It’s the film that put Hammer Horror on the map, and made international stars out of future genre icons Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, and 1957’s The Curse of Frankenstein is now coming to 4K Ultra HD as the latest limited edition release from Hammer Films.
Arriving in October, the deluxe six-disc box-set features an all-new restoration of the Terence Fisher-directed film, along with a host of special features and physical extras; check out the details here…
Released in 1957, The Curse of Frankenstein was Hammer’s first colour horror, a bold, brutal reinvention of the Frankenstein story. This film was the first time Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee had performed together on screen, forming a legendary acting partnership. Cushing’s chilling Baron and Lee’s tragic Creature redefined the genre, launching a franchise and establishing Hammer’s signature gothic style that would change the face of horror filmmaking forever.
Marking the film’s worldwide 4K UHD debut, this edition is a painstaking restoration from the best surviving elements, newly remastered for stunning picture quality with a brand-new 5.1 surround mix and original mono audio options.
The 6-disc set features the longest version of this classic gothic horror known to exist – including the notorious “eyeball” scene. The sixth disc is exclusive to this boxset. Combined with exclusive documentaries, expert commentaries, rare archival material, a feature length archive documentary, and deluxe printed extras, this is the definitive collector’s edition of a horror classic.
6-disc 4K UHD & Blu-ray set:
- A premium digipak with two UHDs and four Blu-rays, including:
- All three aspect ratios: UK Theatrical (1.66:1), US Theatrical (1.85:1), and As-Filmed (1.37:1)
- New 5.1 mix + original mono
SEE ALSO: Classic Hammer horror Twins of Evil coming to 4K Ultra HD from Imprint Films
Exclusive new features:
- Recreating the Creature: Oscar-winner Dave Elsey recreates Phil Leakey’s iconic make-up, with insights from a newly discovered audio interview with Leakey and a new interview with his son, Peter Leakey.
- A Fitting Vocation/Topped and Tailed: A two-part tribute to wardrobe mistress Molly Arbuthnot, with contributions from Professor Melanie Bell, Jo Botting (BFI) and actor Melvyn Hayes, who played Young Victor Frankenstein.
- Good or Tuesday?: A celebration of screenwriter Jimmy Sangster’s Hammer legacy, with insights from Mark Gatiss, Wayne Kinsey, David Pirie, Stephen Laws, Stephen Gallagher and Dick Klemensen.
- Painting with Fine Brushes: A previously unheard audio interview with cinematographer Jack Asher, offering personal insights into his visual artistry.
- Beside the Seaside: Actor Madeline Smith visits Peter Cushing’s beloved hometown of Whitstable, to learn more about the man behind the actor.
- A Gothic History of Frankenstein: Stephen Volk discusses Shelley’s original novel, its adaptation to cinema and the legacy of Hammer’s genre-defining 1957 film.
