The Curse of Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		5.0

The Curse of Frankenstein 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Stop! Hammer time.

Reviewed by Randy Miller III October 21, 2025

Hammer Films' controversial adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was a runaway hit in 1957, cementing the studio's success after 1955's The Quatermass Xperiment and paving the way for dozens of Hammer horror productions during the next few decades (many of which were released on Blu-ray back in 2020 as a budget ten-disc boxed set). Titled The Curse of Frankenstein, it's routinely placed at or near the top of any "Greatest Hits" list featuring the studio, and for good reason: this is a total package production with solid fundamentals, strong cinematography and music, and career-making performances by two of its stars, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, who would appear in over 20 more films together. A true watershed moment for Gothic horror, The Curse of Frankenstein totally revived a subgenre that had stagnated in the years following a long and landmark run of Universal Studios classics.

For a fuller synopsis and appreciation of The Curse of Frankenstein, please see my 2020 review of Warner Archive's two-disc Blu-ray edition, a highly-rated set that I named as the best of that year. Long-time followers of the beloved boutique label may be curious as to why they've decided to improve upon a near-perfect effort so soon, since WAC is traditionally not in the business of "double dipping". Their new three-disc 4K edition materialized alongside the recent parallel release of both Hammer Films' own three-disc 4K set as well as a big-boned six-disc Limited Collector's Edition (essentially, a 4K/Blu-ray combo pack with an exclusive bonus disc and printed swag), all of which were the result of a joint venture between both labels. These three options share similar merits including a wealth of new extras, true UHD visuals with HDR10 and Dolby Vision, and a new 5.1 audio track alongside the original mono, with both Hammer and Warner Archive's three-disc sets being identical efforts and perfectly definitive in their own right.

Much like Warner Archive's earlier two-disc Blu-ray edition, this new three-disc set serves up three different framing options for The Curse of Frankenstein in 4K only: 1.66:1 (as seen in UK theaters), 1.37:1 (open matte, as originally filmed), and 1.85:1 (as seen in US theaters), all sourced from the same new(ish) master detailed below.

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

NOTE: These screenshots are sourced from the 2025 Blu-ray edition, available separately and reviewed here.

Warner Archive's terrific 2020 Blu-ray edition used a transfer sourced from then-new 4K scans of the film's three-color separations, which were deemed superior to the original negative due to its extensive fading; it was awarded a full five stars in my linked review and I stand by that rating. This was about as perfect a 2K presentation as possible under the circumstances and offered in three separate aspect ratios to boot, so where could it possibly go from there?

Well, both sideways and up, as it turns out. Despite a presumed attempt to work more completely from The Curse of Frankenstein's camera negative, those three-color separations were still deemed a better source, although its opening titles are now sourced from the OCN and look a little more natural (relatively speaking, at least) with perhaps slightly more visible clouds behind the blood-red blanket of color. Otherwise this transfer is simply WAC's previous restoration in true 4K glory with the added benefits of HDR10 / Dolby Vision and, of course, a much beefier bit rate that typically doubles or triples what the still-capable Blu-ray puts out. It may not be a universally transformative effort thanks to the previous Blu-ray's already-high bar, but those with larger displays can and will see appreciable differences from start to finish including typically tighter fine detail and textures, better color resolution, and improved shadow detail, as well as a smoother but still authentically film-like appearance with a retained abundance of natural grain.

Stray moments of dirt and debris can still be spotted on occasion, as can a handful of subtle color fluctuations, but these are all so few and far between that not only are they negligible, they often add to The Curse of Frankenstein's vintage visual charms. I again regard Warner Archive's earlier Blu-ray as a format-proportionate 10/10 effort... but to paraphrase a well-known retort from Rob Reiner's immortal This Is Spinal Tap, this one goes to 11.

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

The default audio track for this release is DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mono, which is essentially identical to the one found on Warner Archive's 2020 Blu-ray edition, so please see that linked review for details.

A new challenger arrives with the secondary DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio remix, which was newly created by Hammer Films and lightly touched upon in an included restoration featurette. Apparently, this stab at simulated surround was constructed with the assistance of artificial intelligence to separate music and effects from the dialogue, allowing for a bit of presumed immersion in the same way original audio stems could have been sweetened if they were still available. After a number of switch-over comparisons from the mono track, this one actually isn't monumentally different most of the time, as most of the action stays either at home in the front channel or enjoys a small amount of width courtesy of the left and right speakers. The music cues are a different story: during a few more pronounced moments (the opening titles, for example), the surrounds are used as well... although in certain cases, it sounds more like Dolby Pro Logic Surround where the lefts and rights match the rear channels rather than a truly discrete 5.1 presentation.

Quite appropriately, the end result feels like something of a "Frankenstein" remix at times but nonetheless will be of interest to die hard fans... and while I'm usually against the use of AI for anything related to film restoration (blame James Cameron), it's thankfully presented as an alternate option should you choose to judge it for yourself.

