No updates just yet. In the meantime, I did have a related project idea which I pitched to FanRes. Figured I’d pitch it here but since the purpose is somewhat small rather than start a new thread I figured I’d pitch it here. Anyways back in 2012 when Universal released its first batch of Universal Monsters on BD, two sequences, one from Frankenstein and the other from Bride of Frankenstein, were tweaked. The issue with Bride has been discussed sporadically among some fans since the BD’s release (http://monsterkidclassichorrorforum.yuku…_MSfSMrKCQ). I only a few months ago discovered something with the first Frankenstein.
First with the latter. The sequence of Henry and Fritz wheeling the slab with the corpse up the hill toward the gallows early in the film has been tweaked. Originally about midway through the sequence, just as they pass under a pointed rock formation in the foreground, it cut to them closer to the gallows. Either something was cut or missing here. For the BD the sequence has been repositioned so the scenery passes by seamlessly however the two men and the slab jumping forward is all more noticeable than it had been previously. Here’s two GIFs to demonstrate what I mean (syncing’s not perfect).
First shows the original edit.

Second the BD edit.

Next Bride. This IMO is a bit more distracting then the edit to Frankenstein. It’s the shot of the Monster approaching the hermit’s cabin. It previously consisted of two shots, the first being farther away than the second. For the BD the first part of the sequence has been blown up to match the second part so the sequence looks more complete. However the editing is a bit jarring and a tree branch that was missing in the second half now magically ‘disappears’. Below are GIFs to detail this change as well (syncing’s not perfect).
Original

BD (recreation)

Why these changes were made who knows?? Are they bad?? Not necessarily but it would be nice if they had been left alone. Perhaps this is a nitpicky topic but hey we need those from time to time right?? Anyways would anyone by any chance be interested in attempting to restore the original edits to the BD versions?? I’m no master of upscaling and such so I won’t be much help. The availability of the original edits isn’t much a challenge. Any pre-2012 DVD release will have them. It’s possible maybe the iTunes versions may have them since I remember renting an HD version of Frankenstein off iTunes a year or two before the BDs had been released that wasn’t the BD print (obviously). Also there’s an HD version of Frankenstein for free on OnDemand in the TCM section until tomorrow which has the original edit of the hill sequence if anyone would like to capture it. My capture device cannot record HD or I would do it myself. They also have an HD Bride of Frankenstein but its the BD print. Anyways let me know what you guys think.