline of "Mad Monster Party" itself the combination of ghouls, favourite monsters from movie history and the marvellous Boris Karloff (voice only) make this film an ideal way to celebrate this holiday. Filmed in the wonderfully visual stop motion "Animagic" process so beloved of fans of this teams work "Mad Monster Party" like all Rankin and Bass specials boasts a first rate vocal team bringing the ghoulish characters in the story to life. Here we have the unusual combination of movie horror legend Boris Karloff providing the voice for Baron Von Frankenstein combined with funny lady Phyllis Diller voicing the other major character of the Monster's "Mate". The pair really make this film so enjoyable with their contrasting styles with Karloff's smoothly sinister delivery contrasting beautifully opposite Phyllis Diller's distinctive voice mannerisms. "Mad Monster party" is one of the very best of the Rankin and Bass efforts and shows the teams creative skills at their absolute peak making this ghoulish little effort which keeps it's tongue firmly planted in its cheek, an ideal way to enjoy Halloween evening..
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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I love this movie!
Added 9/14/2009
I was so happy with this transaction! I was looking for this movie and here it was and for a great price! I would buy from this seller again anytime!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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monstamash relation?
Added 5/27/2009
just ok film which is the 1 & only w/ the pet blob in its dog house brief scene near the end; dont know if it inspired the song monstermash or vice versa, still, unknown.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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great classic
Added 4/22/2009
I admit I didn't open it yet, but I grew up watching Rankin & Bass animated shows and enjoy them so I'm sure I'll like this too!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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It's (almost) alive!
Added 4/17/2009
Remember on Halloween when someone invariably handed out a pack of crayons or a small bag of pennies to trick-or-treaters? You were probably a little confused at first, then a little disappointed, but you probably used the crayons or spent the pennies anyway. Mad Monster Party is like Halloween crayons to me - not very exciting but certainly adequate.
The Pros: The sets and character designs are awesome - very detailed with
some mod 1960's touches (the Monster's Mate rocks a pair of white go-go
boots). The send-ups of classic Hollywood monster movies can be quite funny and clever, and the tongue-in-cheek nihilism of the ending makes for a memorable finale. In terms of the image and sound quality of the DVD, nothing seems to have been lost in the transfer from the original print and in fact may have enhanced the original audio/video experience.
The Cons: In between the gags and humorous references lies filler in a plot costume. In my opinion, the plot here is a distraction - Dr. Frankenstein is ready to retire and chooses his nebbishy nephew Felix as his heir. The monsters disapprove and in a series of alliances and betrayals attempt to exterminate the interloper. It's all rather uninteresting to me and kind of superfluous as the best parts (the titular party where a skeletal band plays and a monstrous food fight takes place; the picnic in the jungle where Dracula unsuccessfully tries to ambush Felix) seem to happen extraneous to the plot. In addition to the weak plot, the songs are tolerable but not very memorable. I doubt you'll be humming these tunes after the credits roll.
If you happen to find this DVD in your Halloween goodie bag, appreciate it for what it is, have a little chuckle, groove to the retro score, then gorge on the fat and calories of richer Halloween treats like Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride.
3 out of 4 people found this helpful.
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Halloween Treat From The Legendary Team Of Rankin And Bass
Added 11/15/2009
The creative partnership of Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass were responsible for the creation of some of the most delightful holiday specials for television in the 1960's and early 1970's, with their Christmas and Easter offerings such as "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Here Comes Peter Cottontail" now regarded as bona fide classics by successive generations of fans. The team produced only one "Halloween" themed story in the totally delightful "The Mad Monster Party" and it without fail every year made an appearance on our television during the holiday. Although Halloween itself is not really mentioned in the storyline of "Mad Monster Party" itself the combination of ghouls, favourite monsters from movie history and the marvellous Boris Karloff (voice only) make this film an ideal way to celebrate this holiday. Filmed in the wonderfully visual stop motion "Animagic" process so beloved of fans of this teams work "Mad Monster Party" like all Rankin and Bass specials boasts a first rate vocal team bringing the ghoulish characters in the story to life. Here we have the unusual combination of movie horror legend Boris Karloff providing the voice for Baron Von Frankenstein combined with funny lady Phyllis Diller voicing the other major character of the Monster's "Mate". The pair really make this film so enjoyable with their contrasting styles with Karloff's smoothly sinister delivery contrasting beautifully opposite Phyllis Diller's distinctive voice mannerisms. "Mad Monster party" is one of the very best of the Rankin and Bass efforts and shows the teams creative skills at their absolute peak making this ghoulish little effort which keeps it's tongue firmly planted in its cheek, an ideal way to enjoy Halloween evening..
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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I love this movie!
Added 9/14/2009
I was so happy with this transaction! I was looking for this movie and here it was and for a great price! I would buy from this seller again anytime!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
monstamash relation?
Added 5/27/2009
just ok film which is the 1 & only w/ the pet blob in its dog house brief scene near the end; dont know if it inspired the song monstermash or vice versa, still, unknown.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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