Dracula Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's Blu-ray release of "Dracula" (1979) offers a comprehensive visual fidelity that caters to both purists and those with a taste for director John Badham's stylized vision. The package includes two distinct transfers: Universal's original 2014 disc of Badham's desaturated version along with a new 4K scan of the theatrical color timing. The 2014 transfer retains Badham’s heavy desaturation, resulting in an anemic, pseudo-black-and-white aesthetic that is overly dim and dull, rendering colors ineffectively. This faux black-and-white version gets a 3/5 for not fully capturing the intended chiaroscuro, instead presenting the film in a washed-out, unengaging palette.

In contrast, Scream Factory’s new 4K scan is a revelation. This fresh transfer restores the original chromatic vibrancy of the film, showcasing nuanced and rich colors. Despite retaining the olive green tint intrinsic to the film, it impressively recaptures the earthy browns and deep blues of Dracula’s gothic settings. The image clarity is exceptionally sharp, particularly in close-ups and detailed scenes like the confrontation with Mina. Minor artifacts, such as occasional white specks, are still present but don’t detract significantly from an otherwise pristine presentation. Black levels are robust, providing solid contrast and depth while preserving shadow detail without crushing. This newly restored version scores an easy 4/5 in overall video quality.

Technical specifications affirm the quality improvement: encoded in MPEG-4 AVC, 1080p resolution on a BD-50 disc with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The updated transfer revitalizes the viewing experience with natural, vivid colors and smooth cinematic motions devoid of distortion. This dual-disc offering provides both original and reimagined visual experiences, making it a milestone in home video releases for fans and collectors.

The audio presentation of the "Dracula" Blu-Ray by Scream Factory prominently features a DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo track, consistent across both the theatrical and director’s color timed discs. Solid for a late 70s stereo mix, the track maintains clarity throughout, free from auditory glitches or analog hiss. The dialogue is exceptionally distinct, ensuring every line is heard clearly, regardless of the actor's accent or delivery. The sound effects, such as waves and horse hooves, are crisply defined, creating an immersive auditory experience. John Williams’ score, though sometimes lacking the depth inherent in his other works, is evenly balanced and melodically complements the dialogue and soundscape.

Williams' score, integral to the movie's atmosphere, dynamically reproduces its elaborate symphonic movements on these uncompressed tracks. Spanning seventy-two minutes, it prominently utilizes strings and brass to encapsulate Dracula’s romantic allure and underlying menace. In terms of technical performances, the lossless tracks dynamically present these musical themes without distortion or degradation. Restoration efforts by experts such as Michael Mattesino have preserved and amplified these qualities, ensuring the score's lush sound remains faithfully reproduced.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo mix leverages its original recording capabilities effectively, delivering an engaging and atmospheric sound field. Especially noteworthy are the opening sequences aboard the ship and the subsequent panning effects with horse-drawn carriages. The restoration work has properly maintained audio quality devoid of dropped cues, providing a fully immersive experience with no leftover distortions or hissing. All elements—vocals, sound effects, and the musical score—merge seamlessly, presenting a cohesive audio journey that stays true to the original while shining in its clarity and depth.

