4K restoration of iconic 1957 horror masterpiece The Curse of Frankenstein arrives 2nd October from Hammer Films in stunning limited editions

Hammer Films, in collaboration with The Warner Archive Collection, is proud to present the UK theatrical release of the brand new 4K restoration of the iconic 1957 horror masterpiece The Curse of Frankenstein from Thursday 2nd October.   

Following its premiere at the same site that once hosted the film’s original theatrical premiere almost 70 years ago – once the Warner Cinema on Cranbourn Street in 1957, now Vue Cinema London – West End (Leicester Square), The Curse of Frankenstein 4K Restoration Screenings will tour the UK at over 100 cinemas nationwide from Thursday 2nd October– list of screenings here  

The theatrical release will allow audiences to experience The Curse of Frankenstein for the very first time in stunning 4K and with a brand new 5.1 surround sound mix on the big screen.  

Released in 1957, The Curse of Frankenstein was Hammer’s first colour horror, a bold, brutal reinvention of the Frankenstein story. This landmark film, directed by Terence Fisher, was the first time Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee had performed together on screen, forming a legendary acting partnership. Cushing’s chilling Baron and Lee’s tragic Creature redefined the genre, launching a franchise and establishing Hammer’s signature gothic style that would change the face of horror filmmaking forever. 

The eagerly awaited theatrical release of the genre-defining masterpiece is a fitting finale to Hammer Films’ 90th anniversary year and reaffirms John Gore Studios’ and Hammer Films’ commitment to restoring cinematic treasures for today’s classic horror enthusiasts and dedicated collectors worldwide. The Curse of Frankenstein will be showcased with unprecedented clarity and detail thanks to a cutting-edge 4K restoration by Silver Salt Restoration. 

Tickets to the theatrical premiere of The Curse of Frankenstein are still available for fans and the event includes a fully immersive reception – with photo opportunities and thrilling surprises – culminating in a Q&A hosted by Evolution of Horror’s Mike Muncer with guests Professor Lucy Bolton, a professor of Film Philosophy, legendary writer, critic, broadcaster and journalist, Kim Newman, David Pirie and Wayne Kinsey, both authors and Hammer Films experts, and Young Victor Frankenstein himself, Melvyn Hayes. 

The Curse of Frankenstein 4K World Premiere
Date: Wednesday 1st October
Time: 7pm arrival for immersive reception followed by the film 
Location: Vue West End – the same location as the original premiere in 1957
Guest of honour: Melvyn Hayes – Young Victor Frankenstein
Buy tickets here 

The Curse of Frankenstein 4K Restoration Screenings
In cinemas from 2nd October – find a screening near you here 

You can pre-order the set now from Hammer Films  HERE

The 6-disc set features the longest version of this classic gothic horror known to exist – including the notorious “eyeball” scene. The sixth disc is exclusive to this boxset. Combined with exclusive documentaries, expert commentaries, rare archival material, a feature length archive documentary, and deluxe printed extras, this is the definitive collector’s edition of a horror classic.

Limited Collector’s Edition Boxset details:
 
6-disc 4K UHD & Blu-ray  set:
A premium digipak with two UHDs and four Blu-rays, including:
All three aspect ratios: UK Theatrical (1.66:1), US Theatrical (1.85:1), and As-Filmed (1.37:1)
New 5.1 mix + original mono
 
Exclusive new features:

Recreating the Creature: Oscar-winner Dave Elsey recreates Phil Leakey’s iconic make-up, with insights from a newly discovered audio interview with Leakey and a new interview with his son, Peter Leakey.

A Fitting Vocation/Topped and Tailed: A two-part tribute to wardrobe mistress Molly Arbuthnot, with contributions from Professor Melanie Bell, Jo Botting (BFI) and actor Melvyn Hayes, who played Young Victor Frankenstein.

Good or Tuesday?: A celebration of screenwriter Jimmy Sangster’s Hammer legacy, with insights from Mark Gatiss, Wayne Kinsey, David Pirie, Stephen Laws, Stephen Gallagher and Dick Klemensen.

Painting with Fine Brushes: A previously unheard audio interview with cinematographer Jack Asher, offering personal insights into his visual artistry.

Beside the Seaside: Actor Madeline Smith visits Peter Cushing’s beloved hometown of Whitstable, to learn more about the man behind the actor.

A Gothic History of Frankenstein: Stephen Volk discusses Shelley’s original novel, its adaptation to cinema and the legacy of Hammer’s genre-defining 1957 film.

PLUS
Extensive archival documentaries, including Frankenstein RebornThe Resurrection Men and, on the Limited Edition-exclusive disc 6: feature length Hammer documentary Flesh and Blood

Comic strip reprint from The House of Hammer

168-page booklet, double-sided poster, and reproduction lobby cards

Order direct from Hammer Films to receive exclusive Pre-Order gifts:
 
The first 30 orders of The Curse of Frankenstein will receive:
Hammer’s limited edition new artwork quad poster in addition to their order
 
The next 200 orders of The Curse of Frankenstein will receive:
Archive photo signed by Young Victor Frankenstein (Melvyn Hayes) in addition to their order
 
The next 500 orders of The Curse of Frankenstein will receive:
Facsimile of the 1957 cinema premiere ticket in addition to their order

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