Hammer Films, in collaboration with The Warner Archive Collection, has today announced the world premiere of the brand new 4K restoration of the iconic horror masterpiece The Curse of Frankenstein on Wednesday 1st October.
Originally released in 1957, The Curse of Frankenstein was Hammer’s first colour horror film, a bold and brutal reinvention of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein that established Hammer’s signature gothic style and changed the face of horror filmmaking forever. In their electric first time performing together on screen, Peter Cushing’s chilling Baron and Christopher Lee’s tragic Creature shifted the monster-creator paradigm and launched a legendary acting partnership.
This special event for this iconic film is a fitting finale to Hammer Films’ 90th anniversary year. The premiere will be held 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 West End, Leicester Square. There will be a fully immersive reception before the film screening, featuring photo opportunities and thrilling surprises, ending in a Q&A with some very special guests. Melvyn Hayes, the actor who played Young Victor Frankenstein, will be in attendance as the Guest of Honour.
John Gore, CEO of Hammer Films and Executive Chairman of John Gore Studios, says, “We are thrilled to return Hammer’s first colour horror film back to the big screen in magnificent 4K. Having the world premiere at the same location as it was first seen all those years ago is our tribute to this groundbreaking seminal classic that made Hammer a global name and first paired the legendary duo of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. Our ongoing restoration programme preserves and revitalises Hammer’s legacy, ensuring that these landmark films continue to captivate audiences and uphold our rich heritage.”
Tim Richards, Founder and CEO of Vue Cinemas says, “It’s a true honour to return The Curse of Frankenstein to the very location where audiences first experienced this classic Hammer film. Staging the 4K world premiere at the original site connects past and present in a way no other location could, and we’re proud to welcome viewers back to where it all began.”
The Curse of Frankenstein has been meticulously restored in 4K from the original film elements and will be showcased with unprecedented clarity and detail thanks to a cutting-edge 4K restoration by Silver Salt Restoration.
Mark Bonnici, MD of Silver Salt Restoration, commented “Our team is dedicated to revitalising cinematic treasures with the utmost care and precision. Bringing The Curse of Frankenstein back to life in 4K honours the artistry of the original filmmakers by restoring this classic as it was meant to be seen – in stunning clarity and colour.”
Hammer are also releasing The Curse of Frankenstein restoration as a deluxe Limited Collector’s Edition 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray, available to pre-order here from the 29th August. The 6-disc set features the longest version of this classic gothic horror known to exist – including the notorious “eyeball” scene. 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.
Book world premiere tickets here.
Find a screening near you here.