Rankin/Bass set the bar for Animagic family fun in 1967 with MAD MONSTER PARTY, which is headed to a very special Blu-ray collection from Umbrella Entertainment this May, complete with new features from Reverend Entertainment. The 4k is region-free. In addition to the newly remastered film (presented in its correct aspect ratio of 1:85:1 as well as the well-traveled 1.33:1), the set comes with a comic book, enamel pin set, and poster. Included are a new audio commentary with Rankin/Bass historian Rick Goldschmidt, new introduction from Goldschmidt, a VERY special Easter egg you will have to hunt for in the menus, and a collection of classic Rankin/Bass trailers. Topping it all off are historical bonus featurettes, two sing-alongs, image galleries, and the original trailer. Pre-orders for this region-free Blu-ray set are open now at Umbrella.com. Breakdown and images below.
SYNOPSIS
From the studios of Rankin/Bass (creators of the timeless kid’s classics Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman) comes this frighteningly funny Holiday monster bash!
After discovering an anti-matter formula for total world annihilation, Baron Von Frankenstein (voiced by legendary horror icon Boris Karloff) decides it’s time to retire from the monster-making business. But first he must invite all the card-carrying members of THE WORLDWIDE ORGANIZATION OF MONSTERS to the Isle of Evil – and inform this group of ghouls who will inherit his horrific legacy.
When he announces that his human nephew, the mild-mannered soda jerk Felix, will be his successor, the monsters are mortified – and bumbling goofball Felix soon discovers that the entire guest list – including Count Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, Dr Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, the Monster’s Mate (voiced by outlandish comedy queen Phyllis Diller) and more – are all out to eliminate him!
By the end of the party, who will be the last monster standing?
Written and designed by two of MAD Magazine’s iconic ‘gang of idiots’, editor Harvey Kurtzman and legendary artist Jack Davis – and boasting infectious pop tunes courtesy of a Beatle-mop quartet of skeletons, Little Tibia and the Fibias – MAD MONSTER PARTY is guaranteed to “make everybody chuckle, the tots and their escorts, and even the monsters at heart” – THE NEW YORK TIMES
Director: Jules Bass
Cast: Allen Swift, Boris Karloff, Gale Garnett, Phyllis Diller
SPECIAL FEATURES
*Only Available from the Umbrella webstore*
- Custom artwork slipcase
- Replica 1967 Mad Monster Party comic
- 3 collectable custom art metal enamel pins
- A3 reversible poster
- Limited edition numbered release
- NEW! 2023 colour-corrected master in correct aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and also alternate full frame 1.33:1.
- NEW! Audio Commentary by Rick Goldschmidt (historian/biographer for Rankin/Bass Studios)
- NEW! Introduction by Rick Goldschmidt.
- NEW! Easter Egg
- NEW! RANKIN/BASS Trailer Collection
- MAKING OF A CULT CLASSIC featurette
- IT’S SHEER ANIMAGIC! featurette
- GROOVY GHOULS! THE MUSIC OF MAD MONSTER PARTY featurette
- UNEARTHING A CLASSIC featurette
- 2 Sing-Alongs
- Stills and Poster Gallery
- Original Theatrical Trailer
