The Aurora Monsters: The Model Craze That Gripped the World

THE AURORA MONSTERS is a lovely look back at something that was in some ways at the heart of my childhood and those of many of my generation. It is a very nice feature to have John Zacherle, dean of all the myriad TV horror-movie-show hosts of the '50s through early '70s, as the host/narrator here. The best parts are the appearances by Aurora box illustrator (and noted paperback cover artist) and fine artist James Bama, Aurora executive Andrew Yanchus, and master model sculptor Ray Meyers. The history of the Aurora monster models and their problems, descendants and variants, and replications by later companies, is fascinating, as are the reminiscences of how FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND magazine (another favorite of my youth) affected Aurora's remarkable success. This documentary is a labor of love by Witch's Dungeon's Cortlandt Hull (great-nephew of Henry Hull, who played the Werewolf of London) and a number of other fans, pros, hobbyists and collectors. If the Aurora monster models--ANY kind of monsters--were part of your childhood, or if you'd just like a look back at a unique phenomenon of the '60s which still resonates today, I strongly recommend this DVD.

As one of the large number of "Monster Kids" who grew up in the 1950s and '60s who has remained deeply interested in classic sci fir/fantasy/horror film, I take great interest both in the serious research and documentation of the genre cinema--and in exploring the sentimental side of it all (as so many of us "Boomers" do!). In this wonderful Witch's Dungeon presentation, I get the best of both sides of things! Here is the fun of being a Monster Kid again, with the ever-funny and charming Zacherley doing his timeless hosting (along with the help now of Bill Diamond's puppetry!)--and here are priceless interviews with such keystone personalities of the Aurora model industry as artist James Bama, whose paintings of classic monsters/models are nothing short of iconic--and Ray Meyers, sculptor/artist, who gives us an inside view behind the scenes of brainstorming and creating the Aurora monster figures. After seeing Ray's filmed interview on this DVD, I had the tremendous privilege of meeting him in person at Wonderfest con in Louisville last year. He's a wonderful old gentleman, a delight to talk with, and it was nothing short of delightful to see him surrounded by fans and fellow sculptors during that whole weekend. I loved the AURORA MONSTERS DVD from beginning to end, watching and re-watching the interviews with artists and toy creators, with collectors and fans--the enthusiasm is catching, the mood throughout is positive and upbeat. Even the lighting and music reflect the Baby Boomer era for me! The colors, oh, the colors! But if I were to capsulize my admiration for this DVD, I believe I could put it in three words: Bama/Meyer/Zacherley! A masterful presentation. Thank you, Witch's Dungeon!