Genres: Horror, Sci-fi / Fantasy, Based on Book, Mad Scientists / Deadly Doctors, Criterion Collection
Cast: Charles Laughton, Richard Arlen, Leila Hyams, Bela Lugosi, George Irving
Director: Erle C. Kenton
Synopsis: A twisted treasure from Hollywood's pre-Code horror heyday, ISLAND OF LOST SOULS is a cautionary tale of science run amok adapted from H. G. Wells's novel The Island of Dr. Moreau. In one of his first major movie roles, Charles Laughton (The Private Life of Henry VIII) is a mad doctor conducting ghastly genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, much to the fear and disgust of the shipwrecked sailor (Richard Arlen) who finds himself trapped there. This touchstone of movie terror, directed by Erle C. Kenton (House of Frankenstein), is elegantly shot by Karl Struss (The Great Dictator), features groundbreaking makeup effects that inspired generations of monster-movie artists, and costars Bela Lugosi (Dracula) in one his most gruesome roles.
Language: English
Country of Origin: United States of America
Production Year: 1932
Reviews:
- "There are some horror sequences which are unrivaled.", Variety
- "A remarkably powerful film. Laughton is magnificently repellent as the fiendish doctor.", Time Out Film Guide
- Release Date: Oct 25th, 2011
- Catalog Number: CC2069DDVD
- UPC: 715515088114
- Rating: Not Rated
- Run Time: 70
- Color Format: Black & White
- Audio: PCM Mono
- Language: English
- 16:9: No
- Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
- Number of Discs: 1
- Closed Captions: No
- Subtitle: English
- Special Features:
New high-definition digital restoration of the uncut theatrical version
Audio commentary by film historian Gregory Mank, author
New video conversation among filmmaker John Landis and more
New interviews with horror film historian David J. Skal
New interviews with Devo founding members Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh
Theatrical trailer
Subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by critic Christine Smallwood
- Release Date: Oct 25th, 2011
- Catalog Number: CC2068BD
- UPC: 715515088015
- Rating: Not Rated
- Run Time: 70
- Color Format: Black & White
- Audio: PCM Mono
- Language: English
- 16:9: Yes
- Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
- Number of Discs: 1
- Closed Captions: No
- Subtitle: English
- Special Features:
New high-definition digital restoration of the uncut theatrical version
Audio commentary by film historian Gregory Mank, author
New video conversation among filmmaker John Landis and more
New interviews with horror film historian David J. Skal
New interviews with Devo founding members Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh
Theatrical trailer
Subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by critic Christine Smallwood






