The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) 4K UHD Review – Warner Archive’s Stunning Restoration of the Hammer Horror Classic

Hammer Film Productions Ltd. is a British film production company based in London. Founded in 1934. In the early years they made a wide range of films including adventure, comedy, drama and more. But it wasn't until they became Hammer Horror, they the films became widely loved.

In 1957 long after Universal changed the film world with their monster pictures, that Hammer decided to make their own version of the monster movies. Hammer Horror's first entry would star Peter Cushing as Baron Victor Frankenstein, in the classic The Curse of Frankenstein.

A couple years ago Theater producer John Gore purchased Hammer Horror. The reason was to restore the classic Hammer Horror films to pristine condition for fans and for a new generation to discover the awesomeness of Hammer Horror. So, what better place to start than at the beginning with The Curse of Frankenstein now on 4k from Warner Archive Collection.

Synopsis: Driven by obsession and defying the laws of nature, Baron Victor Frankenstein dares to reanimate the dead, creating not just life, but a monstrous force beyond his control. As his experiments spiral into madness, Frankenstein must confront the consequences of playing God in a world unprepared for the horrors he unleashes. A milestone in cinema, The Curse of Frankenstein launched Hammer's iconic Gothic horror cycle and redefined the genre with shocking colour, psychological intensity, and unforgettable performances.

Hammer Horror gets off to a rousing start with The Curse of Frankenstein. Peter Cushing is delightfully sinister as Dr. Frankenstein. The great Christopher Lee joins such horror icons as Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr. as men who donned the make-up to bring the monster to life. Christopher Lee's take on the monster is so good!

The eerie atmosphere of this Hammer Horror production really takes Mary Shelley's novel and brings it to realistic life. Jimmy Sangster wrote a great adaption of Mary Shelley's novel. It is hard to put everything into a film adaption, but the spirit of the novel is on full display here!

The Curse of Frankenstein has been restored in 4K from original film elements by the Hammer team in collaboration with The Warner Archive Collection. The film has been transferred to 4K in 2160p. There are three versions of the film included The UK theatrically correct widescreen 1.66:1, US theatrically correct widescreen 1.85:1, and ‘as filmed’ 1.37:1 aspect ratio. There are two audio tracks included. An English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Finally, there is subtitles in English, French, Italian, Spanish and German.

The restoration of this classic horror film is literally miraculous. To see how much work went into this restoration and how awesome it looks. No words can truly do it justice. The picture is crisp and clean, and the colors are so beautiful! The Curse of Frankenstein has never looked as good as it does now!

In addition to a wonderful looking restoration. Hammer Horror and Warner Archive Collection added so much cool bonus features on this 3 Disc set you will be entertained for days. Take a look at what is included.

Disc 1
* Widescreen 1.66:1 UK Theatrical Version with 2025 commentary featuring Kim Newman, Barry Forshaw and Stephen Jones
* Fullscreen 1.37:1 As-Filmed Version with 2012 commentary featuring Marcus Hearn and Jonathan Rigby
* Beside The Seaside: Film historian Wayne Kinsey reminisces with friend of Peter Cushing, Madeline Smith, about the late actor and his career.
* Reviving The Curse of Frankenstein A restoration featurette
* Alternate Eyeball Scene
* Original UK Theatrical Trailer
* UK Censor Card

Disc 2 (4K Disc)
* Widescreen 1.85:1 US Theatrical Aspect Ratio with 2020 commentary featuring Dr. Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr, and separate 2025 commentary featuring Heidi Honeycutt and Toby Roan
* Recreating The Creature: A Makeup featurette.
* A Fitting Vocation: A Costuming The Curse of Frankenstein featurette
* Topped and Tailed: Actor Melvyn Hayes (Young Victor) as well as Josephine Botting and Melanie Bell reminisce about the costuming.
* Good Or Tuesday?: A featurette about screenwriter Jimmy Sangster.
* Painting With Fine Brushes: Richard Klemensen talks director of photography Jack Asher
* A Gothic History Of Frankenstein: Screenwriter Stephen Volk talks about the history of Mary Shelley’s creature.
* Gallery

Disc 3 (Blu-ray Disc)
* Frankenstein Reborn: Screenwriter Jimmy Sangster, executive producer of The Curse of Frankenstein, and others provided interview for this 2012 featurette.
* Life With Sir: Peter Cushing’s secretary Joyce Broughton talks about the acting legend.
* The Resurrection Men: This 2020 featurette Richard Klemensen talks about Hammer films.
* Hideous Progeny: Author Christopher Frayling talks about the Gothic tradition that led to The Curse Of Frankenstein.
* Torrents Of Light: Cinematographer David J. Miller (Veep) talks about the art of Jack Asher in this featurette.
* Diabolus In Musica: Film composer Christopher Drake talks Hammer screen composer James Bernard.
* 8MM Cutdown

Warner Archive Collection has really gone above and beyond collecting archive material and producing new ones for this release. I love to see those people that worked on the film talk about their experiences. This is one of the best Warner Archive Collection releases I have seen.

If you love Hammer Horror films as much as I do this new 4k UltraHD of The Curse of Frankenstein is truly a must add for your home video library. Head over to MovieZyng or Amazon and order your copy today! You will not be disappointed.