A variety of optional subtitles are included during the main features only, not the extras listed below.

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

This three-disc set ships in a hinged keepcase with new artwork and a matching slipcover. The extras are exhaustive and spread across all three discs, once again exceeding the 5/5 rating I awarded to Warner Archive's two-disc Blu-ray edition. Most are new, while others are ported over from WAC's Blu-ray and another release from 2012.

DISC ONE (4K UHD movie disc - 1.66:1 / 1.37:1 versions)

• NEW! Audio Commentary #1 - This brand-new audio commentary features film critic Kim Newman, author Barry Forshaw, and author Stephen Jones, who speak about their early personal and professional experiences with the Frankenstein story in its many forms, the inception and production of Hammer's adaptation, the cast, director Terence Fisher's other work, other films in the studio's deep library, and much more. As implied by the summary, this is very much a wandering track rather than being completely focused, but the trio's considerable wealth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm should make it decently enjoyable for die-hard Hammer-heads. This audio commentary is only accessible during the 1.66:1 cropped version of the film.

• Audio Commentary #2 - This legacy audio commentary was recorded in 2012 and thus most likely for this UK Blu-ray edition. It features authors Marcus Hearn and Jonathan Rigby, both of whom have written several books about Hammer (much like the previous track) and obviously have quite a bit to share regarding the film's history, cast, production, and personal experiences. While there's a little bit of inevitable overlap with the first track, this one seems to be more organized and scene-specific on the whole and thus was of more interest to be personally. This audio commentary is only accessible during the 1.37:1 open matte version of the film.

• NEW! Beside the Seaside (50:17) - Recently recorded at the UK's Whitstable Museum and Gallery during a recent exhibit celebrating the legacy of Peter Cushing, this conversation with author Wayne Kinsey and actress Madeline Smith (who worked alongside Cushing in both The Vampire Lovers and Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell) is a warm tribute to the late, great actor, who was apparently a man of many hidden talents.

• NEW! Reviving The Curse of Frankenstein (8:11) - This short but welcome restoration featurette includes comments from Mark Stanborough (Head of Restoration at Hammer Films), Anthony Badger (Head of Restoration at Silver Salt Restoration), and Ray King (Colourist at Silver Salt), who all talk about The Curse of Frankenstein's surviving source elements and their collaboration with Warner Archive's George Feltenstein on this new 4K/HDR presentation, which included several unexpected challenges that arose from age-related damage as well as run-ins with British censors back in the day. There are also a few visual aids here, which are appreciated.

• NEW! Alternative Eyeball Scene (1:11) - As explained in the above featurette, this scene was modified to remove the disturbing eyeball closeup and instead fades directly to Victor holding his magnifying glass.

• KINDA NEW! Original UK Theatrical Trailer (2:19) - This fun vintage promotional piece has been nicely restored (with some age-related color variances) and is presented in 1.66:1 with DTS 2.0 audio.

• NEW! UK Censor Card (0:11) - No children under 16, please.

DISC TWO (4K UHD movie disc - 1.85:1 version)

• Audio Commentary #3 - This recycled 2020 track pairs up filmmaker / film historian Constantine Nasr and screenwriter / film historian Steve Haberman with predictably excellent results. It's a lively and very focused commentary that covers plenty of ground and is largely framed around Nasr's discovery of Jimmy Sangster's original second-draft script of The Curse of Frankenstein through (then-living) producer Anthony Hinds, which was eventually found in the personal archives of Jack Warner. Needless to say, it's a great way to spend 82 minutes. This audio commentary is only accessible during the 1.85:1 cropped version of the film.

• NEW! Audio Commentary #4 - The second new audio commentary of the bunch, this 2025 track pairs up film historians Heidi Honeycutt and Toby Roan, who were obviously recorded separately and occasionally have trouble tripping over each other's comments but nonetheless settle in to a warm, enthusiastic, and candid conversation that, in some ways, might be the most approachable one for casual commentary listeners. While again there are more than a few bits and pieces of overlapping information and sentiments along the way, it mostly takes a more character-focused approach and seems more intent on analyzing some of the film's emotional undertones. This audio commentary is only accessible during the 1.85:1 cropped version of the film.

• NEW! Recreating the Creature (34:41) - Igor Studios' Lou Elsey and Oscar-winning makeup artist Dave Elsey recreate Phil Leakey's iconic Frankie facade on actor James Swanton; also featured are brief comments from Leakey via an unearthed vintage audio interview as well as recent interview clips with Phil's son Peter.

• NEW! A Fitting Vocation (10:11) - A heartfelt tribute to long-time Hammer costume designer Molly Arbuthnot by professor Melanie Bell and the British Film Institute's Jo Botting.

