In 1922 Friedrich Wilheim Murnau decided he wanted to turn into a movie one of the greatest books of all time, "Bram Stoker's Dracula".
When he was refused the rights by the "Stoker" estate, he decided to do it anyway. But to avoid being sued, first he made some changes to the names of the characters. The most obvious being Count Dracula,who was now to be known as Count Graf Orlok. The setting of Transylvania was changed to Bremen and a few other changes occured.
After the films completion, he immediately declared himself bankrupt. Although this did not stop the "Stoker Estate" who after a court ruled it so, had all copies of the film burnt. But, luckily, one copy was never destroyed and on this double dvd set, we have it, fully digitally remastered.
Although the picture is never 100% perfect, it's in surprisingly good condition. The story is basically the "Dracula" story but with a few name changes. But it's the way the lighting is used to such marvelous effect that make this silent black and white movie so atmospherically creepy. If ever there was a classic, this is it and probably the greatest vampire/Dracula story ever committed to the silver screen.
This set has two versions of the film, the aforementioned original black and white version and a "sepia" version that has an audio commentary by a "Nosferatu" historian who's name escapes me at the moment.Also, there is some footage of images of original sketches,artwork and postcards, a written piece of the origins of vampires and Nosferatu's controversy. Add to that a making of documentary and footage of where the film was filmed as it looks today, what more can you ask for? How about a trailer for "Shadow of the Vampire" and a booklet about both these films. The disc set is obviously a "cash in" on the part fact, part fiction "Shadow of the Vampire" which was released at cinema's the same time, but this does not take away the fact that this film was way ahead of it's time and will go down in the annals of history as a true classic, rightly so.
By the way, as a paradox, this movie caused the book "Bram Stoker's Dracula" to be recognised as the masterpiece it is by bringing it all the attention it deserves, even though the "Stoker Estate" ordered the destruction of all copies of the film. What are you waiting for? If you have not yet seen this, go see it now! You are missing out on a classic!
Thanks For Reading! Fairy Kitty =^-^=
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I remember watching the black and white version and it really was freaky, I was totally stunned at how creepy it was. Shame about the sub-titles though! Excellent review.
SusanLesley 23.06.2002 17:57
Interesting background information, thanks, Susan
MRSCANADA 22.06.2002 15:05
Sorry I was late in rating this review but I was away for a week..Lyla
Jun 12th, 2002
very helpful by (100%):
