The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde |  | Director: Charles Jarrott
Actors: Jack Palance, Denholm Elliott, Leo Genn, Torin Thatcher, Rex Sevenoaks
Studio: Mpi Home Video
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.98
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Rating:  20 reviews
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Unrated
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 120 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: MPID6355D
ISBN: 0788604341
UPC: 030306635590
EAN: 9780788604348
Theatrical Release Date: January 7, 1968
Release Date: August 27, 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Studio: Mpi Home Video Release Date: 08/27/2002 Run time: 124 minutes Rating: Nr
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 20
 Favourite Version November 6, 2009
D. E. Nelson (Colwyn Bay, UK)
Ask anyone about a film version of this classic story and they usually think of the famous Spencer Tracey version.
This one is far less widely known, possibly because it was made for Television. However, in my opinion it is possibly the finest portayal of the original story - Jack Pallance is superb in the title role, which he plays with great feeling for the character, bringing all the feeling of the original story and is excellently supported by Billie Whitelaw as the leading female. The make up for "Mr Hyde" is far mor subtle than other films and more believable as a result. I would heartily recomend this to anyone as the definative portrayal of Dr. Jekyll & Mr Hyde
A Walk on the Dark Side September 16, 2009
Mrs. Carter (Stockbridge, Georgia)
This 1968 production is an excellent film adaptation of the 1886 Robert Louis Stevenson tale of the same name. Like its inspiration, this rendition explores the dual nature of man through a character who, in the name of science, delves into the darkest and most vile depths of the human psyche. Although it strays from the original plot somewhat, fans of the novella will appreciate the creative liberties exercised in order to keep this screenplay fast-paced and intriguing. The addition of a Soho music hall dancer, Gwyn, brings a colorful female presence that is lacking in the original; through the inclusion of her character, one understands the depth at which Hyde gives into his earthly desires, and it highlights his utter disregard for the weaker gender through his abusive and cruel displays.
The cast includes some well-known faces, including Jack Palance (Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde), Denholm Elliott (Mr. George Devlin , based on Stevenson's Mr. Utterson), and Billie Whitelaw (Gwyn Thomas, the object of Hyde's infatuation). Palance's performance is riveting, with a Hyde who is more wicked than monstrous. The scenery and costuming capture a London of the past; by today's standards, the special effects are dated, but the production is still engaging and thrilling - from beginning to end.
Although the film is not rated, it is most appropriate for children 13 and over. Occasional harsh language, such as the reference to Gwyn as a "slut," may be inappropriate for some audiences. Several of Hyde's violent acts are somewhat graphic, and although they are only suggested, sexual references involving Gwyn and females in the music hall scenes may be too telling for pre-teens.
This DVD is a must-have for Stevenson fans and lovers of nineteenth century literature. It finds its place among the best of horror films, complete with a Poe-inspired psychoanalytic twist and an Aristotelian philosophical crisis.
The Ugly, the Ugly and the Ugly.. June 1, 2009
Paul Ess. (Holywell, N.Wales,UK.)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Dan Curtis' TV production of Stevensons story 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' is watchable for quite a few reasons but it's memorable and essential for one: Jack Palance's performance as Mr Hyde..
I've been watching all kinds of horror and fantasy for many years now; I started as a schoolboy and I've enjoyed/endured everything from the early Universals through AIP, Hammer and Amicus; the Italian 'nasties'; the Japanese all-ins; all the way to the present day and the confrontational-at-best 'Murder Set Pieces' and the 'Saw' and 'Hostel' series.
But nothing I've seen in all those years could've possibly prepared me for Jack Palance as Mr Hyde.
It gives the word 'ugly' new meaning and purpose after years of underachievement; fresh nightmares tumble and cascade in forms not experienced since pubescence.
Big, sneering, snarling faces loom down...
But it's not just the make-up - Palance's whole form and demeanour are taken over by this lithe, fidgety, twitching, homicidal rascal.
A little like the Joker in as much as his face is set in some kind of idiot-grimace, completely in keeping with his lurking, obsessive cruelty.
Like a big lizard jumping all over the place; eyes glazed like a shark; cape flapping like the wings of a monstrous falcon - Palance's Hyde is untouchable.
His Jekyll's good - dedicated and retiring; as is the supporting cast: Denholm Elliot, Billie Whitelaw (billed as 'introducing' even though she was in Hammer's 'Hell is a City' way back in 1960 for me to know), Oscar Homolka and Torin Thatcher.
Sets are effective; it's filmed in that strangely-lit late 60's/early 70's studio style that frazzles your eyes if you sit too close (and Hyde's proud jaw-jut will give you a Grade 2 right round !); music's satisfactory; it's well-paced - most of what you could ever want from a TV version of one of the all-time literary horror classics - but Palance is the bite, the spice, the storm...the 'ugly'.
It should be re-titled: the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (the Ugly, the Ugly and the Ugly!), a warning should be posted on the dvd box: 'Program contains images of a man in an almost continual state of ugliness which may be disturbing..'
All I needed was to hear Palance say "Prove it." to one of Hyde's many accusers and my head would've fallen off.
Jack Palance as Jekyll/Hyde: it's not a joke (or if it is, it's a brilliant one!), it's deadly serious.
A straight-faced, earnest adaptation of a great; but you should heed the above warning - completely phony and hysterical or not.
Palance great as Stevenson's tragic protaganist January 28, 2009
Michael Andrews (New York, NY)
I was always curious about this 70s tv production, and im glad i picked it up because it is a very creepy, effective retelling of the horror tale about a kindly scientist whose experiments unleash his darker, monstrous nature; a great production with a strong grisly performance by Jack Palance.
Deliciously Diabolical January 28, 2009
Mr John Haueisen (WORTHINGTON, OHIO United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
For Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to succeed the lead actor has to be truly fearsome and frightening.
Jack Palance delivers!
He is startlingly scary in his unrelenting rush to enjoy the things in life that Dr. Jekyll had denied himself.
At times, you will wonder if Palance had lost his mind and was really an escaped and dangerous psychopath.
But it's just that "wildness" that makes this the best production of Dr. Jekyll that you'll ever seen--believable, but DIABOLICAL.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 20
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