Frankenstein 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," originally captured on 35mm film utilizing Panavision Panaflex cameras and Arriflex lenses, has undergone a meticulous restoration process spearheaded by Sony Pictures. This restoration, pulling directly from the original camera negatives, has paved the way for a new 4K digital intermediate. The efforts have culminated in a 4K UHD Blu-ray release from Arrow, featuring a native 3840 x 2160p resolution image in the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Enhanced with a 10-bit video depth and supported by both HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR formats, encoded using the HEVC codec, the presentation strives to maintain fidelity to the source material. Observations were made across various high-end viewing setups, highlighting the restoration's nuanced improvements over its predecessors, notably in terms of detail clarity and color rendition. Though starting off with softer and less defined visuals in its arctic sequences, the restoration gradually unveils its merits, particularly through its handling of film grain, color grading, and detail enhancement in more brightly lit scenes.

The meticulous restoration effort is evident in the improved contrast and color dynamics afforded by the HDR grading. Scenes illuminated by candlelight or natural light exhibit a warmer palette with enriched reds and oranges, while lush landscapes boast an expanded color range that breathes new life into the visual experience. Despite instances of heavy grain and occasional softness attributed to the source material's age and filming techniques, there’s an undeniable upgrade in image quality. Detailed textures in costumes and landscapes, once obscured, are now perceptible, reflecting Arrow’s commitment to preserving the film’s artistic essence. Comparison against previous releases highlights significant advancements in visual clarity, shadow detail, and color depth, illustrating a faithful yet refreshed representation of Branagh's vision.

However, not all elements translate flawlessly in this 4K rendition. Challenges persist with grain management in darker scenes and an aggressive digital color grading in certain instances that deviates from natural tones, evidencing the delicate balance between enhancing visual impact and maintaining authenticity. The Dolby Vision application intensifies these dilemmas by occasionally overemphasizing contrasts and saturations, which, while adding vibrancy to some scenes, can detract from the intended atmospheric tone. Despite these hurdles, the overall stabilization, absence of print damage, and attentive compression work signify a substantial leap in quality from its Blu-ray predecessor. This release embodies a thoughtful application of modern restoration techniques to a cinematic classic, offering an enriched yet respectfully preserved viewing experience that underscores the technical nuances of home media preservation and film restoration.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Frankenstein" provides viewers with two audio options: a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 stereo track, both remastered from the original 35mm stereo magnetic tracks. Despite the film's attempt at atmospheric and dynamic range through these soundtracks, neither seem to fully leverage the capabilities of modern home theater systems. The 5.1 option, while boasting a moment of effective immersion during the film’s opening storm sequence, quickly reverts to a front-loaded experience that minimizes the use of surround channels and does little to envelop the viewer in a consistently engaging audio environment. Additionally, this track is noted for its lower volume levels, requiring adjustments up to -5 above reference to achieve satisfactory listening volumes.

On the other hand, the LPCM 2.0 stereo track appears to be the more faithful and involving option, offering clarity and balance with a pronounced mid-range that effectively carries dialogue, music, and sound effects. It preserves a more original auditory experience of the film with better fidelity and distinction. However, both tracks share a common drawback: an underwhelming utilization of the soundstage that fails to captivate or elevate the narrative's most visually striking scenes. Dialogue is clear across both formats, ensuring that narrative comprehension is never compromised, yet the overall audio presentation lacks the depth and vibrancy found in more contemporary sound designs.

Ultimately, while both audio mixes provide competent support to the film’s visuals and storytelling, they fall short of delivering a memorable or immersive auditory experience. The lack of dynamic envelopment and ambient detail across both tracks leaves much to be desired, rendering the audio aspect of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" 4K UHD release passable but decidedly average. Collectors and enthusiasts may appreciate the fidelity of these remastered tracks to their original formats, yet they should temper their expectations regarding the soundtracks' ability to fully showcase their home audio systems.

