Really Bitchin Monster Posters From Mondo

The Austin, Texas based graphic arts company Mondo has just produced an absolutly amazing set of new posters based on the classic Universal horror movies "Creature from the Black Lagoon", "Frankenstein", "The Mummy", "Dracula", "Phantom of the Opera" and "The Bride of Frankenstein." This great works of art will be for sale soon through their website, though they are not up as of yet.

Any movie fan would be thrilled to own one of these incredible posters which in many repects put their original counterparts to shame!

Mondo has also created a stunning collection of pop culture inspired T-shirts and posters inspired by both film and television icons.

Check out the Mondo website HERE

Or visit their gallery located at 4115 Guadalupe St. Austin TX 78751

Check out those amazing monster movie posters below:

 

Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection Blu Ray

Source: Collider / Universal

For the first time ever, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-rayTM as Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts on October 2, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection brings together the very best of Universal’s legendary monsters—imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror that launched a uniquely American movie genre. This definitive collection features eight films on Blu-rayTM, a collectible 48-page book featuring behind-the-scenes photographs, original posters, correspondence and much more. Each iconic film is accompanied by an array of bonus features that tell the fascinating story of its creation and history, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, filmmaker commentaries, interviews, storyboards, photo galleries, and trailers. Especially appealing for fans are a never-before-seen featurette about the restoration of Dracula and the first ever offering of Creature from the Black Lagoon in its restored Blu-rayTM 3D version.



From the era of silent movies through the present day, Universal Pictures has been regarded as the home of the monsters. Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection honors the studio’s accomplishments with the most iconic monsters in motion-picture history including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Featuring performances by legends of the horror genre, including Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr., Claude Rains and Elsa Lanchester, these eight iconic films also feature groundbreaking special effects and innovative makeup that continue to influence filmmakers into the 21st century. Sure to be a Halloween favorite for years to come, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection is the ideal gift for film buffs and horror aficionados alike.

Dracula (1931)

The original 1931 movie version of Bram Stoker’s classic tale has for generations defined the iconic look and terrifying persona of the famed vampire. Dracula owes its continued appeal in large part due to Bela Lugosi’s indelible portrayal of the immortal Count Dracula and the flawless direction of horror auteur Tod Browning. The Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection includes the original version of this chilling and evocative tale, as well as the rarely seen Spanish version of Dracula. Filmed simultaneously with the English language version, the Spanish version of Dracula is an equally ominous vision of the horror classic shot with the same sets and script. Cinematographer George Robinson and a vibrant cast including Carlos Villarias and Lupita Tovar deliver a chilling and evocative tale filled with the same terror, mystery, and intrigue.

Bonus Features:

Dracula, the 1931 Spanish version, with Introduction by Lupita Tovar Kohner
The Road to Dracula
Lugosi: The Dark Prince
Dracula: The Restoration – New Featurette Available for The First Time!
Monster Tracks: Interactive Pop-Up Facts About the Making of Dracula
Dracula Archives
Score by Philip Glass performed by the Kronos Quartet
Feature Commentary by Film Historian David J. Skal
Feature Commentary by Steve Haberman, Screenwriter of Dracula: Dead and Loving It
Trailer Gallery

Frankenstein (1931)

Boris Karloff stars as the screen’s most tragic and iconic monster in what many consider to be the greatest horror film ever made. Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) dares to tamper with the essential nature of life and death by creating a monster (Karloff) out of lifeless human body parts. Director James Whale’s adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel and Karloff’s compassionate portrayal of a creature groping for identity make Frankenstein a timeless masterpiece.

Bonus Features:

The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster
Karloff: The Gentle Monster
Monster Tracks: Interactive Pop-Up Facts About The Making of Frankenstein
Universal Horror
Frankenstein Archives
Boo!: A Short Film
Feature Commentary with Film Historian Rudy Behlmer
Feature Commentary with Historian Sir Christopher Frayling
100 Years Of Universal: Restoring the Classics
Trailer Gallery

The Mummy (1932)

Horror icon Boris Karloff stars in the original 1932 version of The Mummy in which a team of British archaeologists accidentally revives a mummified high priest after 3,700 years. Alive again, he sets out on an obsessive—and deadly—quest to find his lost love. Over 50 years after its first release, this brooding dream-like horror classic remains a cinematic masterpiece.

