Hilarious House of Frightenstein: Grizelda's Eat Drink and Be Scary

Let's face it this gruesome gal will never win a beauty contest or be the bell of the ball. "Grizelda" isn't the prettiest witch in Castle Frightenstein but what she lacks in beauty she more than makes up for in her cooking or so you'd think! "Grizelda the Ghastly Gourmet" definitely knows her way around the kitchen and no ingredient is off limits to this culinary genius. Have you ever eaten Rancid Runny Roasted Rattlesnake? Just ask Igor.

"Grizelda's Eat, Drink and Be Scary" is the second installment from Anchor Bay Canada / Critical Mass in their proposed series of character compilation DVD's from the show. This incredible character compilation DVD of Billy Van playing "Grizelda the Ghastly Gourmet" is some of the best footage I've ever scene of him and only proves what a comedic genius he truly was. These hilarious segments taken from the incredible classic children's show "The Hilarious House of Frightenstein" are just as funny and entertaining today as they were 30 years ago and thanks to Anchor Bay Canada / Critical Mass; new legions of fans will finally be introduced to all the wacky characters I grew up with.

This incredible compilation DVD starring the iconic Billy Van, the legendary Vincent Price, Fishka Rais and the rest of the amazing Frightenstein cast is presented in full screen format and in Color. Its rated G and the runtime is approximately 65 minutes. The disc packaging and disc artwork is fantastic this time around and much more creative than the previous "Igor" edition in my opinion.

This DVD includes segments of Cooking with "Grizleda", the mail segment and a brief cameo here and there from the Wolfman who's always groovvy! My biggest complaint is that once again there isn't any information booklet listing the DVD segments on the disc. Some type of recipe guide from "Grizelda" or cast bio booklet would have been a nice bonus.

Once again the disc has a play all feature or scene selection to advance to the next segment but that's it. The picture and sound are well done and Anchor Bay Canada / Critical Mass should be commended for their ongoing efforts. The biggest highlight of this disc for me was the introductions from the master of the macabre Vincent Price; he's worth the money for this disc all by himself in my opinion. Fortunately fans won't have to wait to long for the next compilation DVD; it's scheduled for release on June 30 /2009. I'd like to write more but I'm late for one of Grizelda's cooking classes.

The Hilarious House of Frightenstein spawned some memorable characters that have become Canadian entertainment icons. Igor, the Count, The Librarian, Bwana Clyde Batty, Dr Pet Vet, The Wolfman, Franky, and of course, the beloved, deranged Grizelda have taken up residence in our memories. As a young man, I remember watching the House of Frightenstein with my brother for many years. When it showed up again on cable, I was delighted, and my wife remembers Grizelda being her favourite.

Now, Anchor Bay and Critical Mass have assaulted our memories. With "Grizelda", our Canadian beauty Queen, stars in her own collection. Billy Van is probably the worst cross dresser ever, yet his off the wall approach turned this chef into a hit. From the dreadful recipes created with everyday Transylvanian ingredients such as buzzard beaks, sacred cow milk, a rubber chicken, eggshells, Wilt, and spiders, to the classy "RIngo Starr, eat your heart out", she/he was unstoppable. Never again did I view an old kitchen the same again. If I had hair, I would flip my hair back, and gaze lovingly at the camera...but I don't, Billy Van was the master of the hair flip. He was also the master of kitchen banter and Broadway tunes sung off tune in a dusty cookery. Whatever you do though, never use HIS beauty regimen.

On the DVD, Billy must have had an off day as a substitute Grizelda takes over with less spectacular results. Perahaps it's best to have this segment to show just how good he was. The DVD is packed with Cooking with Grizleda, the mail segment, and an occasional Groovy from the Wolfman. My question though, is where is the cookbook?

Folks, sit down with your kids, turn on the flat screen, pop up some Gizzard Corn, and enjoy a cooking show that left viewers wretching.
Billy Van, you were the best.

Tim Lasiuta

...this is a GREAT DVD for "tweenagers". My 10-year-old loves this stuff. I bought a Grizelda DVD to give away this Hallowe'en -until my daughter watched it. Now, I'll have to order another 'cause she can't bear to part with it!