Monsters HD Celebrates the Memory of Monster Star Boris Karloff During the 75th Anniversary of His 1931 Appearance in Frankenstein
Marathon includes nine Karloff classics including the first-time HD premiere of Bride of Frankenstein and Son of Frankenstein
New York, January 25, 2006 – MONSTERS HD, the first-ever and only 24-hour channel devoted exclusively to the horror and creature feature category, will present an all-day marathon celebrating the memory and movies of horror film icon, Boris Karloff, on the date of his death, February 2nd. Karloff, who’s best known for his role as the man-made monster in the 1931 classic, FRANKENSTEIN, died on February 2, 1969. Films that will make their HD premiere on Monsters HD include BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN and SON OF FRANKENSTEIN.
To honor the actor, MONSTERS HD’s marathon will feature nine classic horror films starring Karloff including: FRANKENSTEIN (currently celebrating its 75th anniversary), BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, SON OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY, HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, MAD MONSTER PARTY, THE HAUNTED STRANGLER, CORRIDORS OF BLOOD and DIE, MONSTER, DIE!. (See descriptions and schedule below)
“We are very proud to have the opportunity to add these Boris Karloff classics and his portrayals of the Frankenstein Monster to our all-star lineup of monster stars, horror icons, and creature characters,” said David Sehring, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Monsters HD. “Monsters HD has amassed the largest collection of classic and contemporary horror films in high definition and continues to expand its library of deals from major studios and independents including Paramount, MGM, Universal, Sony, and Lion’s Gate.”
Boris Karloff is one Universal Studios most legendary stars. Born William Henry Pratt in England in 1887, Karloff left a remarkable legacy both professionally and personally. His career spanned nearly 60 years during which he made approximately 170 films. In 1931, Karloff starred as Frankenstein. In the following year he completed the Universal classic, “The Mummy.” Karloff’s performances established him as one of the most famous actors of all time.
MONSTERS HD is one of the 15 high-definition core channels available through VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high-definition channels nationwide and currently available on DISH Network (Channel #9481).
This month, VOOM HD announced its distribution agreement with Echostar Communications to carry all fifteen HD channels on its Dish Network. Since its launch in early 2005, VOOM has gone on to produce compelling original HD content for a wide variety of consumer interests including: the largest collection of HD horror films; a live auction of one-of-a-kind memorabilia; animation for kids of all ages and action-adventure sporting events. This new announcement for Monsters HD confirms VOOM’s commitment to growing and to investing in the brand’s aggressive move into the marketplace.
About Monsters HD
It’s Alive! Launched in October 2003, MONSTERS HD is television’s first and only, definitive channel dedicated to the popular horror & creature feature category. From the classic horrors of Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolfman to prehistoric giants like King Kong and Godzilla, to supernatural terrors like The Evil Dead and The Exorcist to the modern maniacs of Freddy, Jason and Leatherface. MONSTERS HD also goes behind the screams with Monsterama, the channel’s original series hosted by Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Monsterama focuses on every aspect of monster movie mania imaginable. From Hollywood special effects, creature shops and monster make-up to the latest creature collectibles, conventions and upcoming theatrical, DVD and video game releases. MONSTERS HD’s Monsterama series has fright fans glued to their seats and drooling with delight with the eerie sights on display shot in stunning hi definition. For more information on MONSTERS HD please log on to www.monstershd.com
About VOOM HD Networks
The VOOM HD Networks are the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere. Produced exclusively in true high definition and 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound for distribution in the U.S. through satellite and cable operators, the 15 VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. The VOOM HD Networks are commercial-free and available nationally on Echostar’s DISH Network. Developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high definition programming, the VOOM HD Networks build on Rainbow Media’s history of original programming innovation.
Film Descriptions & Schedule
HAUNTED STRANGLER – Karloff stars as a writer investigating the execution of a serial killer known as “The Haymarket Strangler” and becomes possessed by the murderer’s soul. (6am & 7pm EST)
CORRIDORS OF BLOOD – Karloff portrays Dr. Thomas Bolton who painstakingly develops an opium-based anesthetic, to which he gradually becomes addicted. (7:30am & 8:30pm EST)
MAD MONSTER PARTY – Karloff stars as Dr Frankenstein who decides to retire from the monster-making business in this stop motion animated film from the makers of Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer. (9am & 10pm EST)
DIE, MONSTER, DIE! – Karloff stars as a wheelchair bound scientist who discovers a meteorite that emits mutating radiation rays that turns him into a monster. (10:45am & 11:45pm EST)
THE MUMMY – Karloff stars as the mummy of an ancient Egyptian prince Im-Ho-Tep, who is resurrected from the dead. (12:15pm & 1:15am EST)
FRANKENSTEIN – Karloff stars as the man made monster in this Horror classic in which an obsessed scientist assembles a living being from parts of exhumed corpses. (1:30pm & 2:30am EST)
BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN – Karloff returns as the Frankenstein monster and demands a mate. (2:45pm & 3:45am EST)
SON OF FRANKENSTEIN – Karloff returns once again as the man made monster. (4pm & 5am EST)
HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN – Karloff stars as the mad Dr. Niemann and revives Count Dracula. (5:45pm EST)