David J. Skal

Vampires: Thirst for the Truth

Forrest J. Ackerman, Lysette Anthony

A documentary that explores man's enduring fascination with the vampire legend by examining historical accounts, literary works, and as they are portrayed in film and television.

All Over

John J. Desmond

Myra Carter, Ann Lynn

As a famous man lies dying, his family—including both his wife and his mistress—gathers inside, while members of the media converge outside for news of his death in this filmed-for-television staging of Edward Albee's play.

Hollywood's Creepiest Creatures

Cassandra Peterson, Jeff Goldblum

Elvira hosts this humorous look at movie monsters and facts about the real animals on which they're based. Included: clips from films; and interviews with scientists and various showbiz types, including directors John Carpenter and John Landis, and actors Jeff Goldblum and Roy Scheider.

Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster

Thomas Hamilton

Boris Karloff, Sara Karloff

Beginning just before his debut as Frankenstein’s creation, this documentary compellingly explores the life and legacy of a cinema legend, presenting a perceptive history of the genre he personified. Karloff's films were long derided as hokum and attacked by censors, but his phenomenal popularity and pervasive influence endures, inspiring some of our greatest actors and directors into the 21st Century – among them Guillermo Del Toro, Ron Perlman, Roger Corman, and John Landis, all of whom and many more contribute their personal insights and anecdotes.

The Perfect Scary Movie

Toby Dye

Alexander Armstrong, Darrell Wilkins

A documentary looking at the various conventions and scare techniques of the horror genre.

Tod Browning's 'Freaks': The Sideshow Cinema

David J. Skal, Todd Robbins

Documentary recounting the making of Tod Browning's Freaks. Featuring interviews with experts and actual sideshow performers, this film gives a fascinating insight into the cast members, production and public reaction to this controversial classic.

Night Terrors: The Origins of Wes Craven's Nightmares

Katy Leigh

Amanda Wyss, Wes Craven

A look at the importance of dreams in relation to Wes Craven's successful A Nightmare on Elm Street horror franchise.

Hitchcocked!

Jeffrey Schwarz

Larry Cohen, Sean S. Cunningham

A tribute to the work of Alfred Hitchcock, featuring contemporary filmmakers, writers, performers, and cultural critics.

Back to the Black Lagoon: A Creature Chronicle

David J. Skal

Julie Adams, Ricou Browning

Documentary about the making of and legacy of The Creature from the Black Lagoon included in The Legacy Collection box set.

Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters!

David J. Skal

David J. Skal, Ron Palumbo

A documentary from Universal about the movie Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein.

The World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James Whale

David J. Skal, Sam Irvin

Clive Barker, Bill Condon

Written, co-produced and co-directed by David J. Skal, THE WORLD OF GODS AND MONSTERS is a behind-the scenes chronicle of the making of the 1998 Academy Award-winning film GODS AND MONSTERS starring Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser and Lynn Redgrave. Narrated by author/ filmmaker Clive Barker, the documentary interweaves the life and career of James Whale, director of the original FRANKENSTEIN, with the making of the acclaimed biopic. Interviewees include writer/director Bill Condon (Oscar winner for best adapted screenplay), Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave, and Christopher Bram, author of the novel FATHER OF FRANKENSTEIN, on which the film was based.

Carla Laemmle Remembers: An Interview with David J. Skal

David J. Skal

Carla Laemmle

Actress and neice of Universal Pictures founder Carl Laemmle, Carla Laemmle recounts the events that occured while filming Phantom of the Opera, The (1925). Not too much ground is covered here, although we do learn a few things about the creation of Universal Pictures in 1915.

The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster

David J. Skal

Rick Baker, Rudy Behlmer

The history of Frankenstein's journey from novel to stage to screen to icon.

The Road to Dracula

David J. Skal

Carla Laemmle, Clive Barker

A documentary from Universal about the movie "Dracula" (1931) starring Bela Lugosi.

She's Alive! Creating the Bride of Frankenstein

David J. Skal

Joe Dante, Rick Baker

Documentary about the making of 1935's "The Bride of Frankenstein."

Now You See Him: The Invisible Man Revealed!

David J. Skal

Rudy Behlmer, David J. Skal

A documentary from Universal about the movie "The Invisible Man" (1933) directed by James Whale.