Universal's 100 Years/Horror Remakes On The Way!

This year Universal Studios turns 100 years old, which is significant because a great majority of genre defining horror films stem from them.

Check out the site for more fun and interesting facts about Universal: http://www.universal100th.com/

I didn't know this, but did you know Universal did something similar to Disney's Wonderful World of Color? Their show is called, Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories.Best yet, the whole thing is narrated by Mr.Likes to take a bath in a casket. Horror starts at 6:29.


In other news:

Universal Pictures has signed a two-year production deal with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who are best know for writing "Star Trek" and "Transformers." The duo will kick off their new relationship with modern reboots of Universal's "Van Helsing" and "The Mummy" franchises.

At this point, very little is known about the two films, except that Tom Cruise is attached to produce and star in "Van Helsing," which was turned into a film in 2004 with Hugh Jackman (pictured) playing the title character.

"We're thrilled to call Universal Pictures our home," said Kurtzman and Orci. "They really understand the importance of building a strong creative team and giving our shared projects their full support. We're proud to start making movies that will live as part of Universal's enduring legacy."

Source: Universal Pictures

Personal Comments: I'm personally a fan of the 90s The Mummy. I never saw it as a remake of the Boris Karloff film, but more of a film that paid homage to it. It's one of my personal favorite popcorn films and was one of the first modern horror films I was ever allowed to see.

Van Helsing is another film I sort of grown up with, even though it's kind of bad. I'm actually really curious to see how both these films will turn out.


-Horrorwood Doll

Monster High

Mattel (the makers of Barbie and Hot Wheels) came out with a delightful little product line known as Monster High during the Summer of 2010. The concept on the doll line is to have teenagers of popular horror monsters.(Namely Universal) The whole line is probably in existence due to the whole vampire/werewolf/zombie craze, but honestly who cares? I would have loved to have a zombie or vampire dolly to play with when I was a little girl.

Here we have (From left to right) Clawdeen Wolf (Daughter of Frankenstein) Lagoona Blue (Daughter of the Creature from the Black Lagoon a.k.a Gill Man) Cleo de Nile (Daughter of The Mummy) Deuce Gordon (Son of Medusa) Frankie Stein (Daughter of Frankenstein's monster) Draculaura (Daughter of Dracula) Ghoulia Yelps (Daughter of some random zombies) Jackson Jekyll/Holt Hyde (Son of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde)
 

When you put into thought on how on earth did Frankenstein's monster or the Creature from the Black Lagoon have a daughter, the possible explanation can be a bit disturbing. I honestly don't know how that happened, but there are Monster High books currently out so maybe they can explain it. http://www.amazon.com/Monster-High-Lisi-Harrison/dp/031609918X

There are also some adorable little plushie versions of the monsters that you can take home and make them your own. You can purcahse these Monster High cuties at Target, Walmart, Toys R' Us and of course Amazon. The price for a doll ranges from $15- $25. Those who love the classic horror films and have a girly side will simply adore these little dollies.

I currently own Frankie Stein, but have yet to open her up. She is just to nifty to mess with at the moment. As much as I adore my little Frankie she just can't compete with the Monster High black and white doll that was released at Comic Con. Only 5,000 were ever made and those who own one are lucky little duckies. :P

Which one is your favorite?

-Horrorwood Doll

Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror

I had the opportunity to rent Universal Studios Monsters:A Legacy of Horror from the library. I thought it would be a great resource of inspiration for my classic horror theme Halloween/birthday party. (Yes, I plan my Halloween party a year ahead of time.)

The book covers the early years of Hollywood and how Universal Studios got started and what led them to do the Horror films we know and love to this very day. Universal's main horror films get their own special section and even some lesser known horror films get a chance to be in the limelight. The book provides many facts and trivia that the everyday horror fan might not know, but they should. For example the actress Gloria Stuart the actress who played the old Rose in Titanic got her start in Universal Horror film?

There are many gorgeous pictures featured within the book, which really is the best part of the book. You'll also get a chance to learn a little more about your favorite horror actors such as Bela Lugosi and Barlos Karloff. My only complaint with the book is the synopsis that is given for each movie, but I suppose if you have yet to see some of the films it can help you to become interested in the films and go out and seek them.

This book would be perfect for the coffee table or it can make a great gift for an upcoming horror fan.

-Horrorwood  Doll