Frankenstein's Daughter (1958) {Film Detective Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Mary Shelly wrote a terrifying tale of a doctor that wanted to beat death. Ever since that first night up to now her tale Frankenstein has been traumatizing readers and audiences.

When Boris Karloff first wore the make-up of the Frankenstein monster movie fans found themselves awestruck

 So popular was the film that it spawned many sequels. Even after all the Universal monster movies were over, filmmakers loved to explore the mythos of Frankenstein with new stories.

In 1958 director Richard E. Cunha (The Giant from the Unknown) directed the B scifi horror movie Frankenstein's Daughter. This cult classic has now received a deluxe Blu-ray release thanks to the good folks at The Film Detective.

The film follows the exploits of the grandson of Victor Frankenstein, Oliver Frank (Donald Murphy), who is secretly working on an experiment using his benefactor’s niece, Trudy Morton (Sandra Knight) as the guinea pig. The experiment temporarily disfigure Trudy, but this is just the the build-up to his ultimate goal of recreating life.

Frankenstein's Daughter is exactly what film fans are looking for in these 50s B-movies. The story is campy, but so much fun. Complete with 50s rock-n-roll concert by the poolside. Donald Murphy is very creepy (in the best possible way) as the grandson of Frankenstein and Sandra Knight plays the sympathetic victim so well! But where this film really excels is in my humble opinion the make-up.

If you are a fan of low budget horror films you will see some familiar faces in this one. John Ashley, Harold Lloyd Jr., and former Playboy Playmate of the Month, Sally Todd.

The Film Detective have transferred this cult classic to Blu-ray in 1080p from a new 4K restoration. The film is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio and in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English and Spanish subtitles.

When I watched this film in comparison to other releases, there really is no comparison. The picture is crisp as a new 100 dollar bill and the audio is clear as a bell. When the concert is going on poolside you feel your right there pool side. This is a truly tremendous looking Blu-ray transfer.

But as cool as it is to see a B horror movie in HD. The Film Detective went above and beyond here and added some very cool bonus features to this release. Take a look at what is included.

* Audio commentary track with author and historian Tom Weaver

* A full-colour booklet with an original essay by author and historian Tom Weaver

* Richard E. Cunha: Filmmaker of the Unknown – A new retrospective from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures, featuring an archival interview with director Richard E. Cunha

* John Ashley: Man from the B’s – A new career retrospective featuring film historian C. Courtney Joyner

I truly enjoyed the experience of this campy sci-fi horror film at the Halloween season. And I can't wait to revisit Frankenstein's Daughter again.

Watch The Film Detective Trailer Below:


If you love those campy sci-fi horror films of the 50s as much as I do. You are going to love Frankenstein's Daughter on Blu-ray. You can order your copy today at Amazon.com.

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) The Film Detective's Blu-ray of Frankenstein's Daughter receives...