Bonus Features:

Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed
He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art Of Jack Pierce
Unraveling the Legacy of The Mummy
The Mummy Archives
Feature Commentary by Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steve Haberman, Bob Burns and Brent Armstrong
Feature Commentary by Film Historian Paul M. Jensen
100 Years Of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era
Trailer Gallery

The Invisible Man (1933)

Claude Rains delivers an unforgettable performance in his screen debut as a mysterious doctor who discovers a serum that makes him invisible. Covered by bandages and dark glasses, Rains arrives in a small English village and attempts to hide his amazing discovery, but the drug’s side effects slowly drive him to commit acts of unspeakable terror. Based on H.G. Welles’ classic novel and directed by the master of macabre, James Whale, The Invisible Man fueled a host of sequels and features revolutionary special effects that are still imitated today.

Bonus Features:

Now You See Him: The Invisible Man Revealed
Production Photographs
Feature Commentary with Film Historian Rudy Behlmer
100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

The acclaimed sequel to the original Frankenstein has become one of the most popular horror classics in film history. The legendary Boris Karloff reprises his role as the screen’s most misunderstood monster, now longing for a mate of his own. Colin Clive is back as the proud and overly ambitious Dr. Frankenstein, who creates the ill-fated bride (Elsa Lanchester). The last horror film directed by James Whale features a haunting musical score that helps make The Bride of Frankenstein one of the finest and most touching thrillers of its era.

Bonus Features:

She’s Alive! Creating The Bride Of Frankenstein
The Bride Of Frankenstein Archive
Feature Commentary with Scott MacQueen
100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics
Trailer Gallery

The Wolf Man (1941)

Originally released in 1941, The Wolf Man introduced the world to a new Universal movie monster and redefined the mythology of the werewolf forever. Featuring a heartbreaking performance by Lon Chaney Jr. and groundbreaking make-up by Jack Pierce, The Wolf Man is the saga of Larry Talbot, a cursed man who transforms into a deadly werewolf when the moon is full. The dreamlike atmospheres, elaborate settings and chilling musical score combine to make The Wolf Man a masterpiece of the genre.

Bonus Features:

Monster by Moonlight
The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth
Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.
He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
The Wolf Man Archives
Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver
100 Years of Universal: The Lot
Trailer Gallery

Phantom of the Opera (1943)

This lavish retelling of Gaston Leroux’s immortal horror tale stars Claude Rains as the masked phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House. A crazed composer who schemes to make beautiful young soprano Christine DuBois (Susanna Foster) the star of the opera company, the Phantom also wreaks revenge on those he believes stole his music. Nelson Eddy, as the heroic baritone, tries to win the affections of Christine as he tracks down the murderous, horribly disfigured Phantom.

Bonus Features:

The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked
Production Photographs
Feature Commentary with Film Historian Scott MacQueen
100 Years of Universal: The Lot
Theatrical Trailer

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

Captured and imprisoned for scientific study, a living “amphibious missing link” becomes enamored with the head researcher’s female assistant (Julie Adams). When the hideous creature escapes and kidnaps the object of his affection, a crusade is launched to rescue the helpless woman and cast the terrifying creature back to the depths from which he came. Featuring legendary makeup artist Bud Westmore’s brilliantly designed monster, Creature from the Black Lagoon is an enduring tribute to the imaginative genius of its Hollywood creators.

