Ed Wood JR. Collection (Region 1 Import DVD)

Notorious film director Ed Wood has entered the canon of film history as arguably the worst director of all time. Virtually unknown for his efforts during his lifetime, he doggedly pursued his intention to bring his eccentric vision to life on film, producing a shockingly prolific output before his death in 1978. He formed an unlikely friendship with aging horror star Bela Lugosi towards the end of Lugosi's life, using his star power to attract viewers to the absurd, incoherent project he continually produced. Wood's quirky, peculiar life was memorialized in Tim Burton's feature film based on his life, bringing him recognition and cult status that he never enjoyed during his lifetime. One of his more controversial films, GLEN OR GLENDA, was inspired by the Christine Jorgensen sex change while reflecting much of Wood's own experience as a transvestite; Wood claimed to have worn a bra and panties under his military uniform in WWII, and continued to dress in women's clothing throughout his life. The film also addressed a topic that was virtually unrecognized within the context of 1950s culture. JAIL BAIT is a surreal tale of criminals on the run, featuring a young Steve Reeves and some rather hair-raising plastic surgery. Bela Lugosi turns a curious reporter snooping around a mad scientist's laboratory into THE BRIDE OF THE MONSTER, and angry aliens plot to reanimate the dead in the outrageously horrific PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE. This classic of B-movie horror features cardboard headstones, pie-plate UFOs, goth icon Vampira, and Bela Lugosi in his last role. A faux spiritualist manages to raise the dead in NIGHT OF THE GHOULS, and the final installment of this collection, THE HAUNTED WORLD OF ED WOOD, offers a portrait of the man behind the madness with interviews, film clips, TV rarities, and much more.