Under my vidder alias "Jetpack Monkey", I recently created a fanvid for Universal's classic monster movies, set to Rob Thomas's "Ever the Same." I chose the song because I wanted something modern and poppy to create a juxtaposition with the Gothic imagery (in point of fact, I really kind of hate the song). I've embedded it below.

Over at the Classic Horror Film Board (no relation to Classic-Horror.com), Jim Clatterbaugh reports that he spoke with a representative over at Universal, who stated that the studio had no plans to release classic horror DVDs this year (excepting the upcoming Special Edition of The Mummy). Apparently, it's past the time to begin planning such a release, as they are already working on their 2009 schedule.

Karl Freund's 1932 classic The Mummy, featuring Boris Karloff and Zita Johann, will be released in a 2-Disc Special Edition DVD set on July 8th, 2008, as part of the Universal Legacy Series. The set comes out just a month before the theatrical release of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (a sequel to Stephen Sommers' 1999 Mummy remake). According to DVDTimes.co.uk, Freund's original will be presented in 1.33:1 aspect ratio with the soundtrack in mono.

Entertainment Weekly has posted an interview with makeup effects wizard Rick Baker on their website, where they discuss the ins and outs of making Benicio del Toro into a werewolf for Universal's remake of their 1941 classic The Wolf Man. Accompanying the interview are two sweet pictures of del Toro in makeup. I have to say, at least they have the look down -- there's a clear lineage from the old school look, but it's been updated to utilize modern sensibilities and techniques.

Click the picture below to open a larger version in a new window.

Joe Johnston (Jumanji, Jurassic Park III) has replaced Mark Romanek on Universal's remake of the 1941 horror flick The Wolf Man. Johnston was selected from a shortlist of directors that included Brett Ratner (Red Dragon), James Mangold (Identity), Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters) and Frank Darabont (The Mist). The Wolf Man, which is budgeted at $85 million with an additional $15 million from tax breaks for shooting in the UK, will begin filming in March.

Universal's remake of The Wolf Man is currently sans a director, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Mark Romanek has left the production due to disputes over the final cost of the film. Although the film is budgeted at a not-unimpressive $100 million, Romanek was requesting more money. Since Universal is aiming for an audience-limiting R-rating for the film, his requests were denied. The studio is currently seeking a new director, but due to the Writer's Strike, anybody coming on to the production will be unable to do any rewrites to the script.