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Studio:Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Director:Francis Ford Coppola

Cast: Gary Oldman, Cary Elwes, Richard E. Grant, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins

Running Time:122 minutes

Product Description

Gary Oldman, Cary Elwes, Richard E. Grant, Winona Ryder, Anthony HopkinsDirector: Francis Ford Coppola

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Reviews

- Excellent Movie - A First Class Blu-ray Presentation

The Movie: Very little needs to be written about the plot and production values of this 15 year old film. Chances are you've seen it at least once, if not then I would suggest looking further afield for detailed reviews, a few critics have been snippy about small details or overblown minor flaws. This is to be expected regarding a film of such high caliber, there really isn't anything substantial to berate. The movie is one of the all time greats of the 1990's, great plot (faithful to the book) which has been enhanced by F.F. Coppola's production to make the transition from book to film flawless. Rarely dull with real emotion and exciting action and horror sequences.

The Blu-ray Presentation: First of all, the major concern is that this film is advertised as being 2.40:1 aspect ratio - it isn't - it's the same as the original DVD release which is 16:9. Neither is the sound format made entirely clear, the packaging states simply '5.1' but doesn't say weather it's Dolby Digital or DTS. It isn't until you play the film that it becomes clear that it's DD. The picture clarity is excellent - and that's only on a 1080i TV - I'm sure it would be even better with a 1080p capable TV. It's amazing to think that this movie was made before High Definition was an option. The make-up and set design is absolutely flawless - really, quite stunning. Of interesting note, Gary Oldman's make-up is actually much more convincing whist he's portraying the old and decrepit Dracula; His make-up whilst in his 'young' mid 30's guise is actually less believable, but not so much as to be distracting. Winona Ryder's make-up is barely visible as is that of Keanu Reeves. The sets look realistic, solid and vivid, showing up extremely well in HD. The costumes are also flawless and vivid, with great detail visible throughout. This is a subtle movie and is well underplayed. The same can be said of the details that stand out due to the HD presentation. The viewer notices small details such as the beauty of props, sets and costumes that really stand out among the darkness of the overall film. The character of Lucy now stands out as a vivid bold character due to costume, hair and make-up whereas in the SD DVD version of the movie the character is too strong compared to the muted image portrayed, instead coming across as somewhat tarty an scandalous - the bold contrast, colours and clarity now give the character's image a very strong look which matches the personality of the character. The lower price than many Blu-ray movies is also attractive. This release offers a lot, the sound, despite not being DTS is vivid and busy with a lot of attention paid to channel separation and positioning.

Special features: These are numerous, of special note is the collection of deleted scenes, while presented in a rather muddy SD format, they are none-the-less engaging and interesting. There's a whole lot more besides, including several documentaries, trailers and commentaries. You really get the impression that a lot of care and attention has been invested in this movie, from its initial production in 1992 to its late 90's DVD presentation and on to its High Definition Special Edition release. Obviously not the very best Blu-ray release available but certainly apt and well realized treatment for a brilliant movie.

- replace your dvd now!

As per the Godfather restoration, another Coppola masterpiece is ready for Blu-Ray, personally supervised by the director himself.

Ignore any negative comments (usually from people comparing it to a new release),this is the best Dracula has looked on home video.
I just compared it to the Superbit dvd release, it has bolder colours than I have ever seen, and a PCM 5.1 uncompressed soundtrack which is the icing on the cake (along with the extras from the CE dvd).

- Magnifico!!!

Totally agree with the other reviewer that this blu-ray transfer of this superlative movie is excellent. It has so been unfairly criticised by so-called movie experts which is totally unjustified. Beautiful colours, inky blacks, crisp sharp image with hardly a trace of grain or artifact. The 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack is also sublime with deep rumbling bass and lavish orchestration as befitting this gothic masterpiece. If you allow others with eyes that can't see, to sway you from buying this, it is your loss. Highly recommended in every way...

- VISUAL PHANTASMAGORIA

There have been countless cinema adaptations of the Dracula legend/story, with every once in a while a milestone. There was Murnau's NOSFERATU, there was Tod Browning's 1931 version with Bela Lugosi, there was the Hammer DRACULA with Christopher Lee, Werner Herzog's NOSFERATU, PHANTOM DER NACHT, and there is this brilliant version by Coppola. I saw it in the theater, then on DVD, now on BLU RAY. The first time, I walked out of the theater with mixed feelings. This movie was, indeed, visually overwhelming, almost `over-ornate', and therefore somewhat hard to digest in one viewing. Every time I watch it again, however, I realize this is a superior work of art (something I also experience with Kubrick films). Coppola's DRACULA on BLU RAY is a feast for the eyes and ears. Set decoration, costumes, unique `retro' special effects, make-up, it all shows to advantage. Sound and music are great. If you have it on DVD and you love it, then definitely buy it on BLU RAY. This is the final treat. Interesting extra's also. That's the sort of films high definition was made for. Can't wait to see Coppola's Vietnam epic on BLU RAY, one of my top 10 favorites (hopefully it'll include `HEARTS OF DARKNESS' as a bonus!).

- Superb picture quality

The picture quality is faithful to the, I imagine, fast high grain film stock it was shot on, grainy but sharp. As a fan of films seen in the cinema on huge screens it's a joy to see a transfer like this. I get so fed up of seeing a great film interestingly shot looking generically sharp on standard def TV.