Dracula

Rating:
Summary: Great stuff for all extra-content junkies
Review: Universal's done a wonderful job of presenting these three versions of the Dracula story; it hasn't left my dvd player since the mailman came friday afternoon! It's especially interesting to compare the spanish version with Tod Browning's seminal film. I was also curious about the new score Phillip Glass wrote for the Kronos Quartet to perform (I'm a fan of both Glass and Kronos). Some have complained about the mix, and I tend to agree, but found that careful adjustment of my surround sound channels produced a good balance.

One quibble - Amazon notes that the DVD features the Glass soundtrack as an isolated audio track, but I can't seem to find the music independent of the dialog. It's unfortunate, but after a couple listens I've decided that although the music complements the film adequately, it really doesn't stand on it's own as an independant, coherent piece (atten: rabid Phillip Glass fans, your mileage will probably vary).

Rating:
Summary: IMMORTAL NIGHT
Review: If you're a fan of the classic horror genre, then picking up DRACULA on DVD will not disappoint. Packing a triple threat of the restored American release of DRACULA, plus a remastered and original score by Phillip Glass, also the best of the best, the often heard about, rarely seen Spanish mirror version of DRACULA which will leave both astounded and amazed (it is by far superior to the American version that you will wonder why Universal didn't release the Spanish version in theaters). The DVD features superior picture, sound, and hosts a easy to navigate and well desgined MENU site (often overlooked or tacked on last minuet in other DVD releases), you will not be disappointed if you pick up DRACULA.

Rating:
Summary: 5 stars not because of the movie
Review: i'm sorry, but this movie s#&ked. i realize it is very old, and at the time it was quite groundbreaking, but unfortunately i found it to be rather boring. i fell asleep.

regardless, i give this movie a 5 simply because of the beautiful score by philip glass, the most underrated and overhated composer in american history. plus, you really can't beat the kronos quartet.

the reviewer who states that the dialogue cannot be heard is correct, but on the other hand, that isn't such a bad thing.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Dracula Disc
Review: This DVD is a real treat for fans of Lugosi and Dracula. This disc has 3 "versions" of the 1931 film Dracula. The first is the original Lugosi version with restored extended groaning at the end when Dracula dies. The 2nd version is merely the original with an added modern score. The third version is a spanish version that was filmed on the same sets with spanish-speaking actors after the american crew had packed up for the day.

The image quality is the best it has ever been although somewhat grainy at the beginning of the film. The DVD has an excellent optional running commentary as well as a great documentary film explaining the genesis of Dracula and its transition from book to stage to screen. Finally, this DVD has a nice selection of movie posters, lobby cards and stills as an added feature.

This disc is a collector's dream!

Rating:
Summary: LUGOSI LIVES(AND SO DOES CARLOS VILLARIAS)
Review: The new Universal DVD of DRACULA is a marvelous package that includes both the classic Lugosi/Tod Browning film, and the Spanish language version shot simultaneously on the same sets. Both films are great, though for different reasons. The Lugosi version is great for one reason-Lugosi. He is absolutely hypnotic in this role, and is truly the defintive Vampire Count. The Spanish version is superb for it's use of the camera, and for the supporting cast, which is superior to the English Language version. The DVD extras are splendid; the documentary(narrated by Carla Laemmle, niece of the founder of Universal) is fascinating, and David Skal is the ultimate authority on Dracula,hence his audio commentary is very valuable. The film transfers are good, though the Lugosi version does show it's age. The Spanish version looks gorgeous, however. And the English version, despite wear, looks better than I've ever seen it before. Definitely a must own DVD.

Rating:
Summary: Score ruins it
Review: The score absolutely ruins the movie you cant hear the diolouge! They turned the sound up too loud! Try to find the edition without the score!

Rating:
Summary: Timeless
Review: I remember seeing this on television back in the '70's and loving it and to me this film is still as strong as ever. Is it scary? no, but it is a moody, dark film that draws one in. A lot of people slag Lugosi's performance, but I think you have to take into account the time period and the fact that Lugosi came straight from performing on stage, that is why he uses his eyes and exagerated body motions because that is the background he came from. The overall acting in this film is very good, the sets and the surroundings are very well-done for the time and really set the standard for American monster films for about the next ten years. The film does peak early and gets a little thin and rushed towards the end, but the acting stays solid and keeps this film going. Now about the new soundtrack, I was interested so I bought the version with the new soundtrack. The first time I watched it, I thought the music was a little too strong and a little loud, but after I watched the film for the third time then I really began to appreciate it and now I think it really adds to the film. The original trailer is also a big bonus to the new release. If you want to be scared then go rent some cheapo '80s slasher flick, but if you want to see a classic monster film then this is the one for you.

Rating:
Summary: A Failed Masterpiece
Review: The first part of the Lugosi Dracula, in the Carpathian Mountains, is absolutely eerie. It becomes stage bound in the London sequences and loses the compelling terror. Bela Lugosi is still the best Dracula. Repeated lampooning of his style has unfortunately watered down his interpretation, but nevertheless he blends the courtly count with the spirit of the undead just enough to give us a plausable concept of a diseased demon come to life. One key aspect of the Carpathian sequences especially at the castle is the lack of music. The quiet enhances these scenes particularly those moments when Dracula and his brides rise from their coffins as well as when the brides approach the unconcious Renfield. I have not seen the version with the great Philip Glass's music added, but I can not imagine these sequences being improved upon by anyone's music. This version of Dracula is worth seeing for the brilliant first half.

Rating:
Summary: Nice but not over the top
Review: The first 'Dracula' picture made by an English-speaking country was and remains a fine first. It was also the pathfinder for Universal studios' success with monsters and the horror genre in general. What detracts from it is Browning's direction over what is essentially a theatre production. Lugosi is affable as the count but the rest of the cast as well as the storyline ammendments sometimes don't work. The picture is nice to watch but does not scare anywhere near as much as 'Nosferatu', some 9 years its senior. Too much effort is put into corralling the cast into two camps: Count Dracula as the evil power and the good camp, led of Dr. van Helsing. This steals much of the suspense because it shows early on that Dracula is not invincible. What is interesting is that all American made gothic horrors never seem to scare. It's interesting to note that Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 version fell into the same trap. It seems like this is the bottom line in vampire movies: if you want scare horror, leave it to the Europeans. As a horror film in itself, I'd recommend watching 'Dracula' once or twice but you can't get much of a jolt from it.

Rating:
Summary: and see the film 'Ed Wood' as well...!
Review: When you've seen 'Dracula', take the trouble of also seeing 'Ed Wood'. You'll never forget the role of Lugosi in Dracula and the magnificent role of Martin Landau (10 stars!) in 'Ed Wood'. Through Landau the person and the magic of Lugosi really comes to life. And as for the Glass-music: being a fan of him since way back, I stopped very soon trying to persuade people of the beauty of his music. And hey, Philip Glass too can't always compose masterpieces! One lesser piece makes you appreciate the beautiful ones even more.