The iconic film The Bride of Frankenstein is receiving a new 4K steelbook release from Universal in anticipation of Guillermo del Toro‘s Frankenstein Netflix adaptation, keeping the timeless tale at the forefront of horror culture. This 90th-anniversary edition celebrates one of the most beloved entries in Universal’s monster franchise, offering fans a high-quality way to revisit the classic story before del Toro’s modern retelling arrives later this year.
The 1935 sequel is recognized as a landmark in gothic horror, directed by James Whale and starring Elsa Lanchester as The Bride in a role that, while brief, deeply influenced the genre’s aesthetic. Universal’s upcoming steelbook set includes a 4K, Blu-ray, and digital combo packed with striking artwork. The cover presents The Bride dramatically screaming under electric skies, with the back featuring Universal’s original globe logo. Inside, a black-and-white still from the film’s climactic scene depicts Boris Karloff’s Monster, Elsa Lanchester’s Bride, Colin Clive’s Dr. Frankenstein, and Ernest Thesiger’s Dr. Pretorius, emphasizing the film’s seminal cast and characters. This edition retails for $29.99 USD, adding to Universal’s previous 4K releases of the title within their monster collections.
The Bride’s Cultural Impact and Upcoming Adaptations
Although The Bride of Frankenstein’s screen time is limited, her cultural influence has been profound, shaping gothic horror imagery for generations. The film’s creative team, especially Whale and Lanchester, set a high standard for atmospheric storytelling. Today, the Bride and Frankenstein’s Monster remain popular figures, inspiring merchandise like Funko Pops and NECA action figures, alongside new physical media releases such as this anticipated steelbook.
The franchise continues to evolve, with Guillermo del Toro’s forthcoming Netflix series promising a fresh take on the Frankenstein mythos. This adaptation is set for release in November, joining other recent interpretations including Maggie Gyllenhaal’s film The Bride, scheduled for theaters on March 6, 2026. That project stars Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley in the lead roles, promising a new chapter in the cinematic history of this legendary monster story.
Accessing The Bride of Frankenstein and Future Release Plans
At present, The Bride of Frankenstein is not available on standard streaming platforms but can be rented through paid video-on-demand services such as Fandango at Home. Fans eager to own a copy can pre-order the 90th-anniversary 4K steelbook through Gruv‘s website, with shipments beginning September 30, 2025—perfect timing for fans planning Halloween movie marathons.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether this latest release will be a precursor to a comprehensive Frankenstein 4K legacy collection, akin to Universal’s recently announced Dracula: The Complete Legacy Collection, which is set to launch the same fall. Such a collection would further solidify the series’ importance in horror history and offer fans a definitive set of classic monster films.
