Product Details

• Actors: Carlos Villarías, Lupita Tovar, Barry Norton, Pablo Álvarez Rubio, Eduardo Arozamena
• Directors: Enrique Tovar Ávalos, George Melford
• Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, NTSC
• Language: Hungarian, Spanish
• Subtitles: English
• Rated: Unrated
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Universal Studios
• VHS Release Date: September 16, 1997
• Run Time: 104 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302526051
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #235,669 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In 1989, horror-movie historian David J. Skal discovered the legendary Spanish-language version of the 1931 Dracula in Cuba. Shot at night on the same Universal sets as Tod Browning's classic after, his crew went home for the evening, and using a translated version of the same script, this version features a cast of Mexican and South American actors under the direction of George Melford. When this version was released in 1992 in the U.S. (with subtitles), a small but fervent coterie of fans proclaimed it superior to Tod Browning's original. While practically identical in many ways, Melford creates a more atmospheric set and has his camera prowling though it in key moments, resulting in a more stylish and smooth film. He punctuates scenes with striking compositions and startling close-ups and paces the film more evenly (even though it emerges 30 minutes longer ). Two elements stand out above all. The lovely Lupita Tovar makes a much sexier Mina (named Eva here), signaling her transformation to the dark side by rising from her bed in a low-cut, and very revealing, nightgown, as if displaying her newfound sexual aggressiveness. The film's sole weakness is Carlos Villar's Dracula, who is nowhere near as charismatic as Bela Lugosi. Though his portrayal improves over the course of the film, he never comes close to Lugosi's intensity or aristocratic demeanor. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Better than the Original, January 9, 2000

By 

jilesmeacham (Vancouver, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dracula (Spanish Language) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Until the release of the DVD for 1931's Dracula I was not aware of the existence of the Spanish language version, being familiar only with Tod Browning's. From that standpoint alone (novelty) it was worth buying. Upon viewing, and in consideration that I haven't seen the Lugosi version in twenty years, I was not disappointed, albeit for unexpected reasons. The Browning Version with its lack of continuity, ponderous cinematography and disjointed narrative fails to live up to its reputation -by virtue of nostalgia one must assume- as one of the all time greats of horror. Luckily, the Spanish version was artistically independent having a different cast crew and director from the English one. Much of the success of this production must be attributed to Director George Melford who maintains a narrative form which flows more smoothly, free of the abrupt edits that plague his opposite number. The English version at 1hr 15min suffers from being overly edited either at the insistence of the studio or the censors, one can only guess which is held to account. At 1hr 44min the Spanish editor, Arturo Tavares, manages to accomplish smooth cuts and transitions which are visually seamless. Continuity is thus enhanced producing a more even flow of action than Browning's print. Furthermore the cinematography of George Robinson displays a surprisingly greater sophistication than the renowned Karl Freund's English shoot. Much better use of reverse and tracking shots assist in breaking the traditionally static images familiar to the silver screen era. In short, technically, the Spanish version far surpasses its English clone. Melford also had the upperhand in being able to