Bonus Features:

The Creature From The Black Lagoon in 3D
Back to The Black Lagoon
Production Photographs
Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver
100 Years of Universal: The Lot
Trailer Gallery

A Gallery Of Great Monster Movie Posters - Part Dos

Written By: Ken Hulsey

As promised a few weeks back here is yet another gallery of great monster movie posters. I like to think of this little collection as "the good, the bad, the wtf and the boing." The reasons for this should become quite evident as you proceed through my hand picked selections.

What did we talk about last time? Was it the elements that make up a great monster movie poster? If memory serves I mentioned a few key items including a great monster (... well sometimes), dynamic action or violence and a sexy damsel (or damsels). Well these images have all of that in spades.

Godzilla vs The Cosmic Monster

You would probably guess that since this is a Godzilla movie poster that it would be one of my all-time favorites ... and you would be right! The image is truly beautiful ... well as beautiful as the image of a giant dinosaur fighting a robot version of himself can be.

Info:

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (ゴジラ対メカゴジラ Gojira Tai Mekagojira), originally known in the United States as Godzilla vs. Bionic Monster and subsequently Godzilla vs. Cosmic Monster, is a 1974 science fiction kaiju film. This was the 14th of the Toho studio's Godzilla series (set after Godzilla vs Megalon), it was directed by Jun Fukuda with special effects by Teruyoshi Nakano and the original score composed by Masaru Sato. It is the fifth film to feature Anguirus and the first film to feature Mechagodzilla and King Caesar.

The Phantom of the Opera

Here is a truly amazing movie poster! It is a work of art that would rival anything hanging in a museum.

Info:

The Phantom of the Opera is a 1925 silent horror film adaptation of the Gaston Leroux novel of the same title directed by Rupert Julian. The film featured Lon Chaney in the title role as the deformed Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House, causing murder and mayhem in an attempt to force the management to make the woman he loves a star. It is most famous for Lon Chaney's intentionally horrific, self-applied make-up, which was kept a studio secret until the film's premiere.

The film also features Mary Philbin, Norman Kerry, Arthur Edmund Carewe, Gibson Gowland, John St. Polis, and Snitz Edwards. The only surviving cast member is Carla Laemmle (born 1909), niece of producer Carl Laemmle, who played a small role as "prima ballerina" in the film when she was about 15.

The film was adapted by Elliott J. Clawson, Frank M. McCormack (uncredited), Tom Reed (titles) and Raymond L. Schrock. It was directed by Rupert Julian, with supplemental direction by Lon Chaney, Edward Sedgwick and Ernst Laemmle.

The Crater Lake Monster
Hey, what's not to love about this! A giant dinosaur rising out of the lake to make a meal out of a couple of lovers out for a boat ride. Never mind the fact that the poster shows a T-Rex and the monster in the film is a plesiosaur ... who cares? Everybody knows a Rex sells tickets!

Info:

The Crater Lake Monster is a 1977 B-rated horror film directed by William R. Stromberg for Crown International Pictures, and starring Richard Cardella. The script was also written by Stromberg and Cardella, and their affiliation with The Crater Lake Monster marked the zenith of their careers.

The storyline revolves around a giant plesiosaur, akin to the Loch Ness Monster, which appears in Crater Lake, next to a small Oregonian town. As people are attacked by the monster, the Sheriff (Cardella) investigates along with a group of scientists in order to stop the creature.

The film is mostly notable for being an example of David W. Allen's early stop-motion animation, and "the best thing about the movie (make that the only thing)". Otherwise, the film was widely panned by critics, with DVD Drive-In calling it "one of the worst giant monster flicks of all time"

Legend of Dinosaurs & Monster Birds

This Japanese import has all the things any monster movie maniac craves, two dinosaurs ripping each other to shreds while smashing a boat to pieces. One of the beasts is even enjoying a mid fight snack in the form of one of the ships sexy passengers.

Info:

Legend of Dinosaurs and Monster Birds (恐竜・怪鳥の伝説 Kyōryū Kaichō no Densetsu) (1977) is a Japanese science fiction film, released by Toei Company. The film featured a giant Plesiosaur and Rhamphorhynchus.

