Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1920) (Kino Classics Remastered Edition) (Blu-ray Review)
Directed By: John S. Robertson
Starring: John Barrymore, Brandon Hurst, Martha Mansfield
Rated: UR/Region A/1:33/1080p/Number of Discs 1
Available from Kino Classics
Based on the Robert Louis Stevenson story: Doctor Henry Jekyll’s enthusiasm for science and his selfless acts of service have made him a much-admired man. But as he visits Sir George Carew one evening, his host criticizes him for his reluctance to experience the more sensual side of life. Sir George goads Jekyll into visiting a music hall, where he watches the alluring dancer Gina. Jekyll becomes fascinated with the two contrasting sides of human nature, and he becomes obsessed with the idea of separating them. After extensive work in his laboratory, he devises a formula that does indeed allow him to alternate between two completely different personalities, his own and that of a brutish, lascivious person whom he names Hyde. It is not long before the personality of Hyde begins to dominate Jekyll’s affairs.
A movie like this is dated, but the film is more of a celebration of what you could do back in those silent day films. I’ve said time and time again that these types of movies aren’t the types of movies I enjoy the most, but in the case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, the overall creepy vibe of the presentation of the film seems to trump all else and give way to an eerie environment and enjoyment of the film you get to see. Lead by a great but silent performance from John Barrymore, you can’t help but appreciate and give credit to this 1920 film.
I also appreciate the 70 or so minute running time for this one. Sometimes you have movies that hang around too long and they have slow spots, but here you don’t get much wasted time and it makes things run a much smoother way until we reach the finish line. If you appreciate classic horror, then you will appreciate this overall. We also get a great transfer when you take into account the date of the print. It isn’t perfect, but details are pulled up and color is very nice for the time and shouldn’t at all let anyone down who wants to see this in HD.
– The 1912 Version (HD, 13:48)
– The Rival 1920 Version (HD, 14:44)
– Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pride (HD, 21:30)
– The Transformation Scene
