Arrow Video, out now

 

At the turn of the 19th century, visionary scientist Victor Frankenstein embarks on an obsessive quest to conquer the mysteries of human mortality. But his hubristic bid to create life out of death goes hideously wrong, and succeeds only in begetting a deformed monster.

Kenneth Branagh’s big budget 1994 version of the horror classic is to my eyes a better adaptation of Shelley’s classic than most will credit it. And Arrow’s new 4K UHD transfer from the original camera negatives reveals added depths, as well as some welcome extras.

There’s still a light grain to the picture, which becomes apparent in the darker scenes, but the HDR sheen ensures that the blacks are less wishy-washy, and certainly Robert De Niro’s creature makeup has never looked so visceral and authentic.

In addition to the new transfer, there’s a new commentary by film historians Michael Brooke and Johnny Mains and new interviews with composer Patrick Doyle, costumer designer James Acheson and make-up designer Daniel Parker. There’s also new documentary featurettes on the origins and evolution of the Frankenstein story (30 minutes) and the differences between Mary Shelley’s novel and this film (15 minutes) with input from Gothic horror experts.

Thomas Edison’s Frankenstein (1910), the 16-minute first screen adaptation of Shelley’s story, is also included in a 2K restoration by the Library of Congress, with music by Donald Sosin. The package is completed with the original trailers and a collector’s booklet.

Verdict: A punchy new transfer and some fascinating extras make this an essential upgrade from the previous Sony Blu-ray. 8/10

Nick Joy

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