Rating: 
Summary: Introducing the Hammer Gothic horror formula
Review: "The Curse of Frankenstein" launched the Hammer Frankenstein series, which was helped by the fact these films ignored both Mary Shelley's original novel and all of the Universal movies about the mad doctor and his monster (the latter because Universal was always threatening to sue). The hallmark of Hammer's Frankenstein films is that Dr. Frankenstein, usually played by Peter Cushing in his role of a lifetime, is more interesting than the monster, which is always aware of what has been done to it. This is not the innocent child-monster of James Whale's classic films.In 19th-Century Switzerland Baron Victor Frankenstein is awaiting execution and tells his life story to a priest in flashback. As a boy Victor drowned a puppy and brought it back to life, dreaming even them of creating life from stitched-together pieces of bodies. Paul Krempe (Robert Urquhart), Victor's tutor, is revolted by the prospect but ends up helping the mad doctor. Romantic complications abound as Victor ignores his fiancee Elizabeth (Hazel Court), who falls for Paul, while Victor's jealous maid Justine (Valerie Gaunt) gets really jealous. Needing a brain for his creation, Victor causes the death of kindly Professor Bernstein, but the brain is damaged when Paul finds Victor robbing the grave. Victor finally succeeds in bringing his creation (Chrisopher Lee) to life, and using it to settle all of his little problems, beginning with the increasingly troublesome Justine. "The Curse of Frankenstein" suffers from the one-dimensionality of the two main characters. Both Victor and his creation are basically just psychopaths in this initial effort. Terence Fisher's direction is the best part of the Hammer ensemble at this point, followed by Bernard Robinson's set design for the laboratory, with Phil Leakey's last minute make-up for the creature the low point (although you have to admit it is closer to Shelley's original description of the creature than Karloff's famous look). Although it is technically a sequel, "The Revenge of Frankenstein," the next Hammer film, is much better and there is not reason not to start the series there.
Rating: 
Summary: 1st Hammer thriller
Review: "Curse of Frankenstein" is the first Hammer Studios horror movie of note. It maked horror icons out of Peter Crushing and Christopher Lee. Dr. Frankenstein (Crushing) is determined to defy God and make a life on his own. He takes bodies from here and there and makes 'the monster' (Lee). The drama is better than you'd think, if just shy of over dramatic. This is the first 'gore' movie (though it falls short of disturbing by today's standards). Crushing is good as the single minded doctor. He created the evil geniues stereo type that is immitated over and over again (Jeffery Combs' Herbert West is the best immitator). Lee is also good as the confused monster, although his role isn't as showy. Another must for any fan of horror, and if your interested in what may have inspired Tim Burton.
Rating:
Summary: 1st Hammer thriller
Review: "Curse of Frankenstein" is the first Hammer Studios horror movie of note. It maked horror icons out of Peter Crushing and Christopher Lee. Dr. Frankenstein (Crushing) is determined to defy God and make a life on his own. He takes bodies from here and there and makes 'the monster' (Lee). The drama is better than you'd think, if just shy of over dramatic. This is the first 'gore' movie (though it falls short of disturbing by today's standards). Crushing is good as the single minded doctor. He created the evil geniues stereo type that is immitated over and over again (Jeffery Combs' Herbert West is the best immitator). Lee is also good as the confused monster, although his role isn't as showy. Another must for any fan of horror, and if your interested in what may have inspired Tim Burton.
