Hammers production is lush in quality and colour, with the powerful, aristocrat Count (Lee) meeting Harker in his castle in Transylvania, then later flees to England to stalk Harker fiance. Only, in seducing Mina and Lucy, he comes up against a formidable foe Van Helsing, wonderfully played by the late great Peter Cushing (the second pairing for the duo, the first Hammer's Frankenstein). They were super in their struggle, climaxing in their battle of good against evil swashbuckle style.

Lee was dynamically menacing, with courtly European grace and manners, and turned on the sensual magic that saw him soon recognised as a star world wide. The best of the Hammer Vampires, and despites Lee's often dismissal of the films and others for Hammers, it stands as a brilliant work.

At this price, it's a super bargain!


I will forever end this man's reign of terror   July 29, 2008
 16 out of 16 found this review helpful

Hard to believe this was made 50 years ago. Superbly acted and directed, there is a raw energy that really permeates from the screen. It's filled with relentless action, unbridled suspense, plus a dark, foreboding atmosphere. This loose adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel sets the standard for romantic gothic horror.

Van Helsing vs. Count Dracula

Brace yourself. These two square off in an intense rivalry filled with hatred and determination. Peter Cushing shines as the confident hero, a spectacular performance. He's fearless, intelligent, and relentless in his quest to eradicate this looming presence of evil.
Christopher Lee matches him step for step in a perfect portrayal of the almighty bloodsucker. He has limited dialogue, but he illuminates this savage vibe with a majestic dignity. Plus he posseses that seductive charm that makes him all the more frightening.

One of the finest renderings of the Dracula theme. Don't miss it.


....AND THE WINNER IS..... LUGOSI BY A NOSE!   January 9, 2008
 15 out of 18 found this review helpful

I have always been a classic Universal horror films fan and was never that big a fan of the Hammer interpretations. This was because of my loyal devotion to the original classic Universal films. If you compare the Hammer films to the true classic Universal films then I would say they pale by comparison. Unfortunately the classic films were replaced with some rather cheaply made quickies in the 40's and 50's. Even though these cheaper films may hold fond memories for those who grew up with them, it is easy to see that these Hammer films were a much needed improvement. The biggest factor was they were shot in glorious color! I know...I know....Color? I love the old black and Whites as they have an unsurpassed creepiness. Now that so much time has gone by, I thought I would give Hammer another try. I started with Hammer's breakthrough film "The Curse Of Frankenstein" and then to the film in this review "Horror Of Dracula" This film is very good, but I must admit that I prefer Lugosi. Lee is more menacing with his sheer size, blood shot eyes and bloody fangs but, Lugosi is more subtle and eerie. Over all this is a very good horror film with great actors, sets and a restored passion to a dying genre...at the time. The DVD transfer looks very good but has minimal extras.....too bad!


The Best Vampire Movie Ever!   May 17, 2000
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

My favorite horror movie of all time--probably my favorite film period--is this classic Hammer horror film. I like this picture so much because it captures the spirit of Stoker's novel better than any other version. Dracula is portrayed as a ruthless, sexual predator--he is not just a mysterious nobleman ala Lugosi or (even further off the mark) a tragic romantic hero ala Langella, et al. Christopher Lee makes the most out of his six minutes of screentime, and Peter Cushing is great as the heroic Dr. Van Helsing. I also like Michael (Alfred in BATMAN) Gough and the gorgeous Valerie Gaunt. James Bernard's music is terrific, the best ever in a horror picture; and can anything top the wonderful finale? Don't miss HOD!