Frankenstein Created Woman (Collector's Edition)

This review is for the Blu-Ray Collector's edition of 'Frankenstein Created Woman' released by Shout! Factory in June, 2019.If you are only interested in the picture and extra's then just look right below under 'BLU-RAY' and 'EXTRA'S'.BLU-RAY: This release uses a new 2K scan of the original film elements. The movie is shown in it's original 1.66:1 aspect ratio. The picture is very nice but it isn't perfect. It doesn't appear as if the original elements were restored as I can see some very minor imperfections. However that doesn't really detract from the movie and the picture is pretty clear for a movie of this type. I have found that many of the 'Hammer' prints aren't all that great to begin with. This probably has to due with the way in which these movies were shot. This picture seems to be better than most of the 'Hammer' releases. The colors are bright and the picture looks good on my 65 inch television. If you are a fan of the genre, then I would expect that you would be happy with the picture. I am. I'm giving the picture 4 stars.EXTRA'S: There are plenty of extra's and some good ones. They are:-The Blu-Ray case comes with a slip cover.-Inside alternate cover. You can see an image of this in my review.-Audio Commentary by Film Historians Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr - The two commentators seem to be quite knowledgeable of this movie. Nasr has the original script in front of him as they make their comments. He reads the script as the movie runs and points out all the changes that were made.-Audio Commentary by Actors Derek Fowlds and Robert Morris along with historian Jonathan Rigby. This commentary appears to have been made in 2013. The two actors were the last surviving actors at the time of this commentary (Susan Denberg is still alive also). It's always good to have people involved with the production in these commentaries. Fowlds played Johann and Morris played Hans. This seems to be the first time in many years that they have seen the movie. They note that it has been 47 years. Nevertheless, they both seem to remember quite a bit from the movie. They seem to enjoy themselves as they reminisce about each of the scenes that they participated in.-Interview with Robert Morris: This interview is about 11 minutes long and Morris talks about his role as Hans in the 'Frankenstein Created Woman'. This was his first leading role in a movie. He reminisces about director, Terence Fisher, and actress, Susan Denberg, along with getting called back for a few extra days pay just to play a dead body.-Creating 'Frankenstein Created Woman': This is a short documentary (12 minutes ) which features clapper/loader, Eddie Collins and Joe Marks, second assistant director. Collins talks about his long hours working for Hammer. Marks reminisces about his days working for Hammer.-World of Hammer Episode: The Curse of Frankenstein - This is one of the Hammer episodes narrated by Oliver Reed. These have all been previously released. These episodes were made for commercial television and are about 25 minutes long.-"Hammer Glamour" Documentary - This documentary has been previously released in other editions of 'Hammer' movies. It is about 44 minutes long and is very good. It has interviews with a bunch of the glamorous stars of yesteryear.-Theatrical Trailers-TV spots-Still Gallery-Poster and Lobby Card Gallery-Radio Spots-Subtitles*****WARNING - SPOILERS BELOW*****PLOT/SUMMARY: As the movie opens, a drunk man is brought to a guillotine and beheaded. A small boy, named Hans, witnesses the execution of his father. He runs away.The movie moves forward many years to the year of 1895. Hans is now working for Baron Frankenstein. He has a girlfriend who is disfigured. Christina (Susan Denberg) is a serving girl for her father in the village inn. Frankenstein is living with a village doctor, Dr. Hertz (Thorley Walters). Hans and Dr. Hertz revive Baron Frankenstein after he has been frozen. The group are working on isolating the 'soul' from a human being. Frankenstein believes that the 'soul' can be captured and used in another body.Three village aristocrats torment Christina and anger Hans. The three aristocrats return to the inn to steal wine from the innkeeper. He stumbles upon them and ends up dead. Hans is blamed. He protects Christina's honor and ends up being executed. Christina commits suicide after she learns of what has happened. Frankenstein gets hold of both bodies and performs his experiments. He succeeds in capturing Hans' soul and transfers it into Christina's body. Frankenstein performs surgery on Christina and makes her beautiful.Christina wants revenge on the aristocrats....or is it Hans that wants revenge?PRODUCTION: This movie was shot in 1966 but released in the U.S. in 1967. It was part of a double bill with 'The Mummy's Shroud'.-This movie was directed by the great 'Hammer' director, Terence Fisher.-Originally, this was supposed to be the sequel to the first 'Hammer Frankenstein' movie, 'The Curse of Frankenstein'. This would have been in step with the original 'Frankenstein and 'Bride of Frankenstein' by Universal Studios. It was also intended to be part of the 'Tales of Frankenstein' television series that was to be shown in America.-Susan Denberg, who plays Christina, was a 1966 Playboy playmate. She grew up in Austria and had a thick accent, therefore her voice was dubbed. As a result of this dubbing, her father in the movie had to dub his own voice! WHAT BECAME OF SUSAN DENBERG?: Susan Denberg is still alive as of the time of this review. She lives in Austria. She went home to Austria shortly after filming 'Frankenstein Created Woman'. She did have a lot of acting roles. Her most notable role other than this movie was an appearance in a Star Trek episode (Mudd's Women). Her career was curtailed because she had issues with drugs.It had been rumored for many years that Denberg had committed suicide. This information has also been published in books and articles. It is obviously false. WHAT OTHER NOTABLE HORROR MOVIES DID TERENCE FISHER DIRECT?: Fisher became Hammer's most prominent director after the huge success of 'The Curse of Frankenstein' in 1957. After that, he went on to direct many of Hammer's most famous movies which includes the great Sherlock Homes movie, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. Fisher would go on to direct:The Horror of Dracula (1958)THe Revenge of Frankenstein (1958)The Mummy (1959)The Man Who Could Cheat Death (1959)The Stranglers of Bombay (1959)The Brides of Dracula (1960)The Two Face of Dr. Jekyll (1960)The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)The Phantom of the Opera (1962)The Gorgon (1964)Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1967)The Devil Rides Out (1968)Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969)Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell (1974)In addition, he would direct horror movies for other studios such as 'The Earth Dies Screaming', 'Island of Terror' and 'Night of the Big Heat'.All in all, a lot of good stuff from Fisher! HOW MANY TIMES DID PETER CUSHING PLAY DOCTOR FRANKENSTEIN?:Cushing previously played Dr. Frankenstein in:'The Curse of Frankenstein' (1957)'Revenge of Frankenstein' (1958)'Evil of Frankenstein' (1964)After this movie, Peter Cushing returns in:'Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed' (1969)'Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell' (1973)The only 'Hammer Frankenstein' movie that Peter Cushing does not appear in is the 6th movie, 'The Horror of Frankenstein' (1970). DO I NEED TO WATCH THE PREVIOUS 'HAMMER FRANKENSTEIN' MOVIES?: You don't have to watch the previous movies but I would recommend that you do if for no other reason than to get a 'feel' for Peter Cushing's version of Frankenstein. In a way, this movie gives you the feeling that it exists in an alternate universe. It does seem to have continuity with the previous movie, 'Evil of Frankenstein'. Baron Frankenstein's hands have been burned and he can't use them. This is supposedly a consequence of the events at the end of the previous movie.COMMENTS: HOW IS THIS MOVIE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FRANKENSTEIN MOVIES?:In this movie, Dr. Frankenstein is trying to preserve the soul of a human rather than create a new living being. It has a distinctly different 'feel' to it. While Frankenstein can be considered science fiction or fantasy or both, this version definitely falls more into the 'fantasy' category. In addition, Frankenstein allows himself to be 'killed', if you will, at the beginning of the movie. Again, this is far from the 'norm' for Frankenstein movies. Frankenstein does seem to retain the same personality as from previous films. WHERE IS EVERYBODY?There just doesn't seem to be anybody around! The whole village looks deserted. Hammer should have hired a few extra's. In addition to there being almost no extra's, there are no women either, other than Susan Denberg. Think of how well that would go over in today's world! The only scene in which the village looks populated is the court scene. OTHER COMMENTS:-I liked the opening scene is this movie. It has good atmosphere and is well acted.-I'm not thrilled with the limited locations in this movie. It seems like they spend long time periods in the same place. Especially, the restaurant which nobody goes to.-This movie is a favorite of film director, Martin Scorcese.CONCLUSIONS: If you are a fan of this movie then I think you will be happy with your purchase. These releases are made mainly for genre fans looking for the best available picture along with some nice extra's. You get both in this package as you should in a collector's edition.RATINGS:Picture: 8/10 or 4 stars - Worth the upgrade.Plot: 6/10 or 3 stars - Leaves something to be desired. Not really much of a monster in this one.Extra's: 10/10 or 5 stars - Some good extra's here. Two commentaries along with two documentaries. As good as can be expected from a release of this type.Overall: 5 stars for the nice picture and nice extra's which are the real reasons why someone would be looking to purchase this release.

