The Bride of Frankenstein 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Not quite the looker of its contemporaries in the same box set, that's not to say Bride of Frankenstein lacks in quality. Sharpness isn't as precise as it is in the other 4K masters. Likely, this isn't the original negative, but something close, accounting for the lesser resolution. Still a 4K scan, merely of lesser elements. Grain is thick enough to suggest a 16mm print, but that's unlikely.

The result is heavier grain and reduced definition, the imagery relying more on the HDR than raw texture for the improvements. Bride of Frankenstein sports impeccable shadows, resolving pure black frequently. Torches and candles all make their mark, the range available in the contrast spectacular, elevating the sensational cinematography. Highlights glisten from skin and room decor, plus the various laboratory metals. The shimmering and intensity create enough improvements all around to off-set the minimal jump in fidelity.

Audio

Immediate highs are pushed through via this DTS-HD 2.0 mix, an active one in terms of materials. The score, which is almost constant, is fantastic. A slight hiss is maintained at certain peaks – certainly a means of maintaining fidelity – and the end result is a pitch perfect example of restored vintage audio.

Considering the original Frankenstein’s storm sequence, Bride of Frankenstein's sounds like a decades worth of technological sound innovation occurred between releases. Thunder is no longer jarring, and the scoring blends flawlessly within the chaotic weather.

Free of pops or dropped frames to worry about, Bride is an aural winner for those who appreciate the aged end of the Blu-ray audio experience. Dialogue has a notable crispness, and the impact from generations gone by has apparently been minimal.