Rating:
Summary: Introducing the Hammer Gothic horror formula
Review: "The Curse of Frankenstein" launched the Hammer Frankenstein series, which was helped by the fact these films ignored both Mary Shelley's original novel and all of the Universal movies about the mad doctor and his monster (the latter because Universal was always threatening to sue). The hallmark of Hammer's Frankenstein films is that Dr. Frankenstein, usually played by Peter Cushing in his role of a lifetime, is more interesting than the monster, which is always aware of what has been done to it. This is not the innocent child-monster of James Whale's classic films. In 19th-Century Switzerland Baron Victor Frankenstein is awaiting execution and tells his life story to a priest in flashback. As a boy Victor drowned a puppy and brought it back to life, dreaming even them of creating life from stitched-together pieces of bodies. Paul Krempe (Robert Urquhart), Victor's tutor, is revolted by the prospect but ends up helping the mad doctor. Romantic complications abound as Victor ignores his fiancee Elizabeth (Hazel Court), who falls for Paul, while Victor's jealous maid Justine (Valerie Gaunt) gets really jealous. Needing a brain for his creation, Victor causes the death of kindly Professor Bernstein, but the brain is damaged when Paul finds Victor robbing the grave. Victor finally succeeds in bringing his creation (Chrisopher Lee) to life, and using it to settle all of his little problems, beginning with the increasingly troublesome Justine. "The Curse of Frankenstein" suffers from the one-dimensionality of the two main characters. Both Victor and his creation are basically just psychopaths in this initial effort. Terence Fisher's direction is the best part of the Hammer ensemble at this point, followed by Bernard Robinson's set design for the laboratory, with Phil Leakey's last minute make-up for the creature the low point (although you have to admit it is closer to Shelley's original description of the creature than Karloff's famous look). Although it is technically a sequel, "The Revenge of Frankenstein," the next Hammer film, is much better and there is not reason not to start the series there.
Rating: 
Summary: Get out of his way.....IF YOU CAN!
Review: ...as quoted from the original 1957 trailer to this, the first of many British produced Horror Classics. The real treat for audiences, after years of viewing films from Universal's camp in black and white is it being rich in technicolor. Director Terence Fisher, a veteran director of cult classics crafted this well-adapted version which would follow a myriad of future films, yet like many other originals this stands out as the best. WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD!!! As expected, the screenplay strays greatly from Mary Shelley's original novel, like James Whale's 1931 production, yet it effectively avoids rehashing plot elements from the earlier films. Peter Cushing stars as Baron Victor Frankenstein who is held in prison for murder and his execution is imminent. When he is visited by a Priest, he tells his tale of being obsessed with creating life following inheritance of his family name with the death of his Father. Enter Paul Krempe (Robert Urquhart) who tutors Victor in the process. After they restore a dead puppy, they resolve to recreate a man - and thus Victor's obsession, and Paul's reluctance ensues. Trouble begins as Victor's cousin Elizabeth (a very young, and very lovely Hazel Court) comes to stay at the Castle, and Victor has a secret love affair with Justine the maid (Valerie Gaunt, also the Vampiress in HORROR OF DRACULA). Things are guaranteed to get out of hand even more when the Creature awakens! Although it is stiff and very slow-paced at times, a clever blend of suspense and camp is woven into the script. For instance, there are graphic close-ups of severed hands, assembled body organs, and although seen only very briefly mentions of halfway decayed cadavers. Thus Victor forms the creation out of several different people. The body from that of a murderer who was hanged. The head and hands from an artist, and the brain from a Professor and Colleague. One must wonder how he seems strongly unrepulsed by this work. Christopher Lee, although never with a word of dialogue, and reported hated the role, delivers a pretty good performance as the Creature. Gigantic, confused, and tortured. Like the 1931 Frankenstein, he is practically tortured by his Creator. So when he awakens it is only logical for him, having the brain of the man he killed to create him, to identify his killer and attack. Thus Christopher Lee's monster deliberately avoids copying patent Karloff's monster make-up. Artist Phil Leakey designs a network of scars and putty to resemble something out of traffic accident. One eye larger than the other, a sewed up cranium, and incredibly strong. For collectors of Horror fans this is definite must, but no where near as good as HORROR OF DRACULA, featuring many of the same cast and crew. 1970's HORROR OF FRANKENSTEIN followed this film eerily well, so no doubt it made a strong influence in films to come. You almost get around this so well because Peter Cushing portrays the role with such authority that Hammer Studios effectively brings an entirely different personification of Dr. Frankenstein never quite visualized before. He is cold, ruthless, remorseless, and a murderer to boot - HE is the true monster of the film, not the pitiable disfigured hulk played by Christopher Lee.
