Dracula [DVD]

If you're a fan of Dracula, and particularly this 1931 version, then you should definitely seek this out. Restoration has produced an excellent print with no visible signs of damage. The sound, while never going to be DTS, is perfectly fine.

Extras -
The DVD shows of its true strength as a format with the extras Universal have provided. First, there's an entertaining 45 minute 'making of' documentary, which provides a fascinating insight into the movie's conception and production. There's also a commentary track by film historian David J. Skal, and though while scripted, tells us more than enough about the action on screen. There's the trailer and some production photographs, and last there's the opportunity to have a new orchestral score played with the film as you watch (the original features no music, except the opera scene).

Why not 5 stars?
The Region One version features the complete Spanish version of the movie, shot at the exact same time on the same sets (and reportedly superior) and is referred to frequently throughout the documentary and commentary. Why Universal, after taking so much care over this Region Two verson couldn't have provided us with this further look into Dracula's history is a shame.

First and foremost this is my favourite movie of all time and has been from the age of 6.. im only 20 years old but nonetheless the universal monster movies have captured my heart from the word go... but none moreso than this timeless classic... it would have to be bela lugosi's definitve portrayal of dracula that i can account to me being enchanted by the film... so i was VERY excited when the news broke that they where finally restoring these gems for blu ray but a bit wary as to what the quality of them would be (i need not have worried) the transfer is stunning on this (and the rest available) and the film looks as though it was made yesterday... we can finally appreciate this film as it was fully intended to be seen and heard by director tod browning.. the picture quality has to be seen to be believed and the sound is phenomenal as well.. i couldnt have asked for a better release of this movie... also the spanish version is also included and has been restored in the same vain as the english and it too looks stunning... the special features are an amazing bonus with a documentary on the making of the movie and one on lugosi.. there is a commentary by horror historian david j skal and also a score that can be listened to which some people may prefer as the film has no music in it apart from the opening title..

all in all Buy this blu ray as you wont be dissapointed

take care
xx

Lugosi is the epitome of urbane menace and Victorian repression-melting sensuality in this classic chiller. He exudes class and sophistication - his much imitated/never bettered accent is essential to this movie's success. An aristocratic old-world psychopath and blood-rapist segues charmingly into the brash, modern, technocratic and meritocratic USA (supposedly a fog-ridden London) of the thirties like some metaphysical terrorist. Dracula prefers the ladies, but his use of Renfield as a blood host and slave indicates a bisexuality that moves beyond the need to feed. He's not just a one-dimensional ham-villain - listen the wistfulness with which he delivers 'to die, to be truly dead, that must be glorious' - a Shakespearian consummation devoutly to be wished. He's victim of an existential nightmare, elegantly clad in evening attire, trapped by darkness, superstitious villagers and his compulsion for blood, a parable of narcotics addiction to which, ironically, Lugosi succumbed towards the end of his life. Surrounded by three sepulchre-clad blood courtesans (who outlive him), his origins are never explained beyond the 'evil of the vampire' rhetoric preached by right-on man of science Van Helsing, who wields his crucifix like an AK 47.
The castle is beautifully done - watch Lugosi glide through automatically opening doors as we wonder what lies beyond. His dramatic exchanges with Van Helsing (Van Sloan) are electric, even now. You hardly ever got this exchange between Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, more's the pity. The sparing use of music helps immeasurably; the use of silence adds a nightmarish quality. Karl Freund's black and white photography is the height of Caligariesque unease. The latter scenes would benefit from a more fluid directorial approach (watch the Spanish version, made at the same time on the same sets to see how this film could have been improved), but Renfield's description of the sea of rats with their red eyes is chilling and beyond criticism. The ending is disappointing - a powerful villain like Dracula needs a better send-off. The underrated and excellent movie with Frank Langella and a hammy Laurence Olivier, made from the same script, shows how this can be done. But the preceding moments with Helen Chandler on the staircase (where he kills his acolyte Renfield, who begs for torture - anything but soulless oblivion) compensate for this.