Theatrical:  Columbia Tri Star
Video:  Sony Pictures
Runtime:  2:03
Region Free
Disc Size: 38,965,767,617 bytes
Feature Size: 37,196,507,136 bytes
Video Bitrate: 29.71 Mbps
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Resolution: 1080p / 23.976 fps
DTS-HD Master Audio English 5.1

                                  Purchase Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein [Blu-ray]

Despite the name of the movie title, “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” will not strike anyone as Mary Shelley’s invention. Its orchestrator is Kenneth Branagh, who doesn’t sit back in the cut. In a dazzling display of self pride, Kenneth Branagh takes on the idealistic young scientist’s role whilst directing “Frankenstein” as an overheated romantic tale.

Since the origin of “Frankenstein” is a fascinated desire with the moral ramifications of science, this story/movie should be even more relevant today than it was in 1818. Unbelievably sophisticated despite the author’s ripe young age, (19) the book for saw Dr. Frankenstein as “the modern Prometheus” as he harnessed technology to create life.

Today’s remarkable medical advances even prove some of Mary Shelley’s conjured prophecies, but Kenneth Branagh never addressed that. However, one could say it is what is. Or perhaps one could dissect every little thing in this film as to something almost completely fabricated from its original state of being. Never the less, I myself am not one to become that detailed of a nitpicker.

This film has loads of talent, from the above mentioned to Helena Bonham Carter, Ian Holm, Aidan Quinn, Tom Hulce & the legendary Robert De Niro. This is more like a gothic fairy tale than a horror film but it’s an exciting act none the less. Casual movie goers will definitely enjoy a watch and I’m sure fans of the film are delighted for its Blu-ray release.

I’m a complete Robert De Niro and Al Pacino fan boy and will blind purchase anything they’re in. Being so, I’m sure you can then understand that I can find enjoyment in this film no matter what. But to throw bias to the wayside, I do admit regardless of favorite actors that this film is visually stunning and wardrobe engulfs you into the environment making it a fun watch of a classic tale.

Well, with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein I think the video quality of this only gets better throughout the first 30 minutes of the film. After that it is pretty consistent. It starts out kind of bad, dark and grainy, and you’re worried if the whole thing will be like that. But rest easy as it clears up after the dark scene. Throughout the film though you will notice it is a lot like other catalog releases, (not all) where although you can see a direct improvement of any DVD release it still doesn’t measure up to some others. No gloss or vibrant flesh tones, missing that wow factor. On the same hand, they didn’t mess the film up by trying to add something more than what was already there so I respect that. It is HD, and it looks good, and even though I believe it could have been brighter in areas I don’t think they were trying to shoot for that. This way it looks more like they kept their sense of realism, especially given the time-period of this film. Overall, it looks good and is better than any other version to date.

Here’s one of the biggest reasons right here folks why current owners should upgrade. DTS HD-Master Audio soundtrack. Well, at least those with decent sound systems. Other than that, the supplements and video quality are great reasons as well. Frankenstein offers a great deal of classic music in the background that really brings your speakers to life. The clarity is rich in detail and dialogue comes across nicely. Good transformation of sound effects as this one can really bang. The wife will be telling you to turn it down. 😉 Spectacular sound for a film dated in 1994, not that it’s extremely old. Sony really did a good job with this one but the mix could of possibly been a little tighter. *Shrug* None the less, tons better than Robin Hood which is of around the same time period which I’ll be discussing later this week. Great sound, it, like the wardrobe in this movie will engulf you in the environment of this time piece to help you feel as if your really there.

Yikes! The Supplements on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein are definitely bland. The title offers only Trailers and Advertisements listed below and BD-LIVE.

Trailers/Advertisements: The Da Vinci Code Extended Cut, Ghostbusters, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Men In Black, Blu-ray Disc Is High Definition

BD-LIVE: The BD-LIVE option as of release only offers a return to Sony Pictures Entertainment BD-LIVE home page. Although with tbhe BD-LIVE functionality it gives Sony the opportunity to expand on this title. Hopefully they do, until such time my rating for this category stands as is.

Point blank, the absolute bottom line is that this is the best version available to date. Awesome audio, much improved video quality but some weak supplements but with the option of their being more in the future with the ability to update via BD-Live. Fans of this movie can finally rejoice that it’s hit Blu-ray disc, and that they got a more than decent transfer. People who haven’t seen this flick should at least do that even if it’s just once. Halloween isn’t too far off so you could make a marathon with this and others. It’s definitely not to be seen around little kids though obviously, especially with some vicious hanging scenes. I rather enjoyed this movie more than I thought I would and it’s odd seeing De Niro in so much make up, it must’ve took hours. Nice dramatic Frankenstein love story, so if you’re into that, I recommend it. If you want blood, guts and gore. You’ve got the wrong Frankenstein flick.

Overall, successful transfer to Blu-ray.