Thanks so much for the review! Freaks is one of my faves but $60CAD seemed steep. Glad to hear it’s worth the money. I’ll definitely be picking this one up!
I have the old DVD of Freaks, and have been hoping for ages that it would see a blu-ray release, so many thanks Criterion. Ironically, the film pretty much terminated Tod Browning's career. He only made four movies afterwards, the last in 1939, although he survived until 1962. Sadly the film that has come down to us is but a shadow of the original 90 minute feature, being brutally cut down (and with some additional footage added) to leave us with the 64 minute film we see today.
The problem wasn't the circus, carnival, early vaudeville shows that provided employment, greater personal and financial independence and accepting/welcoming venues to work and live it, the problem was the greater society that denied all those things to these performers, and then would hypocritically criticize the show business venues that did.
Got it in the mail yesterday. I would have gotten it even if it was just freaks, cause i've been looking to upgrade my dvd. BUT i have literally been looking for the unknown since i was like 18 (and i'm 32 now) so honestly, when i saw this was coming out i was even more excited that that one was included. I didn't know about the mystic but i'm super curious to watch it!
another great video mate.Had Freaks on that dvd that came out years ago but pre-ordered this Blu Ray the instant it became available.Fantastic release and kudos for Criterion for giving us in the UK a great looking set.Have watched all three movies....superb.Are you planning to do Pandora's Box review?
@@ElliotCoen I watched it right after watching this video I really enjoyed it Freaks reminded me of Suehiro Maruo's manga Mr Arashi's Amazing Freak Show
I still don't fully understand people's excitement over this one -- Freaks seems so...unappealing. I guess it's cool that it (and the others) are on blu-ray, in terms of film history/preservation. But I just can't muster much enthusiasm to watch it.
Yeah, most Criterion and Arrow films seemed unappealing to me at first glance. But after seeing 200+ of them and being thrilled by almost all of them, I will give every single film by those companies the benefit of the doubt. And it makes sense. If I only watched films I think I will like, I would still be watching children’s cartoons.
@@Emma-R I get what you mean, and honestly just being a Criterion title is enough to pique my interest. But at the same time, there are so many other Criterion titles that look intriguing, it's hard to bump a dated, gross-looking title like Freaks to anywhere near the top of my list. The bits I've seen of it just look more grotesque than interesting, but maybe I have a false impression. Hopefully I'm wrong and enjoy it greatly someday!
That is not a very inclusive take! To each his own. For myself, I have no problem taking a look at disabled people. Lucky me, because these actors are brilliant and the story is wonderful! I checked it out based on Guillermo Del Toro's love for it. It's a truly solid film. As for CC getting it right... I think Freaks should have had a 4KUHD disc AND a Del Toro commentary. That would take it from a 9/10 to an 11/10 release.
@@subaquaticencountersofthed8515 Couldn't one just as easily argue that the film exploited those disabled people by gathering them together and calling it _Freaks?_ Elliot addressed that somewhat, but maybe the story is just an excuse to show these "freaks" while pretending to stick up for them? I haven't seen the movie, so I really don't know. But let's be honest, it's hard to look at that "pin-headed" guy and not feel at least a little squeamish. And isn't that natural reaction the basis of interest in the film?
Links here to buy this set if you'd like:
UK - amzn.to/3MpdFyH
US - amzn.to/3sgMPC2
Got this in the last sale.
These are the kind of Criterion releases I always hope for.
Thanks so much for the review! Freaks is one of my faves but $60CAD seemed steep. Glad to hear it’s worth the money. I’ll definitely be picking this one up!
I’ve been wanting to see The Unknown for a long time so to see it come out on blu ray is amazing.
The Hays Code already existed but was not enforced until 1934. Can,t wait to get this release!😁
This video is the reason for the reasont price hike!
I have the old DVD of Freaks, and have been hoping for ages that it would see a blu-ray release, so many thanks Criterion. Ironically, the film pretty much terminated Tod Browning's career. He only made four movies afterwards, the last in 1939, although he survived until 1962. Sadly the film that has come down to us is but a shadow of the original 90 minute feature, being brutally cut down (and with some additional footage added) to leave us with the 64 minute film we see today.
