An interesting look into the Witch's Dungeon in Bristol, CT., put on by Cortland Hull for these many years. The DVD, though a bit too flashy and self-absorbing at times, was edited carefully so as to fit and showcase as many of the horror icons and their history and in many cases relationship to the museum. I found many of the interviews most interesting though a bit too truncated. It certainly left me wanting more of them. I also thought the history behind the attraction was well-done and again very interesting. The Witch's Dungeon DVD obviously is a product of love for the genre and make-up for which it chronicles how Hull got into the attraction at a very early age. There are some nice things about Vincent Price included and the list of interviewees is substantial with the likes of June Foray, Forrest J. Ackerman, Christopher Lee, and many, many more. This would make an excellent viewing right around Halloween!
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BaronBl00d15 July 2007
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mkillian-210 January 2007I had the opportunity to see this very fine work of Dennis Vincent and Cortlandt Hull on the big screen during a sneak preview before the DVD was released. It was amazing then as it is now on DVD. Clearly, Mr. Vincent and Mr. Hull understand the essence of the silver screen's classic and modern day horror films, and have captured it in their work.
This DVD gives the viewer the opportunity to see how it was done. Interviews with the make-up artists and the children of this genre's legends are priceless. Each story leaves the viewer with new and memorable image of an era gone by.
I was struck by the hours of work needed to prepare the actors for each role in this pre-synthetic age. Many of the actors did their own make-up work, some of which took the best part of a day; only to do it again the next day.
This DVD includes the magic of Lon Chaney, Henry Hull, Boris Karloff, Bella Lugosi, Vincent Price and Dick Smith, probably the greatest living make-up artist. Smith's work includes Hal Holbrook as Mark Twain, Dustin Hoffman as The Little Big Man, Jack Palance as My. Hyde, Marlon Brando as The Godfather, F. Murray Abrahams as Amadeus and more. Tom Savini's commentary is distinctive.
Mr. Hull's love of horror movies dates back to his childhood and has evolved into a collection of movie props and displays, which he opens up each Halloween season for a modest fee to benefit his non-profit museum. Lines of hundreds of visitors stretch around the block for the six minute tour. His display is aptly named, The Witch's Dungeon.
This DVD would make a wonderful television special. -
I wasn't sure what to expect when purchasing this video, but was pleasantly surprised!!!
Dennis Vincent has put together a very interesting, well paced documentary with smooth transitions between unique celebrity interviews, rare photos and the history of the Witch's Dungeon museum. The video features colorful animation, obscure photos and new interviews which made the two hour production seem to fly by.
The history of the Witch's Dungeon is very interesting as well. It is great to see the progression of Cortlandt Hull's dream from its roots 40 years ago. I have had the pleasure of visiting the museum in person and witnessing first hand, the quality of the sets and life-size figures he has created.
A must have for any classic horror film fan/collector! -
This film is clearly a labor of love by people who know horror and Sci-Fi movies.
It is based on the movies and people that inspired the artist Cortlandt Hull to create the Witch's Dungeon Movie Museum in Bristol CT, and was released just in time for the museums's 40th anniversary.
The director, Dennis Vincent captured the fun and excitement of the classic horror films, and what it felt like to see them for the first time. There is no filler, or rehashed clips you've seen over and over. These are all new interviews & behind-the scenes fun.
It's fast paced and entertaining, from the colorful opening animation to views of rare photos and posters.
My favorite parts are the interviews with the celebrities, and the people who made the films possible. The interviews really have a great feel, as if you got to sit down with them for a cup of coffee, while they discussed their lives in film. They leave you wanting to hear more.
I heartily recommend this. -
nitesho4 January 2007This video love letter to classic horror fans is a must for collectors. Director Vincent has done an admirable job of showing why this small museum is visited by so many in 3 weeks in October, plus it has some marvelous interviews with many in the genre. Cortlandt Hull's work and affection from the genre shines through every frame. It is marvelous that the likes of Vincent Price and June Foray felt the museum so important, that they provided support and voice work gratis. The film also does not use a lot of public domain footage, but rather plays around with still imagery in an imaginative and visually interesting way.
My only caveat is that sometimes the interviewees wander away from discussing the museum, but their tales are nonetheless interesting to genre lovers. -
This DVD is not what one would expect. The Witch's Dungeon is the oldest and longest running Halloween attraction in the country and it deserves this honor, but the DVD is much more than that. The DVD is not only a history of The Witch's Dungeon; it is also a history of the make up men responsible for bringing monsters to life on the silver screen. It is these monsters that inspired a young Cortlandt Hull to create his dungeon.
The running time of two hours goes by in what seems like a few minutes. The DVD is visually exciting as viewers are treated to dozens of rare, behind the scenes stills, as they listen to interviews with greats like Dick Smith, Tom Savini, Elvira, Christopher Lee, Zacherley, and so many more. A tour of the dungeon is also included, but that's at the end, and there's so much more going on before you get to that point.
This DVD is truly a gem. Rarely does anyone go to such lengths to create a product so endearing to the monster kid that lurks within all of us. -
Any DVD visitor to the Witch's Dungeon will be thrilled, and chilled to view these "NEW" interviews, with some of the amazing talent involved in bringing classic horror figures and films to life. From the moment you press play on your DVD remote you'll be treated to many behind the scenes photos, stories, and historical information available to the casual and hardcore classic horror fan alike! This is not a collection of stock photos, and archived interviews..no, this is a story of Cortlandt Hull, and his childhood interest in classic monster films, and the actors who portrayed them. Cortlandt used his god given artistic talent to preserve these figures of horror for generations to come... Thus was born the Witch's Dungeon in Bristol, CT.
Dennis Vincent has done an outstanding job producing and directing this highly entertaining and magical DVD. Presented in quality worthy of a "Hollywood" theatrical release. If your a fan of Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy films this is the must have DVD of 2007!!! A true "GEM"....a bargain for $18.95, and a moving history book on classic horror!!!! A+.