Tales of Frankenstein (2018) (Special Edition) (Blu-ray Review)
DIRECTED BY: Donald F. Glut
STARRING: Buddy Daniels Friedman, Jim Tavare
RATED: UR/Region: O/1:85/1080P/NUMBER OF DISCS 1 (BDr)
AVAILABLE FROM Leomark Studios
Tales of Frankenstein (2018) is what happens when love for classic monster movies collides head-on with modern indie filmmaking—and neither one walks away completely intact.
Directed by Donald F. Glut, a man whose enthusiasm for Frankenstein could probably reanimate the dead on its own, this anthology-style homage feels less like a movie and more like a very earnest Halloween convention panel that somehow gained access to a camera. The intent is pure: reverence for Universal-era monsters, Hammer vibes, and old-school Gothic melodrama. The execution, however, is about as stitched together as the Monster himself.
Each segment varies wildly in quality, tone, and basic competence. Some stories are mildly charming throwbacks, others feel like extended proof-of-concept reels that wandered in from a film school screening. Performances swing from “trying their absolute best” to “was this the first take and also the last?” and the production values scream passion project, right down to the lighting that suggests Dracula might’ve stolen the budget.
What really keeps Tales of Frankenstein afloat is its sincerity. There’s no irony here, no winking self-awareness—just deep, unapologetic monster kid energy. Glut clearly adores the mythology, and that affection bleeds through every creaky set, melodramatic monologue, and overlong scene of people solemnly discussing things that would’ve been scarier if they’d stopped talking.
Is it scary? Not remotely. Is it polished? Absolutely not. But if you grew up loving Frankenstein and don’t mind your horror served with visible seams, theatrical overacting, and the unmistakable vibe of a lifelong fan finally getting his chance, Tales of Frankenstein is oddly endearing. It’s not alive in the traditional sense—but it does twitch, and sometimes that’s enough.
Extras
- Commentary
- Radio Shows
- Music Video
