Guillermo del Toro’s spellbinding take on one of the most enduring of all modern myths, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, imbues the classic tale with new depths of humanity while pushing it toward dazzling heights of gothic grandeur. Shifting between the perspectives of the brilliant but callous Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) and the creature (Jacob Elordi) he fashions from flesh and then cruelly mistreats, del Toro movingly reframes the legend as a story of fathers and sons struggling to break free from cycles of trauma. A decades-in-the-making triumph of darkly ravishing visual invention and operatic storytelling, and the winner of multiple Oscars, Frankenstein is a deeply personal statement from a director who has long been drawn to the realm where men and monsters merge.

For in-depth thoughts on Frankenstein, please see my colleague Brandon Lewis’s review from its original release here.

For thoughts on Frankenstein, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:

Video Quality

Frankenstein comes to 4K UHD Blu-Ray courtesy of 4K masters in the original 1.85:1 with Dolby Vision/HDR courtesy of The Criterion Collection. The film was released on Netflix last year, and it is heartening to see fans of Guillermo del Toro able to bring another one of his striking films home on physical media so soon after. As much as we might admire the ease of streaming, there is no question that this stunning 4K UHD Blu-Ray is the ultimate way to watch at home. In addition to the original theatrical cut debuting on physical media, there is also an all-new extended “Reborn Cut” of the movie available for the first time. Each cut is provided on individual discs on 4K UHD and Blu-Ray for four discs total.

Shot on digital and finished in 4K, the visual opulence of the film is instantly beguiling. Colors are faithfully suffused thanks to the Dolby Vision presentation which captures the most discrete nuances within the hues. The movie has a very purposeful color palette which cinematographer Dan Lausten uses to thematic effect, and this transfer delivers that vision with great splendor. Unlike Nightmare Alley, which debuted with a new black-and-white version of the film, the “Reborn Cut” of Frankenstein is presented in color like its theatrical counterpart. Black levels are impeccably deep and show no signs of compression artifacts or crush. Highlights are more stable with blooming never arising as a problem, which is especially helpful when scanning the frozen landscape. There is no evidence of any digital nuisances throughout the runtime. The included Blu-Rays are pretty stunning on their own, but the 4K UHD Blu-Rays do allow the film to achieve the best version of what it should be at home.

Skin tones appear natural with splendid doses of crisp detail apparent on faces such as pores, facial hair, and the Oscar-winning makeup effects. This eye-popping exhibition offers a visual experience that few films can touch in modern cinema. Lausten and del Toro capture some unforgettable shots that blend the impressive practical effects with the digital in a way that thrives on the format with a seamless experience. It is also within this format where you will gain the most texture within the lavish production design and stunning costumes. This is a Guillermo del Toro film, and that means the greatest attention is paid to the craftsmanship. When compared to the streaming alternative, this 4K UHD Blu-Ray trounces it in every regard. Criterion has once again honored this director with a premium presentation.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a powerful Dolby Atmos track for each cut of the film. Each track presents this world in an all-encompassing way that ups the ante for the viewing experience. From the opening siege on the ship, the soundscape delivers an immersive experience that grounds you in the space quite comfortably. Sounds are rendered with precise directionality from the more kinetic scenes to interpersonal moments of dialogue. Ambient details are consistent and quite effective in the surround channels. The moving Alexandre Desplat score envelopes the room with beauty and horror.

Dialogue is presented clearly without ever being overwhelmed by any of the competing sonic elements. The low end is engaged memorably in a way that you will feel permeating through you. The overhead speakers complement the standard surround speakers quite well without being burdened with the main load. Every element is crisply defined and never muddled or distorted. Criterion has supplied tracks that elevate the listening experience at every turn. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.

Special Features

The Criterion 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Frankenstein includes a foldout booklet featuring an essay from author Christopher Frayling in which he provides a great amount of insight into and analysis of the film that helps highlight the deeper themes on display, the source material and more. The on-disc special features are as follows:

Theatrical Cut (2:30:10) and Extended Reborn Cut (2:38:43)

Audio Commentary: Director Guillermo del Toro provides a new commentary track recorded in 2026 for the “Reborn Cut” of the film in which he discusses what interested him in approaching this material, recurring motifs, his work with Dan Lausten, visual influences on the film, why he wanted to create this new version of the film, and much more that is an invaluable listen.

The Anatomy Lesson – Director’s Cut: An hour-long making-of documentary in which the cast and creative team offer their analysis of the characters, the passion of Guillermo del Toro with this project, the power of the source material, the importance of crafting real environments, the camera movement, the hair and makeup, the costumes, the production design, the sound design, the score, and more.

Q&A Moderated by Martin Scorsese: A 32-minute panel with director Guillermo del Toro, stars Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, production designer Tamara Deverell, and costume designer Kate Hawley. There are great insights into the handcrafted nature of the film and the motivations behind certain choices.

Q&A Moderated by Patti Smith: A 35-minute panel with director Guillermo del Toro and star Oscar Isaac. Once again, there are great insights into the production of the film and the motivation to tell this story.

The Parlour: A collection of brief conversations is provided in which the key figures delve into the craft elements of the film.

- Del Toro & Dan Lausten on Cinematography (6:53)

- Mia Goth & Kate Hawley on Costume Design (6:22)

- Del Toro & Jacob Elordi on The Creature (9:13)

- Oscar Isaac & Tamara Deverell on Production Design (6:53)

- Del Toro & Mike Hill on The Creature Design (7:17)

Alexandre Desplat: A 17-minute interview with composer Alexandre Desplat conducted by film historian John Burlingame in which the artist discusses his collaborations with Guillermo del Toro, his relationship with the source material, the approach to creating the sound of the story, and much more.

Trailer (1:45)

Final Thoughts

Frankenstein (2025) allows Guillermo del Toro to fully realize a dream he has had his entire life. The result of this passion is a pretty engaging affair, yet the filmmaker’s passion for the project does not always match that of the audience. We have seen this material adapted so frequently that it takes a lot to make it feel special, and del Toro succeeds in this in inconsistent stretches. There are certain elements, such as the character played by Christoph Waltz, that nearly grind the movie to a halt, and you really start to feel the massive runtime. Yet when you get to the incredible performance from Jacob Elordi as the monster and his relationship with the equally impeccable Oscar Isaac, you forgive the film its slower stretches. It is not the best film from the beloved filmmaker, but it is a film he needed to make, and it stands among the better adaptations of the source material. The Criterion Collection has released a spectacular new 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a sterling A/V presentation and some unbelievable special features. Recommended

The Criterion Collection edition of Frankenstein will be available to purchase on October 27, 2026, on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray, and DVD.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: The Criterion Collection has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.

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