Rating: 
Summary: The Bride of Frankenstein
Review: I am a great fan of the Karloff Frankenstein movies, and I own
all three (Frankenstein, Bride, and Son) on VHS and DVD. But, I
am a little disappointed with the audio quality in the DVD version of The Bride of Frankenstein. In some quiet scenes, you
can hear an annoying buzzing in the background, something you
will not hear on the VHS version. Of course, the movie itself deserves a five star rating. But, because of the audio problems
on the DVD version, I have subtracted a star. Bride is the best
of the three Karloff Frankenstein movies.
Rating: 
Summary: An Extraordinary Film; An Excellent DVD Package
Review: Interestingly, Whale did not want to make a sequel to his incredibly successful 1931 FRANKENSTEIN, and bowed to studio pressure only when he received assurance of absolute control. The result is perhaps his most personal film--a strange collage of gothic horror, black humor, religious motifs, and sexual innuendo--and one of the great classics of the genre.The plot elaborates an idea contained in the Mary Shelly novel: Frankenstein is pressured to create a mate for the monster. In Shelly's novel, the doctor eventually balks; in the film, however, he sees the experiment through due to a mix of his own obsession and the manipulations of a new character, Dr. Pretorious, and the two create the only truly iconographical monster in the film pantheon of the 1930s horror film: "The Bride," brilliantly played by Elsa Lanchester. The cast is excellent throughout, with Colin Clive and Boris Karloff repeating their roles and Frankenstein and the monster, and Valerie Hobson an able replacement for Mae Clarke in the role of Elizabeth; Ernest Thesiger and Una O'Connor also give incredibly memorable performances as the truly strange Pretorius and the constantly hysterical maid Minnie. The art design is remarkable, and the Waxman score is justly famous. But the genius of the film lies not so much in these new and bizarre characters, in the familiar ones, or in the production values: it is in the way in which Whales delicately balances his elements and then subverts them. FRANKENSTEIN owes much of its power to its directness--it has a raw energy that is difficult to resist, still more difficult to describe. But THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN owes its power to its complexity. Nothing here is quite what it appears to be, and throughout the film we constantly receive mixed messages about the characters and implications of their situations. While Thesiger's Dr. Pretorius is justly celebrated as a covert gay icon of the darkest possible variety, and while many people quickly grasp Whale's often subversive use of Christian imagery, the film has many, many layers that do not reveal themselves upon a single viewing. The single most startling sequence, at least to my mind, is the famous scene in which the Monster stumbles into the lonely cottage of the blind hermit, a role beautifully played by O.P. Heggie. On the surface, the sequence would seem to be about how cruely we judge people by appearances, and how true kindness can lift the fallen. It was not until I had seen the film several times that it dawned upon me that Whale has essentially endowed the a scene with a host of covertly homosexual overtones--and then tied them to a series of Christian elements for good measure. It is startling, to say the least. Like most Universal horror DVDs, the package here is superior, and the film is supported with an interesting documentary and a still more interesting audio commentary track. Critics and fans continue to battle of whether FRANKENSTEIN or THE BRIDE is the better film--but I say they are so completely different that the question simply doesn't arise. Whatever the case, if you are a fan of 1930s horror and James Whale in particular, this is a must own DVD. --GFT (Amazon.com Reviewer)--
Rating: 
Summary: WHERE WAS THE BRIDE!??!?!
Review: i saw this movie in my uncle's closet of dvds. so i figured i should watch it, because the bride of frankenstein is my favorite monster of all time. imagine my disappointment when i found out that the title role of this film only appears for three minutes. three minutos, at the most. what a gyp! i was so bugged! the whole movie was [bad] to me, because i was waiting for the bride so long. the only good part was when she first laid eyes on frankenstein, and thinks he's the scariest thing she's ever seen in her three-minute-long existence. a real snoozer. i dont know why so many people adore it. but o yeah, the blind man part was very sweet and it was sad when frankie got chased away.
