The Munsters Collector’s Edition [Blu-ray] Review

3 star outrageously colourful origin story.

The Munsters is an American 2023 horror/comedy film produced written and directed by Rob Zombie (3 From Hell, The Devil’s Rejects). It is based on the 1960’s series of the same name with characters created by Norm Liebmann and Ed Haas.

“I knew the moment I laid eyes on you that you were special. I understand if you don’t feel the same. I’m just a regular gal living a boring, normal life.”

Dr. Wolfgang (Richard Brake – R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned, Vesper) and his hunch backed assistant Floop (Jorge Garcia – Lost, The Healer) are working on his greatest experiment yet, to create the perfect man from body parts taken from deceased geniuses. Great news for him, the eminent Shelly Von Rathbone (Laurent Winkler – The King) has just passed away. Floop is dispatched to get his head, the final touch, alas his brother Shecky (Jeff Daniel Phillips – Mosquito, Becoming), a mediocre stand up comedian, also lies there and it is this head that Floop takes.

In the meantime, we meet Lily (Sheri Moon Zombie – The Lords of Salem), a lovelorn vampire who is struggling on the dating scene. Following a disastrous date with Count Orlock (Richard Brake) she is being consoled by her father The Count (Daniel Roebuck – Give Till It Hurts) and his manservant Igor (Sylvester McCoy – The Hobbit Trilogy, Doctor Who).

The three of them are watching television when they see the grand unveiling of Dr. Wolfgang’s creation, named by Floop as Herman Munster (Jeff Daniel Phillips). It soon becomes apparent that he is not the hoped for genius, but Lily is immediately smitten and makes it her mission to introduce herself.

Her werewolf brother Lester (Tomas Boykin –  Lazarus Rising) has been out getting himself into trouble and is heavily in debt to The Count’s ex wife Zoya (Catherine Schell – Space: 1999), who is looking to take over their Transylvanian castle. With all the pieces in play, we head towards the familiar T.V. series we all know and love.

“My sweet pussycat… RAWR! I knew from the moment I saw your flat head and that cute little scar that I wanted to spend every moment tightening those neck bolts. All I ask is that we spend the rest of my lives growing disgracefully old together.”

The Munsters is a very entertaining film, equally enjoyable whether you are familiar with the original subject matter or not. It’s very far removed from your average Rob Zombie feature, so don’t be expecting the usual blood and guts, this is strictly Parental Guidance.

Everything is gloriously and artfully silly, with vibrant colours and psychadelic backgrounds to highlight every part of the story. It’s fun to see all the characters in full colour and there is plenty of cheesy laugh out loud comedy, with Dad jokes aplenty. There is also a pleasing appearance by genre queen Cassandra Peterson a.k.a. Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. The script will never set the world on fire, but who cares. This film acheives what it sets out to, a sense of nostalgia and a late sixties vibe.

A colourful, playful family film, well worth adding to your collection.

“Have you fellas heard about the new glass coffins?”

“We have not. Are they successful?”

“Remains to be seen, Mr. Gateman. Remains. To be seen.”

The Munsters is available to buy now on Limited Edition Blu-ray and DVD.

Collector’s Edition Disc Extra Features:

• The Munsters: Return to Mockingbird Lane – From the mind of Rob Zombie, this hour-long look behind the scenes of The Munsters gives an intimate window into his film-making process. Watch as he weaves his way through the production and collaborates with a dedicated team to bring his unique vision to life.

• Feature Commentary with Director/Writer/Producer Rob Zombie.