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 Blazi... more »ng 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) « less
Actors:Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman Genres:Comedy Sub-Genres:Mel Brooks, Gene Wilder Studio:20th Century Fox Format:DVD - Black and White,Widescreen,Letterboxed - Closed-captioned DVD Release Date: 11/03/1998 Original Release Date: 12/15/1974 Theatrical Release Date: 12/15/1974 Release Year: 1998 Run Time: 1hr 46min Screens: Black and White,Widescreen,Letterboxed Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 1 Members Wishing: 0 Edition: Special Edition MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Subtitles:English
The Mel Brooks Collection Blazing Saddles / Young Frankenstein / Silent Movie / Robin Hood: Men in Tights / To Be or Not to Be / History of the World, Part 1 / The Twelve Chairs / High Anxiety Directors:Mel Brooks, Alan Johnson
Victoria S. from ORLANDO, FL Reviewed on 2/2/2021...
Funny movie. Lots of sidewaybglsnces and remarks. An all star cast who never fail to make me laugh! What a classic! A must see movie!
Nina E. Reviewed on 6/19/2013...
Totally hysterical...these guys are the originals.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Hubbard P. (Corksrus) from NORTHBROOK, IL Reviewed on 10/20/2009...
Another Mel Brooks classic with a familiar, outstanding cast. Direction by Brooks is one of his best. This is the kind of comedy that leaves you laughing just thinking about it. I watch it every six months, or so, just for the brilliant comedy timing of Wilder, Feldman & Kahn.(Hmm, this sounds like a law firm, but it's not). This is a film not-to-be-missed.
4 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
James B. (wandersoul73) from LINDALE, TX Reviewed on 6/23/2009...
Pure genius!
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Shim F. Reviewed on 2/8/2008...
Young Frankenstein looks scary,
or stupid.
But it's really stupdly funny.
The chacters try to be serious but everything they say is just soo funny.