Search - The Man and the Monster on DVD

CasaNegra really takes the cake with Mexican classics...

R. Koleszar | Bloomington, IN USA | 03/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Man and the Monster is actually a really good classic horror film. Visually and stylistically it borrows from the elements of other Mexican horror classics such as The Vampire and Curse of the Crying Woman. Most of these classic Mexican horror films were shot on the same sets however with each film the sets are manipulated and added to, subtracted from to make it look quite different and provide unique levels of atmosphere in each movie. The scenes shot in the Hacienda courtyard where Rambal's monstrous character lives are beautifully composed and deliciously lit. Director Baledon does a great job directing this film. People who have seen this film agree the monster is not terribly "monstrous" and is more funny to look at then scary but for me it does not detract from what a good film it really is. The film as a whole is quite an accomplishment with excellent acting and wonderful direction and photography. The film is pristine and probably even looks better then when people first saw it back in the 50s. The restoration on the DVD is absolutely perfect and on par with previous CasaNegra releases. A key feature of the DVD is a really fantastic Mexican Horror Poster slideshow set to music from the film which I also thought was really great."

Nice find for 50's monster/horror fans....

Tuco | Phoenix, Az USA | 05/21/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"For the most part, The Man and the Monster, released in the Mexico as "El hombre y el monstruo" is your average 1959 horror flick. It was filmed in the spanish language and then dubbed into english with careful attention paid to matching the dialouge with the actors lips. Unlike most other dubbed efforts, this one is very easy to watch without being distracted by the dubbing.

The film tells the sinister story of a pianist who sells his soul to the devil to become the greatest pianist in the world, with one catch - when he plays, he turns into what appears to be some type of monster/werewolf creature. The makeup effects for the monster are well done and much in alignment with what every other studio was doing at this time.

But what makes this flick really worthwhile is the above average cinematography, atmospheric lighting and the great score. A real nice achievement for the Mexico studio who put this together. makes one wonder what other south of the border classics are out there. It is truly a great looking film with solid acting with an air of creepy fright that is well sustained throughout the entire feature.

While not an all-time classic, Man and the Monster is very much suitable entertainment with much repeat watchability for those who enjoy the 50's sci-fi/horror genre and also for those who enjoy great black and white cinematography punctuated with film noir style lighting.

Check it out...
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