Dracula: Prince of Darkness Blu-ray Review

For the video presentation of "Dracula: Prince of Darkness" Blu-ray, Scream Factory has included both the 4K remastered U.S. cut and the previous 2K mastered UK cut. The U.S. version benefits from a new 4K scan sourced from an interpositive in the 20th Century vaults, due to the poor condition of the original camera negative. Conversely, the UK version was derived from an alternate overseas source, resulting in distinct visual differences. The UK presentation, while cleaner and smoother, has a noticeable yellow hue, which causes colors such as oranges, yellows, and greens to appear hotter and more vibrant. By contrast, the U.S. version maintains more natural color tones, with deep reds and subtle blues and greens that effectively convey the eerie ambiance of Count Dracula's castle.

While the U.S. 4K remaster feels more aligned with the film's original aesthetic, it isn't without flaws. Due to the reliance on an interpositive, viewers may notice sporadic heavy grain, random print damage, and occasional debris. Despite these imperfections, the U.S. cut provides a richer and more natural visual experience compared to the UK version's processed smoothness and excessive DNR application.

The technical encoding on Blu-ray remains competent. The U.S. cut is darker and desaturated, capturing a more traditional Hammer Horror atmosphere. Both versions are encoded on separate layers of the disc using MPEG-4 AVC codec, maintaining video bitrates of around 28000 kbps with few major deviations in frame integrity. While not a flawless transfer, the inclusion of both cuts offers enthusiasts a valuable opportunity to appreciate different interpretations of this gothic classic.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray edition of "Dracula: Prince of Darkness" offers a dual Mono DTS-HD Master Audio track, with noticeable differences between the U.S. and U.K. cuts. The U.K. mix, with a 1581 kbps, 24-bit fidelity, outshines its U.S. counterpart (1567 kbps, 24-bit) in terms of clarity and absence of distortion. The voices are crisp and clean with minimal hiss, particularly prominent during scenes set in Dracula's castle where environmental sounds like footsteps are well-defined. In contrast, the U.S. track suffers from noticeable background hiss and occasional voice harshness, especially at higher volumes.

Nonetheless, both versions maintain the overall atmosphere effectively with clear dialogue reproduction and substantial support for the sound effects and James Bernard’s menacing string-laden score. The dual mono setup ensures coherent sound projection across the front channels, enhancing the eerie ambiance of the film's setting. Optional English SDH subtitles are available for both cuts, making it accessible while preserving the nostalgic mono auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Dracula: Prince of Darkness" offers an impressive array of extras that significantly enhance the viewing experience. Two new audio commentaries merit special attention: one by Troy Howarth, a knowledgeable author who dives deep into Hammer lore and the careers of the film’s participants, and another by filmmaker Constantine Nasr alongside writer/producer Steve Haberman, providing a compelling and informative dialogue on the film's production. The disc also includes a recycled commentary track featuring cast members Christopher Lee, Suzan Farmer, Francis Matthews, and Barbara Shelley. Furthermore, viewers are treated to "World of Hammer Episode: Dracula and the Undead," archival footage, and a detailed making-of documentary. Comprehensive galleries featuring stills, posters, and trailers round out this robust package.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary with Author Troy Howarth: Insights on Fisher, Hammer films, and actor careers.
• NEW Audio Commentary with Constantine Nasr and Steve Haberman: Historical facts and production observations.
• Audio Commentary with Christopher Lee and Cast: Archival group commentary from a 90s LD.
• World of Hammer Episode: Dracula and the Undead: Archival program on Hammer horror.
• Back to Black – The Making of Dracula: Prince of Darkness: Interviews and restoration details.
• Super 8mm Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Archival behind-the-scenes material.
• Theatrical Trailers: Collection of trailers for the film.
• Still Gallery: High-resolution black-and-white glossy photos and color images.
• Poster Gallery: Diverse collection of posters and lobby cards.

"Dracula: Prince of Darkness," directed by Terence Fisher, marks the memorable return of Christopher Lee as the infamous Count Dracula, eight years after his last portrayal. Initially reluctant to reprise his role, Lee was eventually persuaded, and his minimalist approach to dialogue, giving no lines at all, resulted in a hauntingly atmospheric performance. Fisher adeptly leverages Lee's silent malevolence, making his cold, confident presence the primary source of terror rather than relying on the traditional tropes of shrieking victims or verbose villains. The film presents an interesting departure from the previous entries, creating a moody sense of dread that is, in part, diluted by repetitious scenes of Lee hissing and grimacing.

Set a decade after Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) vanquished Dracula, "Dracula: Prince of Darkness" plunges viewers into a village still living in the shadow of Dracula's castle. The plot is ignited by a quartet of naive British tourists who ignore local warnings and seek refuge in the ostensibly abandoned castle. The travelers’ curiosity awakens dark forces when Klove (Phillip Latham), the castle’s sinister caretaker, sacrifices one of them to resurrect Dracula. The movie proceeds with a classic struggle against rising evil, culminating in a climactic confrontation where Charles (Francis Matthews) must replace Van Helsing to save his wife Diana (Suzan Farmer) from Dracula’s clutches.

What distinguishes "Dracula: Prince of Darkness" is its mingling of traditional Hammer Horror elements with some fresh transcendental touches, particularly in its innovative kill scenes. While it may not possess the same visceral punch as "Horror of Dracula," it provides a satisfying slice of gothic horror complemented by Lee's devilishly nuanced performance. Despite its occasional logical lapses—such as Dracula's sporadic use of his powers—it remains a quintessential Hammer Horror film, embracing the genre's iconic charm and thrilling precariousness.

"Dracula: Prince of Darkness" sees Sir Christopher Lee return to his iconic role, adding his unmistakable gravitas to a sequel directed by Terence Fisher. Scream Factory's Blu-ray release features a new 4K remaster of the U.S. cut and includes the U.K. cut in a 2K remaster from several years ago. Examination of both versions reveals distinct differences in video and audio quality, allowing viewers to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of each. The runtime of 90 minutes sees the film initially building atmosphere before delving into a more chilling narrative arc with Dracula's resurrection.

Scream Factory does an admirable job with their Collector's Edition, carrying over several extras from previous releases in addition to new, insightful audio commentaries. The 4K scan of the US version is remarkable although not without fault, compared to the slightly dimmer transfer of the UK cut. The technical specifications include an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 AVC and an English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono audio track, supported by subtitles in English and French. Such attention to detail ensures that despite its minor imperfections this release remains engaging for those with a passion for Hammer Horror films.

"Dracula: Prince of Darkness" may not be the definitive experience for newcomers to Hammer Films, but it stands strong as a classic horror piece with commendable supplementary content. The movie itself, marked by Lee's near-mute yet powerful performance and Barbara Shelley's impressive lead role, showcases the distinctive approach of the Hammer studio to horror cinema.

Conclusion: "Prince of Darkness" is a welcome return for Christopher Lee and an esteemed follow-up to "Horror of Dracula," enhanced by Scream Factory's committed treatment. Despite some room for audiovisual improvement, this edition is a solid recommendation for collectors and horror enthusiasts. With excellent extras and two distinct cuts of the film, it's a robust package worthy of both appreciation and repeated viewing.