FRANKENSTEIN CREATED WOMANDon't get me wrong,i am a big fan of the Hammer films and have been even since the films were released on VHSbut i do not love every singe Hammer film, some are my favourites which i love, some i just likeand some i think are very boring and i think what was the point making this film in the first placejust to make some moneyall the Hammer Dracula's i love with Christopher Lee and the Hammer Frankenstein's with Peter cushing i lovebut there are some Hammer films that turned out very boring from a fans point of viewand FRANKENSTEIN CREATED WOMAN is one of those Hammer films, i'm sorryi remember buying this film on DVD when Anchor bay released it over 10 years ago nowwhich i still have in my Hammer collection.i bought it out of curiosity reallycause i was a big fan of Hammer's Dracula films and Frankenstein films at the timeso i bought it anywayi was very very dissapointed when i watched the film, i thought what a waste of moneyall Hammer fans will have different opinions of this filmbut the story line is terrible, the plot of the film Dragged on a lot, not much suspense at allthere is no Horror compared to other Hammer films released in the 60'sthis Frankenstein film is a more of a Drama with some suspense in it, that's itit's definitely not a Gothic Horrorthe Acting is definitely average, Peter cushing is the best Actor in the filmSusan Denberg whose soul is possesed by her Dead boyfriend is the killer in this filmvery very ridiculous plot more ridiculous than other Hammer films i must saythe killings do not start until the last 20-30mins of the film so the first hour is boringit builds up some suspense but not muchand the kill scenes are not scary at all, you don't see any kill,you see the scene cut to the next scene when susan Denberg is about to kill, so there is no HorrorSusan Denberg was just another Pin up Girl for Hammer's money making scheme, that's allshe was never an actress, just a modelPeter cushing is the only Actor holding the plot together, that's itTerence Fisher Directed this film so i was expecting more suspense and Horror and there is nonei think this film is his worst film in my opinionTerence Fisher's earlier Hammer films are the best, but not this Frankenstein filmmaybe back in 1966 when this film was released it did scare audiences at the cinemabut these days this film is boring,Hammer were just releasing another Frankenstein film year after year back in the 60'Sregardless if the film made lots of money or no money they still released the film and sadly this film is one of those that are at the bottom of the listyou either like this Hammer film or you don't that's it.to me i think the film was pointlessso why did buy this blu-ray if i don't like the filmi bought it cause of the brand new special features that all, the film is just a bonus to methe Anchor bay release from over 12 years ago has no extras at all, nothing.so this brand new blu-ray reissue is the first time ever this FRANKENSTEIN filmhas ever been given new special featuresthere is a brand new Audio commentary by 2 of the Actors from the filmDerek Fowlds and Robert Morris which was not on the Anchor bay releasethere is an all new Documentary on the Hammer Glamour, very recent Doco it goes for about 45minsit's interviews with all Hammer's Glamour actress's from the Hammer filmssome were Models turned Actress's and some only appeared in 1 or 2 Hammer films and that's itValerie Leon, Caroline Munro, Martine Beswick, Madeleine smith, Jenny Hanleyare interviewed about their Acting roles in the Hammer films they starred insome other Models/Actress's were not interviewed cause they have passed away nowor were not available for interviewIngrid pitt, Barbara shelley, Ursula Andres and othersso very interesting Documentary2 world of Hammer episodes from the 90'S Peter cushing, curse of Frankensteinare also re-issued on this blu-ray and a stills Gallerythe Anchor bay dvd release had no extras at allso this blu-ray is definitely worth buying just for the 45mins Documentary i thinki have watched some scenes from this blu-ray reissuethe picture quality is excellent in a brand new HD transfer with only a Dolby stereo soundtrackthe Anchor bay release had only Mono soundtrackso i gave this blu-ray just 4 stars for the brand new special featuresonly about 2 stars for the film.so Definitely time for an upgrade, get rid of the old Anchor bay dvdand get this new Blu-ray release, if you love the film and the extras on this blu-rayit's definitely worth the cash, $23 on amazon.com

