The Bottom Line
There have many movie adaptations of the Dracula story, but to my mind, nothing tops the 1931 classic starring Bela Lugosi in the title role. Of course, circa 1931 special effects don't match the visual wizardry of modern movies, but the eerie atmosphere this film creates in my imagination is perhaps the most potent effect ever invented.
Pros
- Classic horror movie with truly eerie atmosphere
- Bela Lugosi’s definitive portrayal of Dracula
- DVD provides bonus materials that enhance enjoyment of film
Cons
- Restoration of this classic film is not as good as some other restorations
- Some modern viewers might be disappointed in production values
- English-language version prudish, stripping story of many of its sexual overtones
Description
- DVD containing classic horror film “Dracula” (1931), starring Bela Lugosi
- DVD provides feature-length audio commentary by film historian David J. Skal
- DVD has 35-minute documentary “The Road to ‘Dracula’”
- DVD also contains Spanish-language version of film “Dracula”
- DVD provides alternate musical score by Philip Glass for English-language version of film
- DVD has several additional bonus materials
- Picture and sound quality are acceptable, given age of film
Guide Review - "Dracula" (1931) DVD Review
There have been other movie adaptations of the Dracula story, but to my mind, nothing can top the 1931 classic starring Bela Lugosi in the title role. Lugosi has always defined Count Dracula in my mind, and no other actor can match his distinctive brand of menace. Of course, circa 1931 special effects don’t match the visual wizardry of modern movies, but I believe the eerie atmosphere this film creates in my imagination is perhaps the most potent effect ever invented. This DVD enhanced my enjoyment of the film that already was one of my favorite horror movies. In particular, I found David J. Skal’s scholarly commentary fascinating. The DVD also has a 35-minute documentary “The Road to ‘Dracula’,” which I thought was both interesting and entertaining. Film buffs will want to watch the Spanish-language version of “Dracula,” which was filmed using the same sets, but a different cast and crew. All in all, this is a DVD that every cinephile and horror movie aficionado will want to watch.