Frankenstein Created Woman Blu-ray Review

In their latest release of "Frankenstein Created Woman," Shout Factory has significantly upgraded the visual quality from the previous 2014 Millennium Media Blu-ray edition, employing a new 2K scan of the original film elements to achieve an AVC encoded image with a 1.67:1 aspect ratio. The enhanced presentation is immediately noticeable, rendering a sharper, more authentic cinematic experience. This update enhances the visual depth, especially in outdoor scenes, which now burst with a vivid sense of the rural setting. The attention to detail elevates every frame, showcasing the intricate textures of costumes and the nuanced expressions on characters' faces, enhancing the film's atmospheric tension and period authenticity.

Color reproduction in this release is especially commendable, with a palette that brings the movie's visuals to life. Primaries are rich and deep, making the setting and characters pop with an almost tangible vibrancy. Reds, in particular, are remarkably vivid, bringing a new intensity to the film's fashion and, notably, its bloodier moments. Skintones appear naturally balanced throughout, contributing to the overall improved realism of this horror classic. The delineation improvements ensure that even the most elaborate costume details are visible, adding a layer of texture that was previously indistinct.

Despite these significant enhancements, the source material maintains its vintage charm, as evidenced by minor speckling and a handful of blemishes that remind viewers of the film's original era. These minor imperfections do not detract from the viewing experience; instead, they imbue the film with a sense of history and authenticity. Shout Factory's dedication to preserving the film's original aesthetic while presenting it in the best possible quality is evident, making this release a must-have for enthusiasts seeking to experience "Frankenstein Created Woman" in unparalleled clarity and depth.

The audio presentation of "Frankenstein Created Woman" on Blu Ray, featuring a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix, notably improves upon previous releases by presenting a lossless auditory experience. While the source material inherently limits the soundscape's dimensional depth, this remastered audio offers an enhancement that is both clear and engaging. The orchestral score, crucial to the film's emotional resonance, benefits greatly, maintaining its dynamic range and intensity without distortion. This allows for an immersive experience that does justice to the original composition, lending each scene the dramatic weight it deserves.

Dialogue delivery in this audio mix is mostly crisp, with the actors' performances conveyed effectively, despite minor sibilance issues that occasionally surface. These are not significantly distracting and do not detract from the overall clarity. Emotional exchanges between characters and moments of tension are captured with fidelity, ensuring that the narrative's impact is preserved. The mix handles atmospherics with a straightforward approach; outdoor scenes and elements like rushing water are represented well enough to enhance the setting without overwhelming the primary audio components.

Regarding sound effects, they are presented competently within the constraints of the original recording. While not standout, they support the on-screen action without seeming out of place or artificial. This careful balancing act ensures that the sound effects contribute to the film’s atmosphere without becoming a focal point. Overall, this audio presentation manages to breathe new life into "Frankenstein Created Woman," offering fans and newcomers alike an opportunity to experience the film with an auditory clarity that was previously unattainable.

The Blu-Ray extras of "Frankenstein Created Woman" deliver a substantial and engaging experience that is essential for both aficionados and newcomers to the Hammer Horror legacy. The commentaries, particularly the first with Jonathan Rigby and actors Derek Fowlds and Robert Morris, offer an insightful journey back in time, enriched by anecdotes and behind-the-scenes details. Robert Morris' interview further personalizes the viewing, illuminating his formative experiences on set. "Creating 'Frankenstein Created Woman'" offers a unique perspective on the filmmaking process of the 1960s, underlining the craftsmanship and ingenuity behind Hammer's productions. The inclusion of two "World of Hammer" episodes adds significant value, providing context and celebrating the studio's iconic figures. "Hammer Glamour" rounds off the package with an affectionate tribute to the iconic women of Hammer, illuminating their impact on the genre. The still and poster galleries, along with the radio and TV spots, complement these features by offering a visual and auditory nostalgia trip, making this collection an indispensable resource for understanding the film's historical and cultural significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary #1 with author Jonathan Rigby and actors Derek Fowlds and Robert Morris
• Commentary #2 with film historians Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr
• Interview with Robert Morris
• Creating 'Frankenstein Created Woman'
• World of Hammer: Curse of Frankenstein
• World of Hammer: Peter Cushing
• Hammer Glamour
• Still Image Gallery
• Poster and Lobby Card Gallery
• Radio Spots
• T.V. Spots
• Theatrical Trailer #1
• Theatrical Trailer #2

Frankenstein Created Woman," a 1967 production by Hammer Films, presents a peculiar melding of the studio’s trademark gothic horror elements with an intriguing, though not entirely groundbreaking, narrative. Directed by Terence Fisher, the film intertwines a narrative of murder and supernatural resurrection, showcasing a performance by Peter Cushing that stands out amidst a tapestry of less remarkable elements. While the tale captivates with its eerie atmosphere and peculiar characters, it falls short of Fisher's potential to fully exploit the tension and horror inherent in the genre. Nevertheless, for aficionados of Hammer's cinematic style, the film delivers a familiar blend of gothic settings, ethereal storytelling, and period intrigue, all enriched by the distinctive allure of 1960s British cinema.

In terms of technical execution, "Frankenstein Created Woman" adheres closely to the expectations set by its Hammer predecessors, balancing between the macabre and the melodramatic without tipping too far into either extreme. The inclusion of heaving cleavage and the casting of a Playboy Playmate hint at the era’s sensationalist inclinations, yet these elements do not detract from the film's core narrative focus on reanimation and revenge. Fisher’s direction maintains a steady, albeit somewhat uninspired, pace throughout the film, never quite achieving the claustrophobic intensity or sharp plot twists that might have elevated it to the ranks of Hammer's more memorable offerings.

Despite these critiques, the film does manage to fulfill the checklist of Hammer's signature elements, thereby offering its audience a comforting dose of nostalgia coupled with light thrills. While it may not stand as a paragon of horror cinema, "Frankenstein Created Woman" serves as a competent entry into the Frankenstein saga Hammer Films cultivated during the 1960s. Its blend of sinister science, moral ambiguity, and gothic allure makes it an engaging watch for fans of the genre, even if it doesn't quite reach new heights of terror or profundity.

In the latest home video market update, Shout Factory has taken a commendable step by resurrecting the Hammer Films' classic, "Frankenstein Created Woman," which had been previously difficult to obtain due to the Millennium Media release going out of print. By not only returning this cinematic piece to accessibility but enhancing it with a new scan, Shout Factory goes above and beyond for fans and collectors alike. The update does not stop with mere availability; it expands the release with additional supplementary features, catering to those who already possess the 2014 disc, and ensuring that newcomers are welcomed with a package that is as informative as it is visually captivating.

Shout Factory's commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous approach to the Blu-ray's presentation. The new scan revives "Frankenstein Created Woman" with a vibrancy and depth that underscores the film's cinematographic significance, despite its mixed reception as a work of creative narrative within the Hammer repertoire. This restoration, coupled with the enriched features, demonstrates Shout Factory's understanding of the inherent value in classics of genre cinema, ensuring that even the less celebrated films receive the treatment and respect they merit.

In conclusion, Shout Factory's Blu-ray release of "Frankenstein Created Woman" stands as a beacon for both collectors and cinephiles, bridging the gap between historical appreciation and contemporary access. Through their dedication to restoring and enhancing film classics for new and existing audiences, Shout Factory reinforces the cultural capital of cinema history. The attention to technical detail and augmenting features makes this release not just a revival but a celebration of a film that occupies a unique place in the Hammer Films canon.