DVD Review: Count Dracula (BBC Mini-Series)

The fabled 1977 BBC production finally materializes on DVD. Rumored to be one of the best adaptations of Bram Stoker’s bloodsucking fiend, now American audiences can see if it holds up for themselves.

Jonathan Harker (Bosco Hogan) is bidding his fiancé Mina West Westernra (Judi Bowker) farewell. Her sister Lucy (Susan Penhaligon) and mother are worried since Jonathan is heading for Transylvania to conduct some business affairs for Count Dracula (Louis Jourdan). The Count is purchasing several properties in England. While in the home of the Count, Jonathan witnesses many devilish events and barely escapes with his life.

Some time later, Mina and Lucy are in the seaside town of Whitby when a schooner called the Demeter crashes ashore. The Westernra sisters are friends with Dr. John Seward (Mark Burns), the owner of a local asylum. One of his patients is called Renfield (Jack Shepherd) who seems to know more about the Count that he’s letting on and has an interesting way of dealing with insects. Lucy has become engaged to American diplomat Quincey Holmwood (Richard Barnes). One night she goes sleepwalking in the local graveyard and Mina follows her and witnesses the Count with Lucy. Lucy begins to grow weaker and weaker after this encounter and Dr. Seward is baffled by her blood loss so he calls in his old friend Abraham Van Helsing (Frank Finlay). Van Helsing recognizes the signs of the vampire and knows that evil is afoot. Count Dracula is the BBC’s adaptation of the classic 1897 novel. Some changes have been made to Stoker’s work, but many regard this production as one of the best. For many years, only the person with the region free DVD player could judge for themselves since it was only available in England. The production played on Great Performances in the 70s and hasn’t been on any form of media in the United States till now. In my opinion, this production is certainly one of the best. Louis Jourdan is superb as the Transylvania Count, even though he is a Frenchman playing the titular vampire. He’s charming, seductive, and above all – deadly. The only time that this version seems to falter in my mind is when the Count’s bloodlust causes him to change into a negative image. It’s not that he sees the victim in the negative image, but he’s shown on the screen in the negative image, which gives him a strange silver appearance. This is an interesting effect, but it seems to date the production since it feels very 70s to me. Frank Finlay is also excellent as Van Helsing. This version restores a scene of the Count’s vampire brides feeding on a baby, which was cut from some showings. This version is the full miniseries length at 160 minutes. This excellent adaptation deserves a place in every Dracula fans collection.Count Dracula is presented in fullscreen. Unfortunately, there are no special features. It would’ve been nice to hear some commentary from experts on how the novel differed from the show or someone appreciative of this adaptation.

An interview with the 88-year-old Louis Jourdan or 81-year-old Frank Finlay, who have not yet joined the undead yet, would’ve also been fabulous. I suppose we should just be elated that the production is on DVD and I am. Count Dracula (BBC Mini-Series) is now available at Amazon and AmazonUK. Visit the DVD database for more information.