The newly enhanced 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Frankenstein" impressively rectifies the previous version's lack of extras, offering a comprehensive package that significantly enriches the viewer's experience. While the absence of input from Kenneth Branagh, Frank Darabont, or other key cast and creatives is noted, the inclusion of an array of fascinating supplements compensates. The extras provide deep dives into the origins and impact of Mary Shelley's novel, the creative decisions behind the film's adaptation, and detailed discussions on costume, makeup, and music that shaped the cinematic experience. Highlights include a meticulously restored 1910 silent film adaptation and insightful interviews with three crew members. However, the delivery feels somewhat incomplete due to the missing perspectives on the film's challenges during production. Despite this, the range and quality of content ensure a richer appreciation for both the film and its source material.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Michael Brooke and Johnny Mains: An informative track focusing on Mary Shelley's original novel and its adaptations.
• Mary Shelley and the Creation of a Monster: Experts discuss the gothic origins and the impact of Shelley's novel.
• Dissecting Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: An exploration of differences between the novel and Branagh’s adaptation.
• Frankenstein (1910): A 2K restoration of the first screen adaptation, from the Library of Congress.
• Stitching Frankenstein: Interview with costume designer James Acheson on his role in the film.
• We'll Go No More A Roving: Insights from composer Patrick Doyle on creating the film's score.
• Making It All Up: Make-up artist Daniel Parker discusses his contributions to the iconic monster’s look.
• Trailers: A couple of theatrical previews for the film.
• Image Gallery: A collection of 16 promotional stills.

Kenneth Branagh's 1994 adaptation of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" emerges as a deep dive into the tragic existence of both the creator, Victor Frankenstein, and his creation, diverging significantly from previous iterations that often skewed towards portraying one or the other in a monstrous light. Branagh's film ventures into the uncharted waters of gothic tragedy, period romance, and expressionistic melodrama, placing a heavy emphasis on the multifaceted notion of love—be it Victor's passion for science and his relentless quest for knowledge, his profound affection for his adoptive sister (Helena Bonham Carter), or the broader human yearning for belonging and connection. Despite its ambitious blend of themes and Branagh's lauded directorial prowess, the film is not without its flaws, notably stemming from overt theatricality and what some might see as Branagh's personal indulgence overshadowing the narrative's focus.

Visually, "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" is a feast, with sumptuous period costumes and elaborate set pieces that transport viewers to a bygone era of lofty estates and quaint universities. The casting decisions, from Robert De Niro’s nuanced portrayal of the Creature endowed with depth and eloquence, to the selection of Helena Bonham Carter as Elizabeth, add layers of complexity and humanity to characters that have been simplified in other adaptations. Branagh's film, despite its pacing issues and occasional slip into melodramatic excess, notably in the infamous birthing scene marked by its blend of high camp and horror, earnestly attempts to stay true to the spirit of Shelley's novel. The narrative is enriched by its attention to gothic elements and the moral quandaries surrounding life and death, albeit it stands criticized for diverging into self-indulgence at times.

The adaptation is notably grounded in performances that underscore the tragedy and existential despair of its main characters. De Niro’s Creature epitomizes the narrative’s soulful depth, wrestling with his forced existence in a world that shuns him. Branagh, both in front and behind the camera, endeavors to explore the intricate dance between creator and creation, embedding the film with a genuine if sometimes flawed heart. Despite criticism over its stylistic choices and narrative execution, this iteration's commitment to depicting the layered relationship between Frankenstein and his Monster—coupled with its visual grandeur and thematic ambition—sets it apart. This perspective brings it closer to Shelley's original meditation on humanity, monstrosity, and the unending quest for understanding in a world fraught with moral complexity.

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," a film that oscillates between excessive melodrama and a faithful homage to the Gothic original, is a work that defies easy categorization. Directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, its adaptation is as ambitious and flawed as the monstrous creation at its heart. Despite criticisms of it being a vanity project, the film's lavish production values and adherence to the source material appeal to a niche yet passionate audience. Arrow Video's 4K UHD Blu-ray release breathes new life into this divisive masterpiece, boasting a significant improvement in visual quality with its Dolby Vision HDR presentation over the Sony release. The audio, while only modestly upgraded, still supports the film's grandiose ambitions adequately.

Arrow's commitment to enriching the home cinema experience shines through in the comprehensive suite of special features included in this edition. The exhaustive audio commentary, spearheaded by critic Michael Brooke and author Johnny Mains, delves deep into the historical and literary contexts, elevating the viewing experience with academic rigor. Contributions from David Pirie, Stephen Volk, and Jonathan Rigby explore Gothic literature's roots and Frankenstein's enduring legacy across media. Practical aspects of filmmaking are also well-covered, from costume design insights by James Acheson to Daniel Parker’s revelations on makeup effects, providing a holistic view of the film’s production intricacies.

In conclusion, while "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" might stumble as a cinematic adaptation, Arrow Video's 4K UHD release is a tour de force of home media publishing. It presents a visually stunning rendition of Branagh’s opus that will surely entice fans and scholars alike. Enhanced by a wealth of scholarly extras and behind-the-scenes reflections, this edition is not just recommended but essential for enthusiasts seeking to fully appreciate the film's place within the Frankenstein mythos and Gothic literature's broader landscape.