Rating:
Summary: Different take on a classic novel
Review: A pivotal film in the horror genre, Curse of Frankenstein marked the first classic from director Terence Fisher in the genre. Working from a well written script by Jimmy Sangster, Curse of Frankenstein makes Dr. Frankenstein the focus of the film. Although the film has little in common with the Shelly novel (in fact it has more in common with James Whale's classic film), Fisher's film introduced the gothic atmosphere, action and blood that became synonymous with Hammer. The only way that you can compare Fisher and Whale's film is in the impact both had with the public and on other horror films. Both films made the horror film a staple of movie houses (horror films had been on the decline during the 40's); both films set new standards for the "look" of horror films as well. Peter Cushing brings a vitality and cold intelligence to his role as Dr. Frankenstein. Christopher Lee's unique interpretation of the Monster steals cues from Karloff while maintaining a presence all his own. Lee has admitted that Karloff's portrayal had an impact on his own and, while there are similarities, Lee's is as unique and original in it's own way. Warner has done a pretty good job with this disc. The picture quality, color and general look of the DVD is an improvement over The Mummy issued last year (and The Mummy looked pretty good). Curse looks better than Horror of Dracula which suffers from some grain problems and a less than stellar print. Terence Fisher wasn't as pivotal a director as James Whale but his films weren't designed for the same audience. Fisher's films are every bit the equal of many of the horror classics he and screenwriter Jimmy Sangster remade. I'd also recommend Revenge of Frankenstein which Columbia has done a pretty good job on as well. It isn't perfect. There could be extras (such as a running commentary from a film historian/Hammer expert and actor Christopher Lee), but I'm happy to finally have this film available again. There are lots of things anyone could find fault with but one thing you can't is that this fine film is available again. Warner took Curse and Horror, gave them a very good dusting off and let them take the stage again. We should all be thankful.
Rating:
Summary: NOT THE BEST OF HAMMER.....
Review: Although the production values set the standards for things to come as did the acting and literate script, this is not the best Frankenstein film. The problem for me is the "monster" played empathetically by Christopher Lee. The make-up is cheesy. It looks like lumpy oatmeal. He's on screen enough and Lee does well in the role but he doesn't look like an assembled creation. It's not what the monster should look like. The Gothic atmosphere is excellent but the delectable Hazel Court as Elizabeth is underused---she does well in horror roles but you wouldn't know it here. Peter Cushing is fine as always as are the rest of the cast but this isn't my pick for a choice Hammer film. But true blue Hammer fans probably aren't disappointed. I just wish they had created a better, more imaginative creature.
Rating:
Summary: The Beginning of a Legacy
Review: Aside from being the first film to team the legendary actors Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee...this is also the first in the long line of Hammer films aimed at revamping the classic horror genre. Filled with strong gothic horror overtones this film is a must see for those interested in the more mature aspects of terror cinema. Within this film you will not find quippy Freddie Kruger lines nor gratuitous out pouring of blood...though mayhem abounds in this 1957 classic. Peter Cushing's portrail of Dr. Frankenstein is chilling; bringing the detached and cold blooded ethics of the infamous scientist to new hiegths. While Christopher Lee, though without lines, manages to add a new sensitivity to the creature...setting his version of the monster apart from Karloff's brilliant portrayal in the 1931 Universal version. The script was written by Jimmy Sangster and directed by Terence Fisher. If this title interests you I advise a deeper exploration into the Hammer Films legacy: Horror of Dracula, The Mummy, Curse of the Werewolf...etc. The list goes on....
Rating:
Summary: UNIVERSAL'S FRANKENSTEIN OUTDONE
Review: Hammer's version of the Frankenstein story is far superior to Universal's original. Peter Cushing is fine as the obsessed Baron. He just doesn't seem to get the wrongness of his actions, does he? Until the very end, which, in courtesy to the first-time viewer, I will not disclose. Another great bow by the Cushing-Lee team. Another great directorial effort by Terence Fisher.
Rating:
Summary: The film that saved Hammer Studios
Review: I can recall being 10 years old and seeing Curse of Frankenstein on the big screen for the first time playing a double feature with Horror of Dracula. With all due respect to the 1931 James Whale version, this treatment of Shelly's novel (albeit freely adapted)ignited my passion in this genre still prevalent and near mania to this day. The superb acting talents of Peter Cushing (Victor Frankenstein) and Christopher Lee (the Creature),et al, beautiful photography and lavish sets (used multiple times in future creature features)left me wide eyed and thirsting for more. This DVD rekindled my affection for the classic works issued by Hammer Studios in the late 50's and early 60's. The rich colors (or should I say colours?), remastered photography, widescreen formatting, and make this DVD a must have for all horror film aficionados. I would suggest purchasing the DVDs now, lest they disappear as did the Universal Horror DVDs.
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