Young Frankenstein
 | Starring: Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman 20th Century Fox, 1974, DVD Customer Rating: 330 reviews Recommend |
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If you were to argue that Mel Brooks's Young Frankenstein ranks among the top-ten funniest movies of all time, nobody could reasonably dispute the claim. Spoofing classic horror in the way that Brooks's previous film Blazing Saddles sent up classic Westerns, the movie is both a loving tribute and a raucous, irreverent parody of Universal's classic horror films Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Filming in glorious black and white, Brooks re-created the Frankenstein laboratory using the same equipment from the original Frankenstein (courtesy of designer Kenneth Strickfaden), and this loving attention to physical and stylistic detail creates a solid foundation for nonstop comedy. The story, of course, involves Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) and his effort to resume experiments in re-animation pioneered by his late father. (He's got some help, since dad left behind a book titled How I Did It.) Assisting him is the hapless hunchback Igor (Marty Feldman) and the buxom but none-too-bright maiden Inga (Teri Garr), and when Frankenstein succeeds in creating his monster (Peter Boyle), the stage is set for an outrageous revision of the Frankenstein legend. With comedy highlights too numerous to mention, Brooks guides his brilliant cast (also including Cloris Leachman, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, and Gene Hackman in a classic cameo role) through scene after scene of inspired hilarity. Indeed, Young Frankenstein is a charmed film, nothing less than a comedy classic, representing the finest work from everyone involved. Not one joke has lost its payoff, and none of the countless gags have lost their zany appeal. From a career that includes some of the best comedies ever made, this is the film for which Mel Brooks will be most fondly remembered. Befitting a classic, the Special Edition DVD includes audio commentary by Mel Brooks, a "making of" documentary, interviews with the cast, hilarious bloopers and outtakes, and the original theatrical trailers. No video library should be without a copy of Young Frankenstein. And just remember — that's Fronkensteen. — Jeff Shannon
Beyond Young Frankenstein
 High Anxiety |  Spaceballs |  Blazing Saddles |
Stills from Young Frankenstein (Click for larger image)
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If you were to argue that Mel Brooks's Young Frankenstein ranks among the top-ten funniest movies of all time, nobody could reasonably dispute the claim. Spoofing classic horror in the way that Brooks's previous film Blazing Saddles sent up classic Westerns, the movie is both a loving tribute and a raucous, irreverent parody of Universal's classic horror films Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Filming in glorious black and white, Brooks re-created the Frankenstein laboratory using the same equipment from the original Frankenstein (courtesy of designer Kenneth Strickfaden), and this loving attention to physical and stylistic detail creates a solid foundation for nonstop comedy. The story, of course, involves Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) and his effort to resume experiments in re-animation pioneered by his late father. (He's got some help, since dad left behind a book titled How I Did It.) Assisting him is the hapless hunchback Igor (Marty Feldman) and the buxom but none-too-bright maiden Inga (Teri Garr), and when Frankenstein succeeds in creating his monster (Peter Boyle), the stage is set for an outrageous revision of the Frankenstein legend. With comedy highlights too numerous to mention, Brooks guides his brilliant cast (also including Cloris Leachman, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, and Gene Hackman in a classic cameo role) through scene after scene of inspired hilarity. Indeed, Young Frankenstein is a charmed film, nothing less than a comedy classic, representing the finest work from everyone involved. Not one joke has lost its payoff, and none of the countless gags have lost their zany appeal. From a career that includes some of the best comedies ever made, this is the film for which Mel Brooks will be most fondly remembered. Befitting a classic, the Special Edition DVD includes audio commentary by Mel Brooks, a "making of" documentary, interviews with the cast, hilarious bloopers and outtakes, and the original theatrical trailers. No video library should be without a copy of Young Frankenstein. And just remember — that's Fronkensteen. — Jeff Shannon
Beyond Young Frankenstein
High Anxiety | Spaceballs | Blazing Saddles |
Stills from Young Frankenstein (Click for larger image)
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Title: Young Frankenstein
Sales Rank: 387 in DVD
Actor: Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman
Studio: 20th Century Fox, 2006-09-05, Theatrical Release: 1974-12-15
Format: Black & White, NTSC, Subtitled, Acpect Ratio 1.85:1
Languages: English (Original Language), German (Original Language)
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Region Code: 1
Running Time: 106 minutes
Item Dimensions: 0.2 pounds
Package Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches, 0.15 pounds
- Young Frankenstein
- This is one of Mel Brook's best. A great cast and is a staple in our household for Halloween. It can be watched many times and still make you laugh. More reviews
- Lukewarm
- This will be short and to the point - I was not overwhelmed by this movie. I saw it live in the movie theatre and now own it on DVD, but frankly, despite the rave reviews by so many other critics, I simply do not find this movie "hilarious".
It is well acted, (terrific cast!) well-directed, and the sets are fantastic, but the jokes… More reviews
- Always Makes Me Laugh
- No matter how often I watch this movie, it always makes me laugh and is one of the best comedies made. I think it is Mel Brook's best work.
Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Cloris Leachman, Teri Garr, Madeline Kahn and Gene Hackman are are perfect in their timing and execution. It is hard to pick which part I enjoy the most… More reviews
- Top Notch Mel Brooks
- Mel Brooks at his best in this crazy rendition of the Frankenstein story. There's a laugh around every corner. Comedy was brilliantly married with macabre while staying somewhat true to the story we grew up watching. Brooks even films it in B&W, paying homage to those times and providing just the right amount of "spook factor." I've seen it many times and… More reviews
- YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
- A COMEDY CLASSIC!!!! GREAT MOVIE FULL OF GREAT LINES!!! ALWAYS CHASES THE BLUES AWAY!!! A MUST SEE IF YOU HAVEN'T SEE THIS ONE!!!… More reviews
