Review of Dracula (a.k.a. Bram Stoker`s Dracula)

Video

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is another remake of the familiar vampire tale, and stars Canoe Reeves, Winona Rider, Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola (Apocalypse Now, The Godfather), this version has reworked the typical vampire story to a screenplay that is very close to Stoker’s original book. Of course the special effects and neck biting bits are all there, but this story concentrates more on the original Dracula legend.

The DVD release provides an anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen transfer. Video quality is sharp and the many dark scenes are reproduced well – very little grain is evident.

Audio

I was very impressed with the 5.1 soundtrack, mainly because I like a lot of rear channel use. Some may find it a little too ‘in your face’ (or ear??) as the use of the rear channels is very extensive as they are constantly belting out screams and eerie wolf howls as well as general music.

If you like this though, it will show off your audio system to the full. A subwoofer is also recommended to cope with the bassy bits.

Features

This disc has static menus, but several nice extras. The documentary lasts about 30 minutes and includes details of all the other Drac movies rather than just concentrating on this one. The usual behind the scenes camcorder footage is there of the cast during rehearsals, but fans wanting to know all about the special effects will be disappointed. The documentary features interviews with most of the cast and Coppola himself, and shows several key scenes being filmed.

You get filmographies, the theatrical trailer, strangely a chunk on the costume designs, and a general DVD promo trailer, that seem to be featuring on quite a number of Region2 releases these days.

Conclusion

This is one of the few DVDs where it is regarded as better to buy this Region 2 version, than the Region 1 version. Not least for the better picture quality that a PAL disc over an NTSC disc would provide.

You get a fair clutch of extras, although a Coppola commentary would have been nice. My copy was also supplied in one of those strange super CD jewel case – which may not be everyone’s choice.

The funniest thing about the film is Canoe trying to do an English accent! It`s a joke. Still he looks like he tried harder on the accent than he ever has on his acting.

All in all, a good crack at a familiar story, but cannot be said to be the definitive Dracula, if indeed that film exists. There are so many films around on these theme that all have their own idiosyncrasies and most be a matter of personal opinion. Me? Well I liked it – especially the sound!