Curucu: Beast of the Amazon

Ever heard of "Curucu: Beast of the Amazon? Neither had I, but the film had one awesome movie poster!

Gamera: Super Monster

So what would happen if Gamera took on a Star Destroyer?

Look I don't remember Gamera being in any of the original Star Wars films either. Maybe George Lucas edited the scenes out because they made the films to long ..... like the Biggs Darklighter scenes?

Anyway.... giant turtle plus copyright infringing spaceship and three Japanese superheroes equals great poster!

Info:

Gamera: Super Monster (宇宙怪獣ガメラ Uchu Kaijū Gamera, Space Monster Gamera), a 1980 kaiju film, was the belated final entry in the Shōwa Gamera series, and the last Gamera film written by Nisan Takahashi and directed by Noriaki Yuasa. It relied heavily on stock footage from previous Gamera films. This movie was made when Daiei was brought out of bankruptcy by Tokuma Shoten publishing company. It was intended as a one-shot movie for children. There wasn't another Gamera film for another 15 years, until his revival in 1995.

Creepozoids
A big bad bug monster takes out the roided out jock while the buxom babes fall out of their blouses in fear. Ummm ..... what else do I need to say?

Info:

Creepozoids is a 1987 low budget science fiction/horror film directed by David DeCoteau, and starring Linnea Quigley, Ken Abraham, Michael Aranda and Kim McKamy (later known as Ashlyn Gere).

Set in 1998, six years after an apocalyptic nuclear war, a group of army deserters take refuge from acid rain in a seemingly abandoned laboratory complex.

They soon discover that the lab was a top-secret government research center, where a hideous (if rather fickle) genetically-engineered monster still lurks.

The Beast and The Vixens

Okay, I know that I just violated my own "no nudity" policy, but this one was too good to omit. I honestly got nothing on this one, but it sure looks like Sasquatch is having a good time!

"Bigfoot Gone Wild!" anyone?

See Also: GODZILLA vs HEDORAH 40th Anniversary Poster, Lobby Card And Photo Bonanza! / A Gallery Of Great Monster Movie Posters

New Toy Tuesday! - The Creature, The Wolfman, Lovecraft Dragons And More!

Source: Entertainment Earth

Universal Monsters Select Creature from Black Lagoon Figure

Here's Gill-Man, applying lotion to those hard-to-reach areas!

Figure of The Creature and his swim-suited human crush.

Give the last of the great Universal Monsters a home!

Sculpted by Rudy Garcia with a base by Jean St. Jean.

Universal Monsters Select debuts with the renowned last of the great Universal Monsters, The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Sculpted by Rudy Garcia with a base by Jean St. Jean, this 7-inch scale depiction of the infamous Gill-Man shows the legend in perhaps its most screen-accurate detail ever! Perfect for display, the Select version includes an exclusive paint scheme, as well as a detailed base featuring a full figure of the Creature's swim-suited human crush!

Coming in August 2010! Preorder Today - Only $17.99


Nightmares of H.P. Lovecraft Dagon Statue

H.P. Lovecraft's frightening work, brought to life… sort of.

Utterly horrific Dagon sculpture!

Limited edition.

The latest addition to the Sota Nightmares product line, H. P. Lovecraft's Dagon is a 12-inch tall statue that features incredible detail in its horrific presentation of nasty things that crawl on the ocean's slimy bed… Dagon. Made of high-quality resin and special "flex-resin" in key parts, this limited edition collectible will be a prized add-on to any collection highlighting H. P. Lovecraft, monsters, or as Lovecraft stated, "gigantic, tenebrous, ultimate gods."

Coming in June 2010! Preorder Yours Today! $249.99


Universal Monsters Wolfman Black and White Head Knocker

He just loves a full moon!

8-inches tall with a sculpted base.

Be sure to lock him up once a month!

He just loves a full moon! Perched ready to pounce on a sculpted base, and packaged in a 4-color window box, this 8-inch tall bobble head brings you The Wolfman… in black and white. He's a convincing rendering of the monster from the film, and he wants to come home to live with you. But you'll need to lock him up once a month!

