Product: 13 Ghosts (1960)
Rating: 5.0
The Great Illusion-O Debate
The DVD includes 2 versions of the film, one in straight black-and-white, and one in "Illusion-O", where the film is still in black-and-white, except for several short sequences where the ghosts appear, which are presented in what is essentially red/blue 3-D.First runs of the DVD contained carboard "Illusion-O" viewing glasses, which are nothing more than standard red/blue 3-D glasses (but with cool vintage ghost graphics around the border). Apparently later pressing of the disc do not contain the cardboard viewers, but still have the "Illusion-O" version of the film on the disc.Is the "Illusion-O" effect really that great, and does the lack of viewers negate the overall value of the DVD? The answer to both is: NO! In classic William Castle tradition, the "Illusion-O" effect is more sizzle than steak.Basically, when the ghosts appear, the film goes to a red/blue color palette. Allegedly, looking through one of the colored filters on your viewer (can't remember if its red or blue) will "hide" the ghosts from frightened viewers, while viewing through the alternate side causes them to stand out in contrast, making them visible.The fact is, you can clearly see the ghosts with or without the viewers, (no matter what side you view through). Perhaps this effect was pulled off better in theaters, but I doubt it. It was simply classic Castle ballyhoo.If you are really bent on recreating the "Illusion-O" gimmick but lack the official ghost-viewers, just get a standard pair of red/blue 3-D glasses and the effect is the same (remember to look through only one lense at a time).Or do as I do and simply view this lovable campy old flick in beautifully restored standard black and white and enjoy the film on its own merits.