[.ca] Count Dracula (BBC Mini-Series) (1977)

Pretty much the only "Dracula" you'll ever need:
In terms of acting excellence, atmosphere, location and period authenticity, this much-loved 1977 BBC production of Bram Stoker's novel, "Dracula", is quite possibly the single best (and therefore most essential) cinematic adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel available. Don't get me wrong, you'd be doing yourself a tremendous disservice by avoiding the 1922 and the 1931 versions; both Max Schreck and Bela Lugosi give definitive portrayals of the Count. But I'll be damned if this version doesn't just wash and wipe the floor with Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 version while leaving the (admittedly, classic) Hammer Films Draculas to wax up afterwards. Much has been made of the great performances given by the cast. "Count Dracula" treats us to an astute, intelligent Mina; a kindly, wise, and resolute Dr. Van Helsing, and an unabashedly female Lucy. Yes, folks, it's true that Louis Jourdan is a truly formidable main villain and the casual, arrogant dismissiveness with which he tosses off the famous "children of the night" comment, combined with his reptilian gaze, very clearly telegraphs how far removed from the line of men his Count Dracula has become over the centuries. It's also nice to finally see a portrayal of Jonathan Harker showing some actual balls with regards to his predicament as a hostage in Dracula's castle. All this in a film that essentially follows the novel's plot point-for-point. The occasionally videotaped footage has the tendency to make this feel like a superior episode of "Dark Shadows" -- keeping in mind what a good show that was -- but that's all in its favour. The cinematography is, by and large, excellent. Whitby, England looks positively gothic while the frequent night-time scenes portray everything in ethereal detail. The music score, while sparse, is frankly spooky. The special effects generally aren't (with a few very notable exceptions), but they are few and far between and don't really detract from the effectiveness of the production. The DVD itself is as bare-bones as they come with a series of ads at the beginning that becomes old very quickly (the more so since one cannot skip through them). Nevertheless, this is such a small price to pay -- and the disc is very reasonably priced indeed -- for the enjoyment of such a fine film. The transfer is solid, the sound is crisp, and the overall story adaptation is outstanding. Whichever other versions of "Dracula" you may own, don't hesitate to add this one to your collection. If you've never seen any version of "Dracula" before, pick this up. Ultimately, it's the only one you need to own.

Finally on DVD...a Dracula you can stick your fangs into!:
This is my favourite of all the filmed versions of Stoker's classic, and I've seen them all! This is, really, the only one that closely follows the original story rather than "adapting" the story as most others do. This is a BBC production from the 70's, and the acting, location, and script are impeccable. Louis Jourdan was a risky choice for Dracula, but he manages to convey with a single glance what most of the other actors who have played the part couldn't, even when they added plastic fangs, red capes and spooky music. The rest of the cast is superb as well, with Susan Penhaligon a standout as Lucy, but Jourdan as a silky, quietly threatening, and seductive Dracula is mesmerizing. I also suggest watching the silent film Nosferatu if you would like to see the first (and my second favourite) filmed version, and my third favourite, the Bela Lagosi Dracula from the 30's. The heavily adapted Hammer Horror Dracula series starring Christopher Lee is also recommended as a guilty pleasure...perfect for late night popcorn fests...enjoy!!