Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		5.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Universal has released the classic 1931 Boris Karloff classic 'Frankenstein' to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/HDR video. Universal ports all extras from the 2013 Blu-ray (included in this set) to the UHD disc. It also carries over the legacy lossless soundtrack. Note that this release is currently available in a four-film UHD Classic Monsters Collection with 'Dracula,' 'The Invisible Man,' and 'The Wolf Man' and individually in collectible SteelBook packaging.

Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc.

This Frankenstein 2160p/HDR UHD release follows in the Dracula UHD's footsteps in terms of visual style and series of improvements over the aged, yet still quite effective, 2013 Blu-ray. As with Dracula, improvements are readily evident right out of the gate, with the opening presenter and the film's title card, the latter of which is of particular delight for its far more balanced grayscale, improved whites, deeper blacks, and more solidly defined midrange. The white intensity is particular note, allowing the lettering – particularly the white lines outlining the film's title – to absolutely pop off the screen. It's a delightful and auspicious beginning that holds for film's duration. Viewers will note this improved white balance and brilliance across the board, from clothing to electricity bursts. The UHD offers far greater separation between the grayscale elements as well. The amount of newfound precision is amazing, and the balance between increased brightness and more solidly defined, perfectly deep and intricate black levels is quite the sight to behold. Blacks are another source of great improvement, whether considering true shadow depth and detail or the creature's black attire.

The 2160p resolution also adds textural gains as well. The picture's overall sharpness is greatly amplified, even if some inherently softer shots remain. The picture is frequently a showcase for fine definition and detail, particularly in close-up where viewers will delight in the creature makeup. Environmental elements are pleasantly improved as well; whether the darkened and dreary laboratory where Frankenstein brings his monster to life or the bright sunlit lakeside field where the creature plays with the little girl at the 49-minute mark, the higher resolution brings about the finest film-quality details the source can muster. Grain is intact, far more pronounced than seen on the Blu-ray but never looking too aggressively sharp. This is a very pleasing structure, faithfully filmic and lending an organic, natural texture to the picture. With the added clean-up Universal has performed (look at the opening title sequence, which is now free of the scattered scratches) and a lack of encode issues, viewers will be delighted with Universal's work on this classic film.

Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Rather than reconfigure the film's soundtrack to the Dolby Atmos or DTS:X configuration, Universal has simply recycled the existing 2.0 lossless mono soundtrack, which holds up just fine for a movie of this age and sound design. For a full audio review, please click here.

Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Frankenstein's UHD disc contains all of the supplements from the 2013 Blu-ray. That disc is also included with purchase. See below for a list of what's included and please click here for full coverage. As it ships within the 4K Classic Monsters Collection a Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included.

• The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster
• Karloff: The Gentle Monster
• Universal Horror
• Frankenstein Archives
• Boo!: A Short Film
• Trailer Gallery
• 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics
• Monster Tracks
• Audio Commentary: Film Historian Rudy Behlmer.
• Audio Commentary: Historian Sir Christopher Frayling.

Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

What a delight! Universal has done right by Frankenstein on the UHD format. While the Blu-ray remains a very viable presentation, this 2160p/HDR presentation only amplifies the filmic roots, retaining a handsome grain structure, revealing sharp details, and bringing out the finest the grayscale has to offer, including intensely bright and crisp whites, solidly deep blacks, and a beautiful midrange. The studio has returned the core soundtrack and retained all of the legacy extras from the 2013 Blu-ray. There is no reason to skip out on this one, either as part of the Universal Classic Monsters Collection or individually in SteelBook packaging. Frankenstein earns my highest recommendation.