Scars of Dracula

Customer Reviews:

DVD vs VHS.......2007-08-09

I just recently obtained the Scars of Dracula dvd after having the vhs version for over 10 years. There is a difference in screen formats which made me think "Why don't they just release the dvd in full screen?" I compared the picture of the dvd to the vhs because I noticed something missing. 1:85 matted formats cut out the top and bottom of the picture to make it "resemble" widescreen. Sure enough, black bars at the top and bottom replaced the full vhs picture on the dvd. I recently read an article that stated 1:85 matted is what the director originally wanted. In 2 different movies a boom mike was shown at the top of the Princess Bride scene while shorts were shown on a character in A Fish Called Wanda who was supposed to be naked. These examples explained to me some films are matted in this fashion.

The Scars of Dracula dvd's color and clarity were far superior to that of the vhs. The bright reds were a sight to behold, and I found that the night scenes, which were too dark in the vhs version, to be clear and crisp in the dvd. Dracula's resurrection in the castle where he walks to the window was mottled and dark on my original vhs tape. The dvd also wins with the extra features and commentary by Lee. I would have rated this as 5 stars if I knew more about the matted format, which I deducted a star from.

Back to the Castle.......2007-03-17

If you like the Chris Lee Dracula films as much as I do, I would recommend getting this one along with Horror of Dracula, Dracula-Prince of Darkness, and Dracula has Risen from the Grave. This one follows the same style setting---England in the 1800's. This particular film has a good bit of supense, and Lee is really evil in this one. Much better than Taste the Blood and AD 1972, this movie follows a formula that really works best for Lee's portrayal of this character---it was a return to form with Lee playing the darker,deadlier Dracula that he was in the first 3 films. The storyline is similiar, of course, with Dracula wreaking havoc on a local community who cower at the mention of his name until a young hero arrives to save the day. The ending is typical, but there is a twist. I won't give it away totally, but the hero thinks he has Dracula when he spears him with a long metal spike only to see Dracula smile and pull the spike out without leaving a mark or any drop of blood.

A strong entry in a strong series........2007-02-01

This is a surprisingly good edition to Hammer's classic Dracula series, though it's certainly not the strongest of the films in the franchise. It is, however, the most risqué, surprisingly so. In addition, this Anchor Bay release of the film has a bonus second feature entitled; The Many Faces of Christopher Lee, which is a lot of fun for fans of the legendary actor, especially the ludicrous music videos included, which are absolutely hilarious. Really, Hammer never made a bad Dracula or Frankenstein film, and it's a shame that most modern horror enthusiasts lack an appreciation for these old gems, because they're really missing out. This one is especially worth picking up, because of the second feature, and perhaps might be a good entry level film for modern film goers, since there is a bit more blood and skin in this one.

Also, in response to an earlier reviewer's statements, Bela Lugosi only played Dracula twice on film, once in Dracula, and once in Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Christopher Lee, however, played him ten times, and for my money, is the superior count.

this Dracula serie lacks of Van Helsing.......2006-10-28

here are some reasons, why this series becomes one of the weakest Hammer's British Dracula: 1. The very weak priest can't fight against the evil spirit, the actor has not a big talent and the role is not strong enough as Peter Cushing was. 2. The female stars are acting really awful 3. Dennis Waterman has no immense charisma to fight the almighty Dracula, neither does Chris Matthews (Paul). 4. The most worst of all is: Christopher Lee felt very boring to play the same role as Count Dracula. One can notice clearly that his acting was embarrassing and tedious during the movie set. Lee failed to balance the role in this film, which the excellent performance of Bela Lugosi had already appeared 40 years earlier

Christopher Lee could replace his predecessor Bela Lugosi as Count.......2006-09-26

Christopher Lee could balance and continue his charismatic predecessor Bela Lugosi(1882 - 1956) in the 60's Hammer british Dracula series.

This film is a great example for Lee as Count.

The differences are:
- Lugosi was more a theatrical Dracula from Broadway. Lugosi acted very elegant, exclusive & gentleman as a Dracula star. His charming style becomes a legend.
- Lee is more a mainstream Dracula star. He is not a theatre star like Lugosi did in 1931. He'd prefer a type of cold elegant beast. His style is less charming because he has to accustom himself into various directions in eight Dracula series.

Lugosi played as Dracula three times:
1. Dracula 1931
2. Return of the Vampire 1944
3. Mark of the Vampire 1935

Lee played as Dracula 8 times (see Filmography Imdb)

Frankly Bela Lugosi was a bit more charismatic than Christopher Lee, but Christopher Lee could balance the great charisma of his great predecessor.

Average customer rating:

DVD vs VHS
Back to the Castle
A strong entry in a strong series.
this Dracula serie lacks of Van Helsing
Christopher Lee could replace his predecessor Bela Lugosi as Count

Scars of Dracula [Region 2]
Starring: Christopher Lee , Dennis Waterman , Jenny Hanley , Patrick Troughton , and Michael Ripper
Director: Roy Ward Baker
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005NEVX