...a motion picture for people who love motion pictures, their history, and their evolution. It is a self-recommending classic.
Extras:
Simultaneous with the filming of the English-language version of the movie, Universal produced a Spanish-language version, included on the DVD. Coincident shooting was a common practice in the days before the techniques of dubbing were perfected. The Spanish version uses the same sets and script as the English version but utilizes a completely different cast and crew. It stars Carlos Villarias as the Count and is directed by George Melford. In its own way, it is probably a better production than the English version. After Browning and his people shot in the afternoon, Melford would shoot in the evening, looking at what had been done by the previous filmmakers and saying, "We can do better than that!" Often times, they did. And the current print is better in picture quality than the English edition, too. Unfortunately, Villarias is no Lugosi. Where Lugosi exudes a sinister malignancy, Villarias merely looks perplexed. Still, the Spanish production is faster-paced, with more elaborate effects and broader action. It deserves a look.
As though two complete versions of the film and a new musical track weren't enough, Universal have thrown in an excellent, thirty-five minute documentary, "The Road to Dracula," as well as an exceptionally informative, full-feature commentary by film historian David J. Skal. Mr. Skal compares each scene with its stage and literary counterparts, providing many valuable insights into the making of the 1931 production. One fascinating tidbit I can't get out of my mind: The censors were so strict back then they wouldn't allow rats to be shown on screen, so stand-ins had to be ordered. The English version of "Dracula" uses possums! I thought they were the weirdest-looking rats I had ever seen, and now I know why. But to this day no one can explain why armadillos are slouching around Dracula's basement. The DVD also includes cast and filmmaker biographies, production notes, a montage of stills and posters, scene selections, English and French language and subtitle choices, and a trailer. It's a package that promises many hours of enjoyment.
Parting Thoughts:
Measured by today's standards, the movie is dated and hokey; but it still provides its fair share of shivers. It's not scary, mind you; it's creepy, eerie, filled with despair. And the whole opening sequence in Dracula's castle is as impressive and moody as anything on film. "Dracula" is a motion picture for people who love motion pictures, their history, and their evolution. It is a self-recommending classic.
"The strength of the vampire is that people will not believe in him." --Van Helsing
Simultaneous with the filming of the English-language version of the movie, Universal produced a Spanish-language version, included on the DVD. Coincident shooting was a common practice in the days before the techniques of dubbing were perfected. The Spanish version uses the same sets and script as the English version but utilizes a completely different cast and crew. It stars Carlos Villarias as the Count and is directed by George Melford. In its own way, it is probably a better production than the English version. After Browning and his people shot in the afternoon, Melford would shoot in the evening, looking at what had been done by the previous filmmakers and saying, "We can do better than that!" Often times, they did. And the current print is better in picture quality than the English edition, too. Unfortunately, Villarias is no Lugosi. Where Lugosi exudes a sinister malignancy, Villarias merely looks perplexed. Still, the Spanish production is faster-paced, with more elaborate effects and broader action. It deserves a look.
As though two complete versions of the film and a new musical track weren't enough, Universal have thrown in an excellent, thirty-five minute documentary, "The Road to Dracula," as well as an exceptionally informative, full-feature commentary by film historian David J. Skal. Mr. Skal compares each scene with its stage and literary counterparts, providing many valuable insights into the making of the 1931 production. One fascinating tidbit I can't get out of my mind: The censors were so strict back then they wouldn't allow rats to be shown on screen, so stand-ins had to be ordered. The English version of "Dracula" uses possums! I thought they were the weirdest-looking rats I had ever seen, and now I know why. But to this day no one can explain why armadillos are slouching around Dracula's basement. The DVD also includes cast and filmmaker biographies, production notes, a montage of stills and posters, scene selections, English and French language and subtitle choices, and a trailer. It's a package that promises many hours of enjoyment.
Parting Thoughts:
Measured by today's standards, the movie is dated and hokey; but it still provides its fair share of shivers. It's not scary, mind you; it's creepy, eerie, filled with despair. And the whole opening sequence in Dracula's castle is as impressive and moody as anything on film. "Dracula" is a motion picture for people who love motion pictures, their history, and their evolution. It is a self-recommending classic.
"The strength of the vampire is that people will not believe in him." --Van Helsing
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[release]3508[/release]