Rating: 
Summary: "Open the door! I've something for you!"
Review: "Scars of Dracula" is a sort of 'odd man out' in the series of films released by Hammer Studios in that it has no place in the continuity (rather like the final film in the series, "Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires"). Basically, it re-writes the series as a sort of alternate "part one" ... therefore, it's a good place to start for anyone who hasn't seen any of these movies before.
"Scars" opens unpromisingly, I must begin by saying, but a lame resurrection for Our Favorite Vampire is compensated by some unforgettable moments immediately following it ... there's the torching of Dracula's castle following his murder of a young girl by the frightened townspeople, who are then led by their priest to the church where they discover ... well, I can't really tell you, but you'll certainly never forget. Some time passes following this incident, and we're soon introduced to a pair of brothers, the nice Simon and the naughty Paul (who's given a most amusing introduction), our protagonists for the remainder of the feature. Paul finds himself, as a result of his high spiritedness, at Dracula's doorstep and up to his kneecaps in a sludge full of trouble, only to be followed soon afterward by Simon and the lovely girl both brothers are sweet on in an effort to save him.
Though the plot is rather thin, the film succeeds thanks to a number of striking images/scenes ... Drac gets a lot of lines, which is great because Christopher Lee has such a fantastic voice, there are some nice sets, particularly the bedroom where the stabbing occurs (love the red candles and curtains ... I want a room like that! and the stabbing, though unexplained in the movie, is certainly unforgettable). There are also some nice moments like Paul's escape from that bedroom to Dracula's resting place in a virtually inaccessible crypt hollowed into the side of the mountain ... the mere idea of being trapped there with no way out, knowing it would be just a matter of time till Dracula wakes up and having no where to hide is just awful. The sight of the former "Doctor Who" himself, Patrick Troughton, hacking up the corpse of Dracula's stabbing victim is hard to shake (I particularly like the way he whistles cheerfully to himself as he gets ready to do it, laying out his tools and setting down drop clothes in case any blood splatters). Memorable too are the sight of Dracula's iris's glowing red from beneath his closed eyelids, along with the sequence featuring him spiderclimbing up the cliffside (which we also got to see in Francis Ford Coppola's version in 1992 ... but this movie did it first!). The music is excellent, especially the violins we hear when Dracula mesmerizes his young female victims. The climax of the film too is pretty nifty, with the cross-stealing bat (helpful friends, eh?), and a final act of God that helps Simon to put a stop to the vampire's mischief at the end (this isn't a spoiler ... don't tell me you really expected Dracula to win!).
"Scars of Dracula" was the last of the Gothic Dracula films ... from the next film on, the films of the series would either be set in budget-saving modern-day England or turn of the century China (seriously!) It works very well as an introduction to the series, as I said already, as it basically re-writes the back-story, making any of the previous films irrelevant, and as it was the last of its kind it works also as a nice stand-alone Dracula tale.
The DVD I purchased here at Amazon back in 2001 boasted some great extras, all of which were greatly enjoyed by me. There are extensive biographies of both star Christopher Lee and director Roy Ward Baker (both containing a lot of "Scars" specific comments from both of them), trailers, nicely, NICELY animated menus a slideshow style photo gallery that lets the pictures float by automatically while some creepy music accompanies the images in the background, and a highly informative and critical commentary by both Mr. Lee himself and the director (who are not afraid to voice their dissatisfaction with parts of the film). But the best extra of all comes in the form of a bonus disk ... it's a retrospective look on the career of Christopher Lee, given to us by the man himself as he looks into the camera and tells us about the various roles he was privileged to play over the years. The best part comes at the end when he mentions his fellow horror film co-stars "Peter" and "Vincent". Very sweet.
"Scars of Dracula" is not a perfect movie (as several things are never explained and the bats still look fake), but it's a lot of fun, and the things it does right are done so well that they more than compensate for the things that aren't. Do yourself a favor and buy a copy today. This film and it's extras will keep you entertained for hours.
