Frankenstein: The True Story - BLU-RAY

Based on the novel by Mary Shelley, this classic chiller helped usher in the age of the Universal monsters. When mad scientist Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) pieces together body parts taken from various corpses with hopes of creating life, his resulting production (Boris Karloff, in a career-defining performance) demonstrates the consequences of toying with nature. With Mae Clarke, Dwight Frye; directed by James Whale. Restored version; 71 min. Standard; Soundtrack English. Two-disc set.

Hammer's sequel to InchCurse of FrankensteinInch stars Peter Cushing as the Baron, who creates a new body from the limbs of cadavers for his handicapped assistant. Unfortunately, the new synthetic creation reverts back to it's original form when beaten by a janitor and hospital patients. This creepy, surprisingly compassionate film features Michael Gwynne as the creature. 90 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles English (SDH); documentary; featurettes; outtakes; photo gallery; theatrical trailers.

Kenneth Branagh leads an all-star cast including Robert de Niro, Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Hulce, Ian Holm, John Cleese and Aidan Quinn in his definitive cinematic version of Mary Shelley's classic tale of gothic terror. At the turn of the 19th century, visionary scientist Victor Frankenstein (Kenneth Branagh) embarks on an obsessive quest to conquer the mysteries of human mortality. But his hubristic bid to create life out of death goes hideously wrong, and succeeds only in begetting a deformed monster (Robert de Niro). Horrified by what he has wrought, the scientist attempts to destroy his creation, but fails. Rejected by his creator and shunned by the world of man, the tormented creature swears vengeance against Frankenstein and his family. As the monster begins to enact his murderous revenge, Victor must face a terrible reckoning with the tragic consequences of attempting to play God. Mary Shelley's seminal novel is one of the most adapted books of all time, and this retelling faithfully goes back to the original source, lushly transforming the story's twin themes of love and death into a darkly operatic gothic romance. Unlike many versions of Shelley's novel, Branagh's adaptation understands that Frankenstein's misbegotten creation is as pitiable as he is monstrous, and never loses sight of the human tragedy lying at the core of it's horrific tale. Filled with sweeping, atmospheric visuals and powerfully emotional performances from an award-winning ensemble of acting talent, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein stands as a landmark interpretation of this enduring masterpiece.