Rating:
Summary: Uh Uh, No Way Is This As Good As The First Movie
Review: After watching the original 1931 Frankenstein and then watching the Bride of Frankenstein a few days later, I don't know how anyone can say that "Bride" was a better film than the first release. The original 1931 movie worked so much better than this well known sequel (obviously these are just my subjective opinions; many other reviewers would seem to disagree judging by the many four star reviews). Where do I start? 1)First of all the soundtrack. As any Frankenstein buff knows, the original 1931 release had no music during the movie; the only music on the first release was during the beginning and end credits. "Bride" was one of the first movies to make use of a scored soundtrack that played throughout the movie. This, in my opinion, ruined the potential mood of the movie and the entire haunting feel that was present when the monster appeared in the original film. Who can forget the haunting effect that silence helped to create when the creature makes his first full appearance as he comes in backwards through the doorway in the 1931 original movie. The silence added a lot to the overall effect of the scene. Not only did much of the music throughout "Bride" detract from the mood of the movie, but it also makes "Bride" sound very dated. 2)Although Karloff's performance as the monster was well done in both the original and "Bride", the monster just seemed plain scarier in the 1931 movie (these are supposed to be horror movies). Karloff's make-up effect was much better done in the original movie, and his appearance was much more that of a once dead creature, especially in that first backwards through the doorway entrance scene; he looked so lifeless. In "Bride" the monster appeared as a creature who could be reasoned with. In the original 1931 movie the monster was not so, and this made the character more frightening. The scene with the little girl by the lake in the first movie is a classic scene showing the monster's naive and
unpredictable emotions and actions; Karloff did a fantastic job of playing out the monster's emotions and reactions as he runs away from the lake bewildered and confused by what happened to the little girl. The monster was just a better and more interesting character in the first movie. 3)Another problem with the "Bride" sequel was simply the annoying acting. The old semi-loopy house servant of doctor Frankenstein was just too annoying, and over-acted. Also, the actress who played doctor Frankenstein's fiance Elizabeth (a different actress than in the original 1931 movie) over-acted and was way too emotional when delivering her lines (this technique seems to be somewhat common in these old movies). Colin Clive as Dr. Frankenstein and the guy who played the evil Dr. Pratoreus also had some lines that seemed a bit overdone. 4)The story of the 1931 original film was better. I know that many "Bride" fans will heartily disagree with my assessment of the Bride of Frankenstein. However, all the way around "Bride" is subpar when compared to the classic 1931 original. Watch these two movies in succession as a double feature and you two will liekly come to the same conclusions.
Rating:
Summary: A MASTERPIECE!!
Review: This is James Whales & Boris Karloff's masterpiece together. A touch of comic feel & a film I can watch over & over again. If you have some time, watch the original Frankenstein first. It does not adhere to Mary Shelley's novel but so what. They are classics of the golden age of Universal horror flicks. They don't make them like that anymore.
Rating:
Summary: THE MONSTER DEMANDS A MATE.....
Review: This is my favorite of all the Frankenstein films and has for me never been equaled in terms of sheer pleasure and entertainment. Cleverly macabre and cynically bizarre, this sequel to '31s "Frankenstein" stands alone as one of the most unique horror films ever made. Mountains of black humor run rampant throughout as the Monster (Karloff) is rescued by the effete and sinister Dr.Praetorious (the inimitable Ernest Theisiger) and used to blackmail Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) into creating a female being. Erstwhile Dwight Frye as the hunchbacked assistant and the riotous Una O'Connor as Minnie the maid add lunacy to the proceedings as director James Whale casts his spell in telling the story of how the Bride (Elsa Lanchester) came to be. Praetorious had already been experimenting in creating life with tiny beings he keeps in tubes that he displays to an aghast Henry-- who calls it "alchemy". But Henry is convinced to participate when the Monster abducts HIS bride Elizabeth (Valerie Hobson). The creation scenes are wonderful and the fateful meeting of the Bride and the Monster is the over-the-top climax. Even she screams at him. There's also the wonderful sequence with the blind hermit plus, of marvelous note, the flawless Lanchester also plays Mary Shelley in the prologue coyly telling the story to Lord Byron. The Bride is billed as "?". I'm so thankful to have this on DVD even though the print is rather dark. Hopefully it will be remastered and re-released. For classic monster lovers and old Unversal fans, this is pure heaven. A must all the way around for a grand look at unadulterated Gothic splendor.