Carry on Carry on,
MN
Rating: 
Summary: "Scars" has some scares, but some problems, too.
Review: "scars of Dracula" is a film that is much better suited to Hammer/Christopher Lee fans than the general viewing public. It does have much to offer, but it most certainly is a drop in quality from earlier films in the series. Here's the good:1) DracuLee is given more to do, much more. He displays the icy charm Hammer-Heads have come to love. 2) The movie reeks with atmosphere in spots. Lee climbing up the wall, his eyes glowing thru his eyelids, etc... 3) Although the photography is strangely flat, the vibrant reds do show up in several scenes. There are several things working against the movie as well: 1) The "day-for-night" photography is atrocious! It's always too bright. Plus, there are several scenes where it's bright outside, but as soon as people are near the castle the skies are suddenly dark. 2) The rubber bats leave alot to be desired (although the scenes of the bat chewing on the priest's face are unsettling). 3) The movie features "young" stars. The strongest Hammer films had adults in the lead roles. Overall, I really enjoy "Scars of Dracula", although I'm not sure if that's a truly objective opinion. I'm a Hammer-Head and I proudly admit it. Try it for yourself---just don't go in expecting "Horror of Dracula". Brian
Rating:
Summary: Hammer Films last Gothic Dracula film
Review: "Scars of Dracula" is the most uneven of the Hammer Dracula films. Highlighted by scenes of unusal violence and sadism (if that's your cup of tea), the film is hurt by terrible art direction, due no doubt to an attempt by Hammer Films to tighten the purse strings. Too bad too, because all the other elements are here for a top notch Dracula entry. Still far better and more enjoyable than contemporary horror fodder.
Rating: 
Summary: Anaemic sequel to Hammers Drac canon
Review: Absolutely dreadful sequel awfully acted apart from Christopher Lee as the Count who looks fantastic but fails to save the film. Lousy production gimmicky unconvincing effects and those awful bats. Why Hammer had to resort to copying Universal is beyond me. No wonder the great Mr Lee got sick of Hammer using the Count in daft storylines and having to speak ludricrous dialogue. The only good points are Hammer regular Michael Ripper as a suspicious publican and the ending in which Dracula is struck by lightning. I was also very surprised at director Roy Ward Baker who had directed such Hammer classics as "Quatermass and the Pit" and "Dr Jekyll and Sister Hyde" was he not bothered? Most definately the worst in the Hammer Dracula cycle.
Rating: 
Summary: The Prince Returns!
Review: Anchor Bay has just released Hammer Dracula film No. 5 on DVD. Christopher Lee starred in 15 Dracula epics, 7 for Hammer Films. Released in 1970, shortly after "Taste the Blood of Dracula", "Scars of Dracula" is violent and sadistic, with a rapid pace throughout. An attractive young couple spends the night at a gloomy old castle, and well...guess what! Right out of Bram Stoker, the Count crawls straight up the tower wall. But rubber bats and night and day scene jump cuts damage the final result. "Scars" was the first "R" rated Hammer release in the U.S.. A clear, crisp DVD from an excellent source, the print is presented in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. "Scars" has an audio commentary with the director and Lee himself. The horror star looks back on his years at Hammer and plugs his new book. But there's treasure here! If you're a true Lee fan, you must have the extra DVD, "Many Faces of Christopher Lee(not available on all releases)". The 65 minute film, made by the BBC in 1995, is a masterful walk down the Christopher Lee career, and narrated by the star himself. It includes clips from many of his 250 film roles. Lee started in 1948, with a bit part as a spear carrier in "Hamlet", and will appear in the 2002 release of "Star Wars: Episode II-Attack of the Clones". In the documentary, he examines Dracula and Bela Lugosi, comedic moments from the Fu Manchu films, and memories of SNL and John Belushi. 2 videos are included; giving you scenes of Lee dancing and singing 3 songs. Towards the end, with a tear in his eye, he mentions the passing of 2 close actor/friends. They were both very noble human beings. They're names were Vincent and Peter...
