The Bride of Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		4.0

The Bride of Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Universal has released the classic 1935 film 'The Bride of Frankenstein,' starring Boris Karloff and directed by James Whale, to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/HDR video. This set includes the same primary audio track and the same supplements from the 2013 Blu-ray. All of the extras also appear on the UHD disc. Note that, at time of publication, this disc is exclusive to a second volume of the four-film Universal Classic Monsters collection (please click here for more on volume one).

The Bride of Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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

Universal births The Bride of Frankenstein onto the UHD format with a stellar 2160p/HDR presentation. As with all of these Classic Monster movies, the HDR color grading certainly brings a revitalized sense of black and white majesty to the screen. Here, the presentation is in-line with the others. Whites are abundantly more brilliant and present with a superior luminance and intensity, making the Blu-ray look comparatively drab by comparison. The black levels depth is much greater as well; the opening title cards, where the whites are in plain evidence, also show superior depth to the dark area behind. On the Blu-ray, the background looks like a midrange gray. On the UHD, it is noticeably much darker, moodier, and more foreboding. These characteristics hold throughout; the added depth to blacks and the contrasting white brilliance give the movie a very powerful visual stature. Add in superior midrange grays, with additional definition and nuance, and the grayscale looks marvelous throughout.

There is a substantial improvement to textural excellence and stability as well thanks to the 2160p resolution. This picture is much sharper than its companion Blu-ray. It's quite impressive just how much of a leap this is in terms of overall clarity and film accuracy. Grain is presented with greatly improved density and evenness, resulting in a beautiful filmic façade. It is beautiful. Viewers will enjoy the textural muscle that is being flexed in practically every scene; monster makeup is particularly complex and tactile, and the set design elements have never looked this sharp or detailed. The picture overall is in very good shape as well. While a few pops and speckles remain, there has been some clean-up work done, and the image is more stable with less of the minor wobble apparent here and there on the Blu-ray.

The Bride of Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

This UHD release simply repurposes the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono lossless soundtrack from the 2013 Blu-ray. Please click here for a full review.

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

This UHD release of The Bride of Frankenstein includes all of the legacy extras from the 2013 Blu-ray. All of the extras can be found on the included Blu-ray, which is identical to the 2013 release, and on the UHD disc itself. As it ships in the Universal Classic Monsters boxed set, a digital copy code is included with purchase. For full coverage of the supplemental content, please click here.

• She's Alive! Creating The Bride of Frankenstein
• The Bride of Frankenstein Archive
• Audio Commentary
• 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics
• Trailer Gallery

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

The Bride of Frankenstein is stellar film, and it is now earned a stellar UHD release. Even if the video presentation is the only thing to earn an upgrade here -- audio and supplements remain unchanged -- this solitary upgrade makes a purchase well worth the investment. Highly recommended!