‘The Curse Of Frankenstein’ Blu-Ray Review – Landmark Hammer Horror Classic Is Given The A+ Treatment

The first, and perhaps the best of the long-running series of horror films from the house of Hammer, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee star in this landmark interpretation based on the famous Mary Shelley story. Baron Victor Frankenstein becomes friends with one of his teachers, Paul Krempe. At first, both men are fascinated by the potential of their re-animating experiments. Eventually, though, Krempe refuses to help with Frankenstein’s human experiments. However, he is drawn back into the plot when Frankenstein’s creature kills a member of the house staff.

For thoughts on The Curse of Frankenstein, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic: 

[youtube https://youtu.be/FjQ9S0XiZNo?si=cSjevVTEsDJXQGhH&t=1738]

Video Quality

Warner Archive presents The Curse of Frankenstein with a spectacular 1080p master transfer sourced from a 4K restoration of the Technicolor negatives with optional 1.85:1 and 1.66:1 aspect ratios on the main disc. Whenever Warner Archive is restoring a Technicolor film, you know you are in for a treat, but this presentation is simply magical. The level of detail and clarity is outstanding with the perfect amount of natural film grain intact. 

The film features some bold colors within the production design and costumes, always conjuring a distinct shade that leaves you impressed. Each hue finds a new level of accuracy never before seen on home entertainment. Black levels are incredibly deep with impressive stability throughout. The film appears to be entirely free of dirt and damage, allowing for a problem-free viewing experience. There do not appear to be any unsightly digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or any other such issues. This presentation serves as a 5-star effort from Warner Archive. 

Audio Quality

Warner Archive has delivered a restored DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio presentation that matches the visual majesty. Dialogue is the primary focus of this film, and it comes through clearly from beginning to end. The track balances vocals with the environmental sounds with impeccable clarity. Even the more thrilling moments provide little concern over whether or not the track will fail to maintain its stability. 

When it comes to the atmospheric music in this feature, the track is in great form with its handling of the different core elements. The score from James Bernard is essential to the mood of the film as it comes through flawlessly with remarkable fidelity. Warner Archive has provided a top-tier audio presentation that does not exhibit any glaring signs of age-related wear and tear. The disc also comes with optional English (SDH) subtitles.

Special Features

• Audio Commentary: Filmmaker/Film Historian Constantine Nasr and Screenwriter/Film Historian Steve Haberman provide a fantastic new commentary track in which they discuss the legacy of the film, how this shaped Hammer Films, the script from Jimmy Sangster, the critical reaction to the film, the creation of the score, the casting of the ensemble, and much more that offers a wealth of knowledge you will not want to miss. 

• 1.37:1 “Open Matte” Version: A third aspect ratio for the film is provided on the second disc which approximates how many fans viewed the film on television and home video. This is presented more as a curiosity for fans rather than how the film was intended to be viewed. 

• The Resurrection Men – Hammer, Frankenstein and the Rebirth of the Horror Film: A new 22-minute chat with Richard Klemensen (publisher of the long-running horror magazine Little Shoppe of Horrors) who delves into how The Curse of Frankenstein shook up the horror landscape of the ‘50s, the collaborations between Hammer Films and Warner Bros., how Hammer horror differed from Hollywood horror, and much more.  

• Hideous Progeny – The Curse of Frankenstein and the English Gothic Tradition: A 23-minute interview with author and cultural historian Sir Christopher Frayling who elucidates the history of Gothic horror, the shift into indulging in period pieces, how Hammer Films fits into this history, how the technical achievements of The Curse of Frankenstein brought to life the source material more faithfully, and more. 

• Torrents of Light – The Art of Jack Asher: A 15-minute appreciation piece from cinematographer David J. Miller who pays tribute to English cinematographer Jack Asher, his distinct style of shaping a frame, the unique lighting, his work on The Curse of Frankenstein, and more. 

• Diabolus in Musica – James Bernard and the Sound of Hammer Horror: A 17-minute tribute to composer James Bernard by composer Christopher Drake in which he discusses how his style defined Hammer Films, the experimentation of his work, his enduring legacy, and more. 

• Theatrical Trailer: The two-and-a-half-minute trailer is provided here. 

Final Thoughts

The Curse of Frankenstein is a landmark feature for Hammer Films, and it is one that stands tall in their cinematic legacy. Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee are captivating on screen in very different ways, but they are equally effective in making this film soar. While this may have been a budget-conscious effort, the work that went into the makeup and production design allows this atmosphere to feel creepy and mysterious. It is a very solid adaptation of the classic material. Warner Archive has released a Blu-Ray featuring a top-tier A/V presentation and a significant amount of special features. Fans of the film could not ask for better. Highly Recommended 

The Curse of Frankenstein can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers.

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

Disclaimer: Warner Archive 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.