In Stock! Order Yours Today! $17.99


Phantom of the Opera Universal Monsters Head Knocker

Piano prodigy gone mad!

Haunting bobble head inspired by The Phantom of the Opera.

Precisely detailed wobbler nods eerily at your touch.

Spook your friends!

When childhood piano prodigies go mad and get scary looking, you end up with haunting bobble heads like this. Now the Phantom can move from the opera house into your house and collection! The precisely detailed resin wobbler stands approximately 6-inches tall and nods eerily at your slightest touch. Give this classic movie character the chance to hang around your home or office and spook your friends!

Coming Later This Month! Preorder Yours Today! $17.99

Psycho Bates Mansion Model Kit

Bates Motel open for business!

Light kit included!

From Hitchcock's classic, Psycho!

There's a Vacancy at the Bates' Motel! Perched atop a hill stands the memorable. Bates Mansion from Alfred Hitchcock's classic 1960 thriller, Psycho. Like Norman Bates' incessant attention to detail, this memorable structure features finely engraved surface detail, an option to build a hilltop version (hill not included), and a "mother" gure to place in the secondstory window. Kit is 8 1/2-inches tall when fully assembled. Light kit included to light the mansion's windows! 1:87 scale.

Coming in June 2010 Preorder Yours Today! $24.99

Star Wars Darth Vader Ultimate 1:4 Scale Action Figure

Take home this ultimate Sith Lord!

Super detailed and articulated Star Wars action figure of Darth Vader.

Features voice and sound. Over 19-inches tall!




Film-accurate helmet, lightsaber, and cloth outfit based on The Empire Strikes Back!

The Ultimate Quarter-Scale line of Star Wars collectibles continues with none other than the most powerful Sith Lord this side of the Emperor, Darth Vader! This latest addition to the series sets a new standard for cloth figures. Measuring over 19-inches tall, this massive figure features a film-accurate sculpted helmet and leather-like outfit, accented by a full-length layered cloak. With voice and sound effects from the Star Wars films, Vader also includes over 25 points of articulation and a movie-true lightsaber accessory. Showcase your figure with the included display stand, and prepare for the rest of this legendary line!

Please note: Item pictured is a prototype. The lightsaber will be different in the final release.

Coming in August 2010 Preorder Yours Today! $89.99

The Twilight Zone Mystic Seer Bobble Head

Look into the future… with the Mystic Seer!

From the The Twilight Zone episode "Nick of Time."

This bobble head includes fortune-telling cards!

Wouldn't this look great on top of your TV set?



"The hand belongs to Mr. Don S. Carter, male member of a honeymoon team on route across the Ohio countryside to New York City. In one moment, they will be subjected to a gift most humans never receive in a lifetime. For one penny, they will be able to look into the future. The time is now, the place is a little diner in Ridgeview, Ohio, and what this young couple doesn't realize is that this town happens to lie on the outskirts of the Twilight Zone." Based on the classic The Twilight Zone episode "Nick of Time" that starred William Shatner, this terrific Mystic Seer Bobble Head measures about 6 1/2-inches tall x 3-inches wide x 2 1/4-inches deep, and it even includes fortune-telling cards as part of the packaging. Wouldn't this look great on top of your TV set?

Note: This item is a bobble head; it is not a full-size working replica of the Mystic Seer.

"You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound, but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead. Your next stop… the Twilight Zone." (Spoken by Rod Serling at the beginning of each The Twilight Zone episode.)

Age: 13+
Size: 6 1/2-inches tall

Coming Later This Month! Order Today! $12.99

It's March Monster Madness Time.....In Chicago

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Avery Guerra

Just wanted to take a moment to let everyone know about a cool looking movie festival going on this weekend in Chicago at the historic Portage Theater.

Here is the info:

We’re getting the word out about “Big Monster John’s” special
MARCH MONSTER MADNESS matinee show!

