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)
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Young Franenstein:
This is a classic fun movie. Great humor that you will need to view many times to catch all the great puns.
works wells as a straight monster movie (3.6/5):
i liked this film a lot.there were a lot of memorable lines to be
sure.i chuckled a fair amount at some of the jokes and gags.but to
me,this movie works more as a monster movie.making it in black and
white was a stroke of genius.it made it much more authentic,just like
the old monster movies of the 30's and 40's.i think it's one of the
best Frankenstein movies i've seen.Gene Wilder is in great form here,as
is Teri Gar.Marti Feldman is a riot.Peter Boyle is also great.and... more info
enjoy this classic:
many great actors and actresses in this classic. continues to of enjoyable laughters at this interpretation of Frankenstein. wonderful directing, script, and acting. should be very special to the 55+. purchased this DVD used. the price was a bargain.
Werewolf? There Wolf!:
Love this movie, its a classic. Now that I have it I havent even touched it, its still in the box. great movie to have to initiate those who havent seen mel brooks.
