The Revenge of Frankenstein Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		2.0
Audio		2.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		2.5

The Revenge of Frankenstein Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman December 22, 2020

Note: Mill Creek has released 'The Revenge of Frankenstein' as part of a twenty film Hammer Horror collection. This film shares a disc with The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb. The two films were previously released in a two pack. This film features slightly different video and a new lossless soundtrack as well as an audio commentary track which was not previously included.

Dr. Frankenstein, sentenced to death for the murders committed by his creation, escapes fate at the end of a guillotine and flees to Carlsbruck where he continues his work but also spends his time aiding the sick and poor. However, he is recognized by Dr. Hans Kleve who, rather than expose him, finagles his way to work beside him in the task of brain transplants (which doesn't sound as far-fetched as it once did).

The film is well versed in its world. It leaves behind much in the way of serious, detailed science and focuses more on characters, personalities, and the psychological driving forces of its players. Performances are strong from the venerable Peter Cushing (of Star Wars fame) and the supporting cast, which shows positive command of their roles in the film and the larger themes around them. The film leaves behind the quicker pace and slicker production values of some other Frankenstein pictures but manages to craft a dimmer, more disturbing story that builds on lore, not simply reworks it. This is a welcome addition to the Frankenstein collection and one of the better films in it.

The Revenge of Frankenstein Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

There appears to be little change between this version and that which Mill Creek put to market in 2016. Direct comparisons reveal a slightly altered color temperature on this new release, looking like tones are deeper while contrast has been adjust upward. The master appears to be same; the picture retains the same source elements that show plenty of wear and tear. Please click here for a full review, but do keep in mind the slightly different color timing.

The Revenge of Frankenstein Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

This "updated" Blu-ray release of The Revenge of Frankenstein includes a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 lossless soundtrack; Mill Creek's previous release included a two-channel lossy Dolby Digital presentation. There is certainly not a gargantuan change to the sound output and most listeners would be hard-pressed to notice more than some cursory upgrades, if they are noticed at all. The lossless encode just can't do much to squeeze more life out of a dated soundtrack and sound design. A lack of fruitful detail and definition remains even when considering basic sound effects like footfalls on wooden floors, not to mention some of the lab equipment during various scientific undertakings, such as at the 26-minute mark. Music doesn't bear much in the way of added fruit over lossy, either, but spacing is good even if clarity beyond the raw essentials is severely lacking. Dialogue does enjoy good center imaging and adequate detail.

The Revenge of Frankenstein Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Mill Creek's previous release of The Revenge of Frankenstein contains no extras, but this version does include an audio commentary track with Filmmaker/Film Historian Constantine Nasr and Author/Film Historian Steve Haberman. This is a learned and well spoken track that offers serious insight into both the narrative and the technical details; the men dive deep into connections with other films, stylistic cues, locations, social system representation, and so much more.

The Revenge of Frankenstein Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

This is not a lateral move for The Revenge of Frankenstein on Blu-ray, but it's not much of a change, either. Audio has been boosted to lossless with minimal gains and the video transfer is sourced from the same master, though there appears to be a minor variance in color timing. The big add here is the terrific commentary track. Recommended.