Frankenstein Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" features a steadfast 1080p, 1.85:1 framed transfer. The image maintains a filmic quality, characterized by a subtle, natural film grain. The color scheme is predominantly muted, echoing the bleakness of the film’s settings, particularly the dreary, plague-ridden streets of Ingolstadt. This results in a somber visual experience that aligns with the narrative’s exploration of the human condition. Despite this, the transfer demonstrates respectable fidelity—brick and stone textures moderately detailed due to the soft shooting style and subdued palette rather than any deficiencies in Sony’s transfer. Occasional splashes of vivid colors, especially during scenes set in Geneva, stand out effectively. Black levels are stable, and flesh tones are maintained at a neutral level, albeit lacking in finer details.

However, the video quality is inconsistent, wavering between acceptable and lackluster. Certain segments, notably within Frankenstein's manor adorned with vibrant green foliage, present more attractive visuals. Conversely, in other parts like Ingolstadt, the image is notably flat and softened. The contrast is predominantly dreary, with whites exhibiting some chroma noise at their edges. Interior scenes, especially in the lab, suffer from dull shadows that diminish background detail. Close-up shots of actors deliver the highest textural detail in both clothing and faces, though flesh tones often appear unhealthily flushed. Although black levels are solidly rendered, they lack dynamism. Overall, while the transfer aptly echoes the director's vision, it underscores a clear need for a comprehensive remaster to elevate the film to the modern standards of video fidelity.

The Blu-ray release of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein presents a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack that offers a clear and balanced auditory experience. Specifically, the storm at sea at the film's beginning provides a room-filling, immersive soundscape, effectively employing the surround channels to create an intense auditory environment. The chilling breeze in subsequent scenes adds a realistic touch. However, once the action transitions to Geneva and Germany, there is a noticeable reduction in sonic activity. Music and dialogue are rendered crisply, with occasional sound effects and scores distributed subtly into the rear channels, ensuring a rich, though not overwhelming, listening experience. Specific elements like claps of thunder provide powerful impacts within the soundstage, showcasing the capabilities of the lossless soundtrack.

Throughout the film, dialogue reproduction remains precise and well-prioritized. Patrick Doyle's score benefits the most from the high-resolution codec, subtly enhancing the soundfield beyond the center channel. The soundtrack's spread across the speakers creates a well-defined, cinematic soundstage with a clean mid-range. Usage of rear speakers is minimal, predominantly reserved for supporting music, and the low-frequency bass appears mild and understated. Moments of full envelopment are rare but effective, such as during the search for little William when the sudden storm's thunder fills the room impressively. Overall, while the DTS-HD MA track excels in its clarity and balance, it is relatively reserved, offering only a few moments for the lossless encode to truly shine.

The Blu-ray release of "Frankenstein" is notably sparse in its extras, containing predominantly promotional content. The package includes BD-Live functionality and a limited selection of high-definition trailers for a set of prominent films. Despite the range of film genres presented in the trailers, such additions lack substantial behind-the-scenes content or specialized features that enthusiasts and collectors might expect. The absence of in-depth documentaries, commentaries, or other enriching content means that those looking for a deep dive into the making of "Frankenstein" will find this edition somewhat lacking.

Extras included in this disc:

• BD-Live Functionality: Enables additional online content.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind Trailer: High-definition preview.
• The Da Vinci Code Trailer: High-definition preview.
• Ghostbusters Trailer: High-definition preview.
• Men in Black Trailer: High-definition preview.

Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" brings the classic tale to life with a robust production that aims to honor the legacy of its source material. Branagh himself plays the ambitious Victor Frankenstein who pursues the power of reanimating dead tissue with relentless vigor. The narrative juxtaposes his quest with the tragic journey of his creation, played by Robert De Niro. The monster's struggle to find his place in a world that shuns him merely for his appearance is depicted poignantly. De Niro adeptly embodies the creature's dichotomy of a yearning soul trapped in a grotesque form, delivering a performance rich in emotional depth.

The film oscillates between grandiose, theatrical scenes and intimate, character-driven moments. The scenes set in Ingolstadt amid a deadly plague highlight both Frankenstein’s descent into obsessive madness and his moral decay. Branagh's portrayal captures the character's transition from an invigorated scholar to a tormented soul, wrestling with the ramifications of his creation. However, some critics argue that certain scenes veer into excessive spectacle, detracting from the narrative’s Gothic roots. For instance, the elaborate birth scene of the monster and some of Victor’s more theatrical actions can seem comical and overdone.

Visually, "Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein" pays homage to classic horror cinema while integrating modern filmmaking techniques. The Oscar-nominated makeup work by Daniel Parker, Paul Engelen, and Carol Hemming stands out as a testament to the production’s commitment to authenticity. Despite criticism over melodramatic elements, the film succeeds in foregrounding prominent themes from Shelley's novel such as human ambition, rejection, and the quest for identity. Branagh’s directorial choices strive to retain the essence of the tragic allegory, even if the end product sometimes tilts towards dramatization over subtle storytelling.

"Frankenstein" Blu-ray release features remarkable performances by Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro in what is often regarded as a quintessential adaptation of Mary Shelley's timeless story. With Oscar-nominated makeup and meticulously crafted set and costume designs, the film delivers a lavish yet somber visual aesthetic that perfectly complements the dark thematic elements. The Blu-ray benefits from Sony's commitment to high-quality transfers, presenting a film-like visual experience that upholds the movie's atmospheric finesse. The lossless audio track further enhances the dramatic tension, providing clarity and depth to the film's soundscape.

However, it's important to acknowledge some shortcomings. Despite the overall impressive technical presentation, some viewers may find the picture quality lacking in consistency. There are moments where the Blu-ray transfer appears less refined, detracting slightly from the immersive experience. Moreover, the release suffers from an absence of supplementary materials that could have added significant value. No commentary tracks or behind-the-scenes features leave this edition feeling barebones compared to other comprehensive releases.

In conclusion, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein excels in its tragic portrayal of two men's existential struggles and their shared quest for meaning. The film rests on the strong shoulders of its lead actors and the excellent, though occasionally flawed, physical presentation. While the lack of bonus content is a notable downside, the film's emotional and technical merits make this Blu-ray release a worthy addition for fans and collectors alike.