In celebration of the re-release of Universal’s Mummy movies on DVD as well as the anniversary of the death of legendary make-up man Jack Pierce (monster-maker who worked in the 30s and 40s at Universal during their classic horror period), Rocket Video (located at 726 N. La Brea Avenue), is hosting another one of its unique events on Saturday July 19th, 1-3PM. Admission is free!
The Mummy Special Edition 2-disc set will include audio commentary with film historian Paul M. Jenson, a second commentary with Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steve Haberman, Bob Burns and Brent Armstrong), 4 documentaries/featurettes (including Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed, He Who Made Monsters: Life and Legacy of Jack Pierce, Unraveling the Legacy of The Mummy and Universal Horror), a trailer gallery and a gallery of poster artwork and production stills.
I hadn’t seen any other promotions anywhere about this release until the other day when I passed by Rocket. I mean this is The Mummy. This is Universal Monster lore. This is film history. Shouldn’t this be a much bigger deal? That’s why I just love the idea of this local store taking the reigns and doing a homegrown promotion; kind of like putting on a play in the barn type of stuff. So, what if the big distributing company doesn’t seem to care? Here are people that do.
If you’re familiar with Rocket Video, then you already know that it is one of the friendliest, most reliable neighborhood video rental stores for classic cinema, one that likes to have fun with its members by bringing in the random cool guest for a show and tell (Peter Falk, Ray Bradbury, even stand up comics). If you haven’t already gone to one of these events, you can expect an enthusiastic crowd of people gathered in the back of the store. There are usually some folding chairs placed out, but you better arrive early if you want a seat and not be left overflowing into the last few rows of videos. Mind you, this is not a red carpet event, but a casual gathering in a laid back atmosphere, hosted by people who simply love movies. Real film geeks and nerds in the truest and most complimentary sense of the words. In addition, the staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. I have often spent time chatting away with them over this or that film when there was no one waiting in line. They remind me of what Quentin Tarantino must have been like before his big break.
If you’re a fan of Universal’s Mummy Monster then this should be a fun evening featuring writer/director Scott Essman (noted commemorator and cinematic biographer) and other very special guests, Mummy discussions and screenings, giveaways, prizes, trivia quiz, Mummy DVDs for sale, signings of DVDs and books, Karloff Mummy bust on display, and more, more, more!