Avis sur le produitHorror of Dracula (DVD, 1958)

Horror of Dracula (Chris & Pete team up in a classic !)

Hammer Films great acting duo of Chris and Pete have created another classic with their two outstanding performances in this high production value, color film from the middle fifties. Being 14 at the time this film screened in my one theater hometown, it was plenty real enough for me. Who would have ever thought to bite a lovely lady on the neck? Only Count Dracula, of course, and Dr. Van H. was barely able to push the Count to dust in a super showdown. If you enjoy an historic vampire story about unselfish, unrelenting good vs. cruel and awesome evil, then this is one film you must not miss seeing. It's one of the best from Hammer! I think both Chris and Pete have gone to their unearthly rewards by now. Too bad, but today's dvd makes it easily available for viewing anytime. E.J. recommends to start watching it just past midnight. So, buy a new dvd and then, when you are all alone, enjoy one of the best horror films.Lire l'avis complet...

Count Dracula BBC (1977)

Directed by Philip Saville, written by Gerald Savory and starring Louis Jourdan as the Count, this BBC movie is the closest to Stoker's novel any adaptation has ever approached. Dracula, unlike in the book, is of indeterminate middle age, clean-shaven with black hair; yet while he looks normal, his words and demeanor positively throb with malevolence. Apart from a few minor changes, the story, characters and even the dialogue are nearly exactly as presented in Stoker.

The performances are typical of 1970s BBC “novels-for-television” in that they are engaging but not overpowering, credible but rarely exceptional, and intense where appropriate, without resorting to scene-stealing or scenery-chewing. From the ensemble only two performers emerge as notable: Judi Bowker, known to fantasy fans from her turn as Andromeda in Clash of the Titans, is a stand-out as Mina, all limpid blue eyes and white, swan-like throat; her dreamy reveries as a vampiress-in-training, and her outcries of dread and remorse at Lucy’s passing and at her own acceptance of the Count’s vile ministrations, possess an emotive quality that elevate her performance above her fellows. And Louis Jourdan as the Count is the picture of aristocratic restraint; even when we can sense his rage, he is calm and controlled, confident in his looming triumph. Early in the movie, Dracula’s discourses with Harker are warm, welcoming, even friendly, but these soon decompose into icy double-speak as he browbeats and cajoles his captive in the most polite manner imaginable. His toothy smile, described by Stoker as “charming”, is as politic as it is threatening.

At 2 ½ hours, the movie is a bit long, a langud slow-build punctuated by moments of startling horror that last just long enough to pique our appetite for the next shock. There is a degree of theatricality in the actors’ mannerisms and in the staging of some of the scenes, but overall the realism and naturalism of the images lends a very convincing air to the story, including the use of realistic-looking blood, location exteriors and natural lighting. Bizarre video effects and surrealistic editing techniques heighten the horror at certain points, such as when Dracula’s menacing face is polarized with red-rimmed eyes and lips, but apart from these brief instances, and the occasional use of thick scarlet blood, the movie is almost entirely free of special effects.

I cannot stress enough how excellent this movie is, my personal favorite of all film adaptations of the novel. I first saw it on PBS in the late 70s, on Halloween night no less, and it spooked the living bejeezus out of me. There I was, at 9 or 10 years old a diehard fan of Lugosi and Lee, Karloff and Cushing, shrugging off scenes of gruesome gore like they were nothin', and sitting there in the dark watching my father's little 10" TV, I was scared to my soul by this moody masterpiece of modern terror. The only films that rival it for cinematic aplomb are, IMO, the Spanish-language 1931 version and the 1992 Coppola film, but those versions are more fun than scary. This one is deeply unsettling in its depiction of evil, and especially in the degradation of Lucy from a sweet ingenue to a lusty, hissing weirdo of the night.

It is not a perfect adaptation of the novel, but it's probably the best, and is at least more subtle and nuanced the the florid 1992 film by Francis Ford Coppola.Lire l'avis complet...

This doesn't suck or bite

Contrary to popular belief, Dracula doesn't suck or bite.
HE'S TOTALLY AWESOME!!
Christopher Lee is the king of cool - IN HIS DEBUT ROLE AS COUNT DRACULA - in this classic Hammer film, the Horror of Dracula. Although Lee has few lines, his body language and facial expressions say it all. Peter Cushing, a horror mega star in his own right, co-stars in this classic film as Van Helsing.

I grew up on the horror and sci-fi from the 50's, 60's and 70's. I loved watching them then, and I love them and the memories they encite even more now. These films didn't have to show gore and guts or people getting their limbs sawed off to be great movies. They have suspense, terror, sexy characters, and great sets and props. These were the days when actors ACTED, contrary to many of the "stars" on the silver screen today. If you love Lee, Cushing, or the Lord of the Undead - Dracula Himself - this original Hammer film classic will not disappoint you. Grab your cloves of garlic, holy water and wooden stake and enjoy!Lire l'avis complet...

Christopher Lee as Dracula gives a perfect performance as the monstrous count of the Bavarian mountains. ainsscenery are fantastic.

** The Horror of Dracula is by far the best of the Hammer films! , full of a well stacked cast that plays their parts to the letter. The excellent music score, sets & scenery. add to the success of this 1958! classic. Lire l'avis complet...

Achat vérifié :  Oui | État : occasion | Vendu par : goodgravy80

Oh yeah !

Chris Lee is a very diffinative Dracula while Lugosi gave it that Euriopean creepy gothic Lee gave it that ferocious intensitiveness that put it over the top the first few scenes alone show the fierceness of his evil and by far nothing before match it great product fine film thumbs up all the way around Lire l'avis complet...

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Horror of Dracula

Had to grab this original copy of Horror of Dracula. A true classic and one of the best films made by Hammer.

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Favorite Dracula movie!

My favorite Dracula movie! It arrived quickly and plays well. Glad to add it to my horror collection.

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Christopher Lee!!

Christopher Lee as Dracula is my best. Can not forget Bela Lugosi of course as the original.

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DVD Arrived safely and works great!

DVD Arrived safely and works great! Watching this movie brings back memories of when i was little and my gram-ma showing it to me starting my love for horror movies! I bought this to add to my movie collection and replace my VHS version. Christopher Lee RIP was and is one of my Favorite Horror loves... this film i'd recommend buying to any horror buff!!!Lire l'avis complet...

A must buy, and must see.

Lee was the ultimate dracula

Achat vérifié :  Oui | État : occasion | Vendu par : second.sale