The Bride of Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		5.0

The Bride of Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Regarded as perhaps one of the very best film sequels ever made, 1935's 'The Bride of Frankenstein' returns to 4K UHD in the new 'The Bride of Frankenstein 4K 90th Anniversary Limited Edition SteelBook'. The film stars Elsa Lanchester as The Bride, who, thanks in no small part to her dramatic hairstyle and inspired performance, has become as iconic a character in the world of horror as her co-star, the legendary Boris Karloff for his portrayal of The Monster. The incomparable pair are joined by Colin Clive, Valerie Hobson, and Ernest Thesiger. Both this film and the original 'Frankenstein' were directed by James Whale. The discs included here are identical to the those in the previous 4K release, and all of the legacy on-disc supplemental material is brought forward here. A Blu-ray disc and a Digital Code redeemable via Movies Anywhere are also included. Please scroll down to the 'Special Features and Extras' section below for a discussion of the new SteelBook.

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

To read an assessment of the feature's 2160p presentation, please follow this link.

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

For a discussion The Bride of Frankenstein's audio track, please follow this link.

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

The design of the new SteelBook wisely opts to focus on the single most identifiable element from The Bride of Frankenstein - Elsa Lanchester and her striking profile and the eye-catching white streak of hair that accentuates cinema's most well-known hairstyle. Rendered in black-and-white, Lanchester's Bride dominates the lower half the cover. Over her shoulder, one bolt from the lightning-filled sky finds its way to the elaborate lightning rod that sits atop a stony tower. The film's title is found centered above them. The sky itself is an ominous mix of various shades of deep purple that helps to make the lightning come alive. The spine is a simple black field with the film's logo in the center and printed in the same font as is used on the cover. Universal's current logo is found at the bottom. The back cover, instead of using a still from the film, elects to use a 1930s vintage Universal logo as the main image. The deep purple color scheme carries over here, and, like the cover, the image is electrified by a massive lightning storm, with several huge bolts striking the earth over which the words "A Universal Picture" are displayed. Universal's current logo is found centered at the bottom while a product number sits in the lower right corner. Opening the SteelBook, the Digital Code rests under the two tabs on the left side. On the right side, the 4K UHD disc and the Blu-ray disc are stagger-stacked, each on its own hub, with the 4K UHD disc on top. Removing the discs and the Digital Code reveals a black-and-white two-panel image of Lanchester's Bride meeting Karloff's Monster. The two creations are flanked by Colin Clive's Henry Frankenstein and Ernest Thesiger's eccentric Doctor Pretorius. The SteelBook has been given a matte finish which should do an excellent job resisting fingerprints associated with normal handling, even as it draws attention the lightning when held at a certain angle in the right light. The SteelBook does not contain any embossed or debossed elements. It's a striking SteelBook.

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

As a devout horror fan, it's likely no great surprise to know that The Bride of Frankenstein is one of my absolute favorite films. It's required viewing during the month of October, and makes its way to my screens at other times of the year as well. A rare instance where the sequel surpasses the original, no small feat in this case, the film is elevated by a more complex script, incredible sets, impressive effects, winning performances, and haunting images and moments that will remain with the viewer long after the film ends. In time for the film's 90th Anniversary and Halloween season viewing, the new SteelBook is captivating. For film fans who have yet to add this title to their collections,, those looking for an upgrade over the standard release, or SteelBook aficionados, The Bride of Frankenstein 4K 90th Anniversary Limited Edition SteelBook comes very highly recommended.