The Blu-ray release of "Dracula" impressively delves into the nuanced refinements and behind-the-scenes intricacies of the 1979 classic. The set features both desaturated and original theatrical color timings, providing a comparative exploration guided by Emmy-nominated director John Badham. His commentary and introductory segments illuminate aesthetic choices and production challenges. Insightful interviews with key crew members—including writer W.D. Richter, editor John Bloom, make-up artist Peter Robb-King, and assistant director Anthony Waye—offer rich narratives on creative processes, technical hurdles, and collaborative dynamics. Notably, Richter's articulate reflections on adaptation and Bloom's editorial challenges bring depth to the film's storied history. Additionally, the inclusion of archival material like "The Revamping of Dracula" featurette, curated by Laurent Bouzereau, enriches historical context with interviews featuring star Frank Langella and composer John Williams.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Introduction by Director John Badham: Director explains the differences between versions.
• NEW King of My Kind – An Interview with John Badham: Badham discusses his direction and casting choices.
• NEW What Sad Music – An Interview with Writer W.D. Richter: Insights into the adaptation process.
• NEW Dracula's Guest – An Interview with Camera Assistant Jim Alloway: Details on production logistics.
• NEW Interview with Editor John Bloom: Editorial challenges and creative decisions.
• NEW Interview with Make-Up Artist Peter Robb-King: Historical context of the film’s make-up.
• NEW Interview with Hair Stylist Colin Jamison: Styling anecdotes about the cast.
• NEW Interview with Assistant Director Anthony Waye: Production challenges including weather issues.
• NEW Interview with Production Manager Hugh Harlow: Daily operations and crew management.
• Audio Commentary with Director John Badham: Deep dive into production details.
• The Revamping of Dracula Featurette: Archival documentary with insight from the original cast and crew.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original teaser trailer, restored.
• Radio Spots: Restored promotional clips.
• Still Gallery: A comprehensive collection of film-related images.

John Badham's 1979 adaptation of "Dracula" stands as a unique and ambitious entry in the Dracula film canon. Central to the film's allure is Frank Langella's captivating portrayal of the titular character. Langella embodies Dracula not merely as a monstrous predator, but as a charismatic figure exuding sensuality and grandeur. This rendition of Dracula distances itself from sheer terror, focusing instead on romantic and erotic undertones. The film intricately balances moments of gothic horror with a character-driven exploration of desire, creating an interesting amalgamation of genres. Laurence Olivier’s interpretation of Van Helsing and Donald Pleasence's Dr. Seward further enrich the narrative, adding depth and gravitas to the ensemble cast.

The visual presentation of "Dracula" is another notable highlight. The Blu-ray release restores the original color timing intended by Badham, offering a richness and texture that enhances the period detail and overall atmosphere. The haunting score by John Williams complements the visual aesthetic, adding an epic scale to the production that underscores the drama and horror. Yet, at times, the film struggles with tonal consistency, shifting between gothic stylization and psychedelic romance sequences. This sometimes discordant blend can momentarily disengage the viewer but also showcases Badham's commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

In terms of narrative structure, the film takes liberties with Bram Stoker's original story, yielding both fresh perspectives and unorthodox character developments. The reconstructed color timing breathes new life into the film, making it a visually striking and more coherent piece of cinematic art. For viewers returning to this version of "Dracula", the restored visuals and rich performances heighten the appreciation for Badham's ambitious vision. Despite its initial mixed reception, this version has aged well, earning its place as a distinctive and evocative take on the Dracula mythos.

Scream Factory's Blu-ray release of John Badham's 1979 "Dracula" stands as a definitive and meticulously crafted edition for collectors and cinephiles alike. This version notably includes both the original color-timed version, which director Badham had previously been adamant about changing, and his desaturated version, offering fans the best of both worlds. With Frank Langella's mesmerizing portrayal of Count Dracula, alongside stellar performances by Laurence Olivier and Donald Pleasance, the film exudes a uniquely dark eroticism that sets it apart from other adaptations of Bram Stoker’s novel.

The technical presentation is top-notch, with an aspect ratio of 2.39:1 AVC and English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo audio. Subtitles are provided in English SDH, making it accessible to a broad audience. One of the release's key strengths lies in its comprehensive special features, including a new commentary by Constantine Nasr and eight in-depth interviews that explore the film's production and promotional history in exquisite detail. This extensive behind-the-scenes content enriches the viewing experience and provides valuable context for both newcomers and longtime fans.

In conclusion, Scream Factory's Blu-ray release of "Dracula" (1979) not only rectifies past oversights regarding the film's color timing but also elevates its status through exceptional technical treatment and exhaustive supplementary materials. The high-quality packaging, complete with new cover art and slipcover, underscores its appeal as a collector's item. This release is highly recommended for its historical significance and the enduring allure of Langella's iconic performance. Overall, it is a must-have for any film enthusiast’s collection.