WHEN: This Sunday, March 14

WHERE: The historic Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., park in the city lot one-half block west of the theater at Cuyler & LaPorte.

FILM LINEUP:
4 GREAT FEATURES!
1:30 “Abbot & Costello meet Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde
3:10 “Phantom of the Opera” silent classic starring Lon Chaney
5:15 “The Bride of Frankenstein” Boris Karloff & Elsa Lanchester
6:40 “The Ghost & Mr. Chicken” starring Don Knotts

ALL DAY ADMISSION:
IT’S FAN APPRECIATION DAY!
$7 Adults; $4 Kids; Family of four - $20 WOW!

Collectibles & ultra-cool monster stuff for sale in the lobby!
Come early & browse – Doors open at 12 Noon!

MORE INFO: 773.875.7582

See Also: Giant Monster Round-up - King Kong Escapes To Chicago And A Retro Monster Promotes Power Line Safety

Famous Monsters Of Filmland To Give Carla Laemmle A Grand 100th Birthday Bash

Source: Kristen Snyder / Famous Monsters of Filmland (Press Release)

American actress, Carla Laemmle, niece of Universal Pictures founder Carl Laemmle, will be celebrating her 100th birthday with her family and friends at the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theater in Los Angeles, California on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. She will be presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards by Tom Tangen, Inge Jaklin and Dr. Udo Bayer.

Special invited guests include Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Marvin Paige, Ray Bradbury, Leonard Maltin, Rick Baker, George Clayton Johnson, Sara Karloff, Bela Lugosi Jr., Leonard Neubauer, Scott MacQueen, Gloria Stuart, Earl Hamner, Lupita Tovar, Bob Burns, Ron Chaney, David Skall, and others.

Carla Laemmle’s birthday is a celebration of over eight decades in cinema. The actress has lived a most extraordinary life, growing up on her uncle’s Universal lot and witnessing the early years of Hollywood’s growth. At just 16 she was the prima ballerina who danced in the Lon Chaney classic The Phantom of the Opera (1925). She also spoke the first lines in Universal’s first “talkie movie” Dracula (1931) starring Bela Lugosi, the classic horror film that established the beginning of Universal Pictures’ success and legacy in popular horror films. Carla Laemmle is now the last surviving cast member of both films.

Laemmle continued to star in small roles until the late 1930s and recently became the subject of two biographies titled after her immortal opening lines. The first is a written biography by Rick Atkins called Among the Rugged Peaks: An Intimate Biography of Carla Laemmle. The second is a film biography, Among The Rugged Peaks, by actor, producer, and director, and interviewer, Tom Tangen, a red carpet favorite who has cataloged over 2,000 celebrity interviews. The film, edited by Emmy-winning Mary DeChambres, will debut in 2010 from Elusive Entertainment [AmongTheRuggedPeaks.com].

In May 2009, Carla Laemmle also co-authored a book with Daniel Kinske, Growing Up With Monsters: My Times at Universal Studios in Rhymes, detailing her experiences growing up on a motion picture studio lot. The instant hit offered an introduction by sci-fi legend Ray Bradbury and illustrations by Jack Davis and Hermann Mejia. Sponsored by Famous Monsters of Filmland and Universal Studios, the VIP private, invitation- only event will begin at 4:30pm with a dinner followed by special events. After-dinner celebrations include Carla Laemmle’s Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony, a ballet performance organized by Famous Monsters of Filmland’s Robert Aragon, musical performances, a speech from the birthday girl, and concluding with a coffee and birthday cake social hour featuring live piano.

See Also: Famous Monsters Of Filmland Is Reborn On The World Wide Web / Dracula (1931) / "Famous Monsters" Trademark Injunction Won By Philip Kim / Forrest J. Ackerman, 1916 - 2008 / RIP Forrest J Ackerman (1916-2008) / Forrest Ackerman's Health Is Failing Now Is The Time For Fans To Contact Him / Mad Monster Party (1969) /