When Mary Shelley published Frankenstein (or The Modern Prometheus) in 1818, she couldn’t have envisaged just how popular her creation would turn out to be. How it would go on to inspire and terrify, in equal measure, generations to come. The concept of the mad scientist and their re-animated monster remains an enticing prospect. The idea proved successful for Hammer, who created seven films over the course of three decades. Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell is arguably their most thoughtful adaptation.
Simon Helder (Shane Briant) is a young medical student who is obsessed with the work of Baron Frankenstein (Peter Cushing). When he’s arrested for his abominable experiments and sent to an asylum for ‘sorcery’, he’s delighted and surprised to discover that the man who inspired him is masquerading there as a doctor. Jumping at the opportunity to assist the great man, the pair set about continuing the work.
Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell was Terence Fisher’s swansong and nicely rounds off the series. Taking a well-trodden story and producing a thoughtful and wistful spin on the idea. Presenting the audience with a number of questions to chew on about the nature of madness and the essence of being human. Moving the discussion from scientific progression to mortal damnation. Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
Special Features:
- Main feature presented in original UK Theatrical aspect ratio 1.66:1 and alternative full frame1.37:1
- New audio commentary by film academic Kat Ellinger
- Archive audio commentary by Shane Briant, Madeline Smith and Marcus Hearn
- An Appreciation of Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell by David Huckvale
- The Music of Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell
- Taking Over the Asylum
- Charming Evil: Terence Fisher at Hammer
- Stills Gallery
Limited Edition Contents
- Rigid slipcase with new artwork by Graham Humphreys
- Soft cover book with new essays by Kevin Lyons, Kelly Robinson and Emma Westwood plus production stills
- 5 collectors’ art cards
Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell will be released on Blu-ray by Second Sight on 29 August.
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