Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994) {Arrow Video Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

Ever since Mary Shelly first penned the story of Frankenstein, it has haunted the minds and hearts of readers. It has so inspired filmmakers to adapt this story into film even in the early years of film from 1912.

Frankenstein is the most adapted novel to film of all time. In 1994 Francis Ford Coppola produced his second monster movie, the first being 1992's Bram Stroker's Dracula. Now for thanks to the great folks at Arrow Video Frankenstein is seeing deluxe Blu-ray and 4K releases.

The film takes place at the turn of the 19th century. A brilliant scientist Victor Frankenstein (Kenneth Branagh) haunted by the death of his mother is determined to conquer death and help man live forever. But as he creates life out of death his experiment goes off the rails creating a deformed monster (Robert De Niro). Disgusted by what he has done, Victor tries to right the wrong by destroying his creation, but that attempt fails. Now the creature is rejected by his creator and feared by the world, he swears vengeance against Frankenstein and his family for creating him in the first place.

I remember watching this film many many years ago and truly being haunted by the imagery. Sir Kenneth Branagh not only stars in this film, but also masterfully directs this haunting tale. The most iconic Frankenstein monster is no doubt Boris Karloff, but in this film, Robert De Niro plays the patchwork Frankenstein and what a portrayal it is! De Niro has played many great films over his years, but for me this is the one I love the most. The range of emotion he portrays with such little dialogue. Simply Amazing! 

Beside Sir Kenneth Branagh, and Robert De Niro the cast is a stellar one including  Tom Hulce (Animal House), Helena Bonham Carter (The King's Speech), Ian Holm (Lord of the Rings), John Cleese (Monty Python), Richard Briers and Aidan Quinn (Desperately Seeking Susan). 

Arrow Video have transferred this new classic in 1080p from a new 4K restoration from the original camera negatives by Sony Pictures Entertainment. The soundtrack is the original uncompressed stereo audio and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio, There is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. 

When examining this new 4K scan in comparison to the original DVD release. This new scan is a definite upgrade. The film looks and sounds remarkable. I am so glad this amazing adaption of the classic tale received this amazing upgrade. But a new 4k scan is not where this Blu-ray ends. Take a look at the bonus features included on this Blu-ray.

* Brand new audio commentary by film historians Michael Brooke and Johnny Mains

* Brand new interview with composer Patrick Doyle

* Brand new interview with costumer designer James Acheson

* Brand new interview with make-up designer Daniel Parker

* Mary Shelley and The Creation of a Monster, a brand new documentary featurette on the origins and evolution of the Frankenstein story, featuring Gothic specialists David Pirie, Jonathan Rigby and Stephen Volk

* Dissecting Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, a brand new featurette with David Pirie, Jonathan Rigby and Stephen Volk on the differences between the novel and Kenneth Branagh's screen adaptation

* Frankenstein: A Liberal Adaptation from Mrs. Shelley's Famous Story for Edison Production (1910): The first screen adaptation of Shelley's story in a 2K restoration by the Library of Congress, with music by Donald Sosin

* Original trailers

* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Laz Marquez

* FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by Jon Towlson and Amy C. Chambers

Watch The Trailer:

With an stunning 4K scan and a lot of really awesome bonus features including a new 2K scan of the first film adaption of Frankenstein, Arrow Video outdid themselves. I consider this a must own for any horror movie fan. 

If you love the 1994 Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as much as I do, you are going to want this release in your collection. You can head over to Amazon and pick up a copy on Blu-ray or 4K Ultra HD today.

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein receives...