I want this, but on 4k.
This is one i'd just get the Bluray because I don't see a chance in hell of these getting a 4k like I could with a lot of Movies.
Planning on getting this in the sale next month and I can’t wait to rewatch Freaks and check out the other two along with the supplements 🙌🏼
I’m expecting it to be a popular choice in the sale next month!
The problem wasn't the circus, carnival, early vaudeville shows that provided employment, greater personal and financial independence and accepting/welcoming venues to work and live it, the problem was the greater society that denied all those things
to these performers, and then would hypocritically criticize the show business venues that did.
Got it in the mail yesterday. I would have gotten it even if it was just freaks, cause i've been looking to upgrade my dvd. BUT i have literally been looking for the unknown since i was like 18 (and i'm 32 now) so honestly, when i saw this was coming out i was even more excited that that one was included. I didn't know about the mystic but i'm super curious to watch it!
It’s a great set. I’ve just watched Freaks - brilliant
Glad you’re liking the set Andy, cheers!
Ooh. Already have Freaks on DVD, but this is definitely tempting.
another great video mate.Had Freaks on that dvd that came out years ago but pre-ordered this Blu Ray the instant it became available.Fantastic release and kudos for Criterion for giving us in the UK a great looking set.Have watched all three movies....superb.Are you planning to do Pandora's Box review?
I've seen Freaks before, I haven't seen the others but I'll be watching these tomorrow evening hopefully...
Can’t wait for this as I’ve only been able to find freaks, hoping it comes down a bit in price though, £40 seems a bit steep
I'm looking forward to receiving mine. And this region lock thing is a mess. Luckly we don't have to worry about it in 4k.
Totally agree Elliot, excellent packaging and great to see these films on Criterion, and the Universal Dracula restoration on 4k is superb.
Only heard of Freaks but will try to get this set to watch them all! So glad Criterion could get this box-set together!
I picked it up a few days ago
Haven't watched it yet tho
I hope you enjoy it when you get round to it!
@@ElliotCoen I watched it right after watching this video
I really enjoyed it
Freaks reminded me of Suehiro Maruo's manga Mr Arashi's Amazing Freak Show
I just got this set in the mail today!
Enjoy it Eric!
Glad to see The Unknown getting some recognition
Dracula 1931 is a great film but I think this set would gather dust on my shelf. Not much rewatchability.
I still don't fully understand people's excitement over this one -- Freaks seems so...unappealing. I guess it's cool that it (and the others) are on blu-ray, in terms of film history/preservation. But I just can't muster much enthusiasm to watch it.
Yeah, most Criterion and Arrow films seemed unappealing to me at first glance. But after seeing 200+ of them and being thrilled by almost all of them, I will give every single film by those companies the benefit of the doubt.
And it makes sense. If I only watched films I think I will like, I would still be watching children’s cartoons.
@@Emma-R I get what you mean, and honestly just being a Criterion title is enough to pique my interest. But at the same time, there are so many other Criterion titles that look intriguing, it's hard to bump a dated, gross-looking title like Freaks to anywhere near the top of my list. The bits I've seen of it just look more grotesque than interesting, but maybe I have a false impression. Hopefully I'm wrong and enjoy it greatly someday!
@@ModernPlagueI understand that as well. There is always a ranking of expectations.
That is not a very inclusive take! To each his own. For myself, I have no problem taking a look at disabled people. Lucky me, because these actors are brilliant and the story is wonderful!
I checked it out based on Guillermo Del Toro's love for it. It's a truly solid film.
As for CC getting it right... I think Freaks should have had a 4KUHD disc AND a Del Toro commentary. That would take it from a 9/10 to an 11/10 release.
@@subaquaticencountersofthed8515 Couldn't one just as easily argue that the film exploited those disabled people by gathering them together and calling it _Freaks?_ Elliot addressed that somewhat, but maybe the story is just an excuse to show these "freaks" while pretending to stick up for them? I haven't seen the movie, so I really don't know. But let's be honest, it's hard to look at that "pin-headed" guy and not feel at least a little squeamish. And isn't that natural reaction the basis of interest in the film?