Nerdly » ‘The Curse of Frankenstein’ 4K UHD Review (Warner Archive)

30th Oct2025

‘The Curse of Frankenstein’ 4K UHD Review (Warner Archive)

by Jason Lockard

Stars: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Hazel Court, Robert Urquhart | Written by Jimmy Sangster | Directed by Terence Fisher

Hammer Film Productions Ltd. is a legendary British studio based in London, founded in 1934. In its early years, the company produced a diverse range of films across various genres, including adventure, comedy, drama, and more. However, it was when the studio embraced horror that it truly found its identity and earned worldwide acclaim.

In 1957, decades after Universal had revolutionised cinema with its iconic monster movies, Hammer decided to create its own take on the genre. The result was The Curse of Frankenstein, the first official Hammer Horror film, starring Peter Cushing as Baron Victor Frankenstein – a performance that would cement his place in horror history.

Recently, theatre producer John Gore acquired Hammer Films, intending to restore its classic horror catalogue to pristine condition, allowing both longtime fans and new audiences to rediscover the magic. Fittingly, the journey begins where it all started with The Curse of Frankenstein, now available in stunning 4K from the Warner Archive Collection.

Driven by obsession and defying the laws of nature, Baron Victor Frankenstein dares to reanimate the dead, creating not just life, but a monstrous force beyond his control. As his experiments spiral into madness, Frankenstein must confront the consequences of playing God in a world unprepared for the horrors he unleashes. A milestone in cinema, The Curse of Frankenstein launched Hammer’s iconic Gothic horror cycle and redefined the genre with shocking colour, psychological intensity, and unforgettable performances.

The Curse of Frankenstein marks a thrilling beginning for Hammer Horror, setting the tone for what would become a legendary era of British horror cinema. Peter Cushing delivers a wonderfully sinister performance as Dr. Frankenstein, embodying both brilliance and madness in equal measure. Meanwhile, Christopher Lee joins the ranks of horror greats like Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Lon Chaney Jr., stepping into the monster’s makeup with haunting effectiveness – his portrayal is both tragic and terrifying, a true standout.

The film’s eerie atmosphere perfectly captures the gothic essence of Mary Shelley’s classic novel, bringing it vividly to life through Hammer’s signature style. Screenwriter Jimmy Sangster crafts an impressive adaptation, preserving the heart and moral conflict of Shelley’s story even within the constraints of film. While not every detail of the novel could be included, its dark spirit and emotional depth are unmistakably alive in this remarkable debut for Hammer Horror.

The Curse of Frankenstein has been restored in 4K from original film elements by the Hammer team in collaboration with The Warner Archive Collection. The film has been transferred to 4K in 2160p. There are three versions of the film included: the UK theatrically correct widescreen 1.66:1, the US theatrically correct widescreen 1.85:1, and the ‘as filmed’ 1.37:1 aspect ratio. There are two audio tracks included: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Finally, there are subtitles in English, French, Italian, Spanish and German.

The restoration of this classic horror film is literally miraculous. To see how much work went into this restoration and how awesome it looks… well, no words can truly do it justice. The picture is crisp and clean, and the colours are so beautiful! The Curse of Frankenstein has honestly never looked as good as it does now! In addition to a wonderful-looking restoration. Hammer Horror and Warner Archive Collection have added so many cool bonus features on this 3 Disc set, you will be entertained for days. Take a look at what is included:

Disc 1

Widescreen 1.66:1 UK Theatrical Version with 2025 commentary featuring Kim Newman, Barry Forshaw and Stephen Jones
Fullscreen 1.37:1 As-Filmed Version with 2012 commentary featuring Marcus Hearn and Jonathan Rigby
Beside The Seaside: Film historian Wayne Kinsey reminisces with friend of Peter Cushing, Madeline Smith, about the late actor and his career.
Reviving The Curse of Frankenstein: A restoration featurette
Alternate Eyeball Scene
Original UK Theatrical Trailer
UK Censor Card

Disc 2

Widescreen 1.85:1 US Theatrical Aspect Ratio with 2020 commentary featuring Dr. Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr, and separate 2025 commentary featuring Heidi Honeycutt and Toby Roan
Recreating The Creature: A makeup featurette
A Fitting Vocation: A Costuming The Curse of Frankenstein featurette
Topped and Tailed: Actor Melvyn Hayes (Young Victor) as well as Josephine Botting and Melanie Bell reminisce about the costuming.
Good Or Tuesday?: A featurette about screenwriter Jimmy Sangster.
Painting With Fine Brushes: Richard Klemensen talks director of photography Jack Asher
A Gothic History Of Frankenstein: Screenwriter Stephen Volk talks about the history of Mary Shelley’s creature.
Gallery

Disc 3 (Blu-ray Disc)

Frankenstein Reborn: Screenwriter Jimmy Sangster, executive producer of The Curse of Frankenstein, and others provided interview for this 2012 featurette
Life With Sir: Peter Cushing’s secretary Joyce Broughton talks about the acting legend
The Resurrection Men: This 2020 featurette Richard Klemensen talks about Hammer films
Hideous Progeny: Author Christopher Frayling talks about the Gothic tradition that led to The Curse Of Frankenstein
Torrents Of Light: Cinematographer David J. Miller (Veep) talks about the art of Jack Asher in this featurette
Diabolus In Musica: Film composer Christopher Drake talks Hammer screen composer James Bernard
8MM Cutdown

Warner Archive Collection have really gone above and beyond in collecting archive material and producing new ones for this release. I love to see those people who worked on the film talk about their experiences and these extras do not disappoint in that respect.