After the success of 1957's "The Curse Of Frankenstein," Hammer's next human monster entry was this gorgeous production, featuring some shockingly graphic details of severed body parts - a bold stroke from the more conservative British thrillers of the 1940s.

Columbia's DVD presents the 1.66:1 widescreen film in a nice anamorphic transfer, showcasing the rich set designs of Frankenstein's little re-animation factory. The Eastman color spectrum is a mix of turquoise, crimson and shimmering metallic gold and silver, and aptly evokes the clash between Victorian morals and the inevitable progress of medical science.

The mono soundtrack is average, with plenty of screams and Leonard Salzedo's sinister score balanced between the tight dialogue from lead scribe Jimmy Sangster. (Film fans will also recognize Eunice Grayson as the leggy, golfing gambler, who prompted Sean Connery to utter the immortal phrase, "Bond. James Bond," in the original "Dr. No" in 1962; and Charles Lloyd Pack, as the giant, nefarious Doctor Makovan, in "The 3 Worlds of Gulliver.")

The extras include a mix of vintage trailers, and a brief still gallery, featuring ten production and still portraits which are rather awkwardly cropped by a jagged mask.

© 2002 Mark R. Hasan