Dracula 4K Restoration
Hammer Studios 1958 Dracula (released in America as Horror of Dracula) revitalised the gothic horror genre by introducing a vibrant, visceral intensity that permanently altered the depiction of cinematic vampires. Breaking away from the black-and-white, stage-bound traditions of the 1931 Universal classic, Hammer Film Productions delivered a dynamic adaptation with a vivd, Eastman colour aesthetic. The atmospheric set designs, fast pace and iconic lead performances shocked and thrilled audiences at the time. Christopher Lee is both suave and feral as the Count. While Peter Cushing provides the perfect intellectual counterweight as an energetic Doctor Van Helsing. Director Terence Fisher adds an under current of eroticism to proceedings, along with some jolting and lurid set pieces. James Bernard’s pounding and dissonant three-note motif is explicitly timed to mimic the syllables of the Count's name. Dracula established the definitive blueprint for modern gothic horror and established Hammer's legacy.
Dracula (1958)
Following the 2012 restored release of The Curse of Frankenstein, Hammer, Icon Film Distribution and Lionsgate jointly produced a Blu-ray restoration of another British classic. This time it was the 1958 version of Dracula directed by Terence Fisher. This is one of Hammer's finest films and not only gets a superb High Definition transfer but also sees the restoration of two lost scenes. Dracula literally re-invented the horror genre and the depiction of vampires in film. It also established the studio as a key player within the industry and made international stars of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. This new restoration finally does justice to the source material presenting it as it deserves to be seen.