I must admit that I have a massive soft spot for these old hammer films and I am glad that they are being released on blu ray, as I think that they are part of british horror history and I hope that In time they all see the light of day on blu ray. I won't review the film as most people will know the story anyway and anyone familiar with the hammer Frankenstein movies know they all follow a similar pattern.As far as I am aware this Australian import is the only region b blu ray release currently available, as the American release is I believe region a locked. The blu ray transfer was very good, not in the same league as some of the other hammer films I have see on blu ray but was still a very nice presentation. The problem I found with this blu ray was there were quite a bit of softness here and there in the picture. However that was my only gripe with this transfer and the film is an old movie so you would expect some softness. Apart from that this is a brilliant blu ray release of a brilliant hammer classic. We need more hammer films released on blu ray please.

I hadn't seen this one before watching it on Blu Ray. The picture is just OK - the colours are quite muted and detail is not exactly popping off the screen - I still enjoyed the experience of the movie though and the slightly drab look did seem to fit this rather grim entry in the Hammer series of Horror flicks. The movie itself is good and quite unique - the acting is good and the villains in particular are brilliant in this - I had a lot more emotional investment in the characters here than I do for many of the other Hammers which is what makes this one stand out in it's own unique way. I love the cover of the Blu Ray with its shocking pink text and you also get a bunch of mini postcards inside which is a nice bonus. The extras are decent too so definitely worth the price which at the time of writing is under £10. This is Region A Locked so you must have a Multi Region player to view in the UK.

PETER CUSHING is back as FRANKENSTIEN and is in top form in this HAMMER classic.The story i wont go into as i dont want to spoil it but will say in this one FRANKENSTIEN goes in to soul transplants .The disc itself has very nice picture and sound so if you have the dvd its worth the upgrade .On the extra front we get a featurette called HAMMER GLAMOUR and PICTURE GALLERY a trailer for the movie would have been nice.So if you want to see a movie with PETER CUSHING in a role he could now play with his eyes shut and in a strange way a love story and the only HAMMER FRANKENSTIEN movie to not have a male creature in it this is for you .A HAMMER CLASSIC

Love the old classics always worth watching

Another classic from Hammer. Arrived in good time and condition from seller. Very pleased