Rating:
Summary: The Prince Returns!
Review: Anchor Bay has just released Hammer Dracula film No. 5 on DVD. Christopher Lee starred in 15 Dracula epics, 7 for Hammer Films. Released in 1970, shortly after "Taste the Blood of Dracula", "Scars of Dracula" is violent and sadistic, with a rapid pace throughout. An attractive young couple spends the night at a gloomy old castle, and well...guess what! Right out of Bram Stoker, the Count crawls straight up the tower wall. But rubber bats and night and day scene jump cuts damage the final result. "Scars" was the first "R" rated Hammer release in the U.S.. A clear, crisp DVD from an excellent source, the print is presented in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. "Scars" has an audio commentary with the director and Lee himself. The horror star looks back on his years at Hammer and plugs his new book. But there's treasure here! If you're a true Lee fan, you must have the extra DVD, "Many Faces of Christopher Lee(not available on all releases)". The 65 minute film, made by the BBC in 1995, is a masterful walk down the Christopher Lee career, and narrated by the star himself. It includes clips from many of his 250 film roles. Lee started in 1948, with a bit part as a spear carrier in "Hamlet", and will appear in the 2002 release of "Star Wars: Episode II-Attack of the Clones". In the documentary, he examines Dracula and Bela Lugosi, comedic moments from the Fu Manchu films, and memories of SNL and John Belushi. 2 videos are included; giving you scenes of Lee dancing and singing 3 songs. Towards the end, with a tear in his eye, he mentions the passing of 2 close actor/friends. They were both very noble human beings. They're names were Vincent and Peter...
Rating:
Summary: In My Own Humble Opinion.....
Review: By 1970 when this bit of film was released into the world, I believe that the writers were running out of good ideas. Compared to "Horror of Dracula" from 1958, "Scars of Dracula" is kinda lame and the bats are incredibly fake looking. Nice try - it's better than watching the walls collect dust.
Rating:
Summary: The Prince of Darkness returns!
Review: Christopher Lee returns as the brutal and sadistic Count Dracula in this classic film. Scars of Dracula is believed by Hammer fans alike to be the most graphic and explicit film in the entire series. The level of violence and sex is a lot higher than in the previous Dracula movies. But don't let that stop you from buying this cult classic. I think that this film is the best in the series next to Horror of Dracula and contains some scenes that were straight from the novel, one of which has Dracula crawl down the wall of his castle. There is also a graphic scene which reflects Dracula as Vlad Tepes in which one of Dracula's victims is found impaled on the castle wall. If you are a Hammer/horror fan, do yourself a favor and buy SCARS OF DRACULA today.
Rating:
Summary: SEXY AND CRUEL
Review: Dracula is really cruel in this movie. "Torture" is his middle name. The "girls" are beautiful: Christopher Lee must have enjoied biting Anouska Hempel's neck... it's a really sexy scene. Screenplay, actors(director's fault?) and lines are not convincing at all.
Rating:
Summary: A Must-Have for Christopher Lee fans!
Review: Fans of Christopher Lee and/or Hammer Films, don't wait on this one. Get the "Limited Edition" and you'll be treated to a superb bonus disc, that includes an hour-long documentary hosted by the man himself, plus two MUSIC VIDEOS featuring Mr. Lee singing! A rare treat which makes the DVD worth buying. As for SCARS OF DRACULA, it's neither the best nor worst in the series. Widely reputed as the most violent Hammer Dracula, the film has not been viewed favorably (detractors include Lee himself---check him out on the commentary track!). But if you can avoid comparing the film to the studio's earlier, superior films (particularly those helmed by Terence Fisher), you might just find a decent horror movie waiting to be discovered. As expected from the nice folks at Anchor Bay, the picture and sound quality are top-notch, surpassing DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS (in my opinion). But the extras really overshadow the beautifully-transferred, but flawed film. Sink your teeth into this one, horror fans!
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