Rating:
Summary: Karloff shines in James Whales "creation"!
Review: As good as "Frankenstein" was with Boris Karloff's great performance, "The Bride of Frankenstein" is even better. The musical score so wanting in the first film gives life and depth to "Bride". Karloff broadened and deepened his perfomance giving greater humanity and pathos to the "monster". Elsa Lanchester gets to star as both Mary Shelley, the author and in the movie proper as the "Bride". James Whale knew what it was like to be an outsider, a non-conformist, who is persecuted because he didn't fit with the "norm", which was (and is) nothing more than the behavior pattern of the majority. Frankenstein's creature is revealed even more in "Bride" to be a personification of the outcast. The mob is a manifestation of society, at its worst.
The DVD is a treat. The main menu plays music. There is both a making of feature that focuses on director James Whale and a running commentary as well as a nice collection of movie posters and stills set to music. The print still displays some damage, but the image is sharply focused and the dialogue is clear, overall quite good for a film made in 1935. Apparently, Universal has put the Monster Classic collection on moratorium except for maybe the box set. Get a copy while you can and enjoy. Thanks, CAL
Rating:
Summary: Great sequel but not as good as original
Review: Bride of Frankenstein is the sequel to Frankenstein, and has Boris Karloff return playing the monster. This film deals with more mature topics than the first Frankenstein, but I find Bride not as enjoyable. In this film we learn the monster has survived and begins roaming the village, scaring everyone. They imprison him but he escapes, and meets a blind man who befriends him, and teaches him things. Meanwhile a fellow scientist named Dr. Pretorious goes to Frankenstein and details his plan to make a mate for the monster, so they can spawn a new race. Frankenstein wants no plans, but is forced to help create this new creature when his wife is held hostage. I did not enjoy this film as much as the first Frankenstein, but this one is great on its own as well. The film is taken very seriously, and deals with serious topics, and has a lot to discuss and interpret. Homosexuality, necrophilia, and sacrilege undertows are present. There is also interesting philosophy discussed in this film as well. To fans of these types of horror/monster films, you will love this film. But to more general film lovers, I'd suggest the first Frankenstein, and if you loved it, then try this one out. 4 stars.
Rating:
Summary: A RARE BETTER SEQUEL!
Review: Most sequels of movies aren't as good as the original. But this movie breaks that rule. This movie has a swifter pace than some other classic horror movies. It's funny because my favorite part is the blind man even though part of it made me cry. Its also has also has some other great parts. So I actually think this is my favorite horror movie. It's alot better than one star gory horror movies. So get the popcorn it is about to start.
Rating:
Summary: James Whale's Bride of Frankenstein
Review: Almost seventy years old now, this sequel to the classic "Frankenstein" proves that some films are timeless, even when looking at them for the first time. Elsa Lanchester is Mary Shelley, recounting what happened after the events of the first film, on a dark and stormy night with her famous husband and Lord Byron. The film makers wisely recap the highlights of the first film, reminding the audience of the basic plot. . While better than the original "Frankenstein," this film is still not technically perfect. There are quite a few editing gaffes, where someone is doing something in one shot, but not another. Whale's direction really does not come alive until the last creation scene, which has wonderful off-center and shadowed shots. Even Karloff's monster makeup appears softened compared to the first film. On the positives, however, the black and white atmosphere works well here. Sets or not, the high ceilings and creepy Euro look are chilling. The special effects also rival modern films, they are excellent and not cheesy in the slightest. While Karloff is good, Lanchester is excellent in her too brief role as the bride. Una O'Connor is a scream (literally) as the cowardly housekeeper who always seems to meet up with the Monster at the wrong time. Dwight Frye is underused as a lab assistant. Colin Clive is kept in the background as Frankenstein. He seems ill at ease, and the actor died a few years later as a result of alcoholism. By the way, the book and film "Gods and Monsters" got their title from this film, and a toast made by Pretorious. While this film has garnered a nearly flawless reputation in the last seven decades, it does deserve accolades. This may not terrify you like it did audiences of the past, but it is interesting to see the inspiration behind almost every monster movie made afterward. Not perfect, but recommended. This is unrated, and contains physical violence, some gun violence, and mild gore.
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