• NEW! Topped and Tailed (16:21) - Loosely related to the above piece, this is a separate interview with actor Melvyn Hayes (young Victor) who, along with Melanie Bell and Jo Botting, pay more respects to Molly Arbuthnot and her uncredited costume work on The Curse of Frankenstein and other Hammer films.

• NEW! Good or Tuesday? (39:06) - This short documentary focuses on screenwriter Jimmy Sangster and his journey through the production ranks at Hammer to become one of the studio's key creative contributors and a lasting influence on future talents. Several of Sangster's contemporaries and other notables offer tributes such as writer/actor Mark Gatiss, writer/publisher Dick Klemensen, author Stephen Laws, screenwriter/novelist Stephen Gallagher, screenwriter/producer David Pirie, and writer/publisher Wayne Kinsey.

• NEW! Painting with Fine Brushes (11:49) - Writer/publisher Dick Klemensen returns for a short tribute to long-time Hammer cinematographer Jack Asher and his singular contributions to the studio's success.

• NEW! A Gothic Tribute to Frankenstein (24:15) - Screenwriter Stephen Volk talks about Mary Shelley's original novel, its various film adaptations, and of course the legacy of The Curse of Frankenstein.

• NEW! Image Gallery (13:48) - A extensive (and fast-moving) collection of posters, lobby cards, magazine ads, still photos, and other printed materials from around the world set to music from the film.

DISC THREE (Blu-ray bonus features)

• Frankenstein Reborn (34:45) - This 2012 featurette from a previous home video edition (likely this UK Blu-ray edition) covers the making of The Curse of Frankenstein via earlier interviews with with actor Melvyn Hayes, Hammer experts Denis Meikle and Jonathan Rigby, and James Bernard's biographer David Huckvale. Archival footage of producer Michael Carreras and screenwriter Jimmy Sangster is also included.

• Life With Sir (12:31) - Another 2012 carryover featurette, this brief but enjoyable piece serves as another heartfelt tribute to Peter Cushing by his secretary and long-time friend, Joyce Broughton.

• The Resurrection Men: Hammer, Frankenstein and the Rebirth of the Horror Film (21:51) - This candid chat with Richard Klemensen (indelible publisher of the long-running horror magazine Little Shoppe of Horrors) covers his lifelong appreciation for the genre and The Curse of Frankenstein's massive impact in the stagnant 1950s horror landscape, partially made possible by the earlier success of Hammer's The Quatermass Xperiment. It's packed with trivia, historical tidbits, and loads of recommendations for like-minded genre staples.

• Hideous Progeny: The Curse of Frankenstein and the English Gothic Tradition (22:49) - Author and cultural historian Sir Christopher Frayling gives a firm but entertaining history lesson on Gothic horror -- mostly on the printed page, circa the 16th and 17th centuries -- and subsequent horror period pieces that gradually paved the way for classic characters like Dracula and Frankenstein. Naturally, Hammer films and The Curse of Frankenstein are discussed at length, including the film's makeup effects, modest budget, and uniquely organic character elements that were more faithful to Mary Shelley's original story than other screen versions.

• Torrents of Light: The Art of Jack Asher (15:14) - Cinematographer David J. Miller spearheads this tribute to the late, great English cinematographer Jack Asher, highlighting his unique painterly style and keen eye for detail, which includes many of The Curse of Frankenstein's most beautifully-lit sequences -- as well as a few pieces of his other work -- and how they serve their respective films in a very effective way. Like the other featurettes, this piece is peppered with publicity stills and other behind-the-scenes photos.

• Diabolus in Musica: James Bernard and the Sound of Hammer Horror (17:05) - This like-minded tribute to composer James Bernard, similarly led by composer Christopher Drake, offers an appreciation of his work on both The Curse of Frankenstein and other Hammer films including Dracula, where he reunited with director Terence Fisher, writer Jimmy Sangster, cinematographer Jack Asher, and many other familiar faces.

• NEW! 8mm Cutdown (10:35) - Last but not least, this self-explanatory abridged version of the film will be a nostalgic favorite of anyone old enough to know what they're looking at. It's rough-looking and sounding with more than a few shrill highs and missing audio elements, but still an interesting slice of film history.

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

Warner Archive's surprising but nonetheless very welcome new three-disc 4K edition of The Curse of Frankenstein is a joint venture between the boutique label and Hammer Films, who have recently released an identical three-disc 4K set in the UK as well as a beefier six-disc Limited Collector's Edition. It marks an across-the-board improvement over even WAC's outstanding 2020 Blu-ray edition with true 4K/HDR10/Dolby Vision visuals, a new 5.1 mix alongside the original mono, and of course a broad assortment of new bonus features to dig though. Unless you're springing for the six-disc import, there's absolutely no reason to skip this essential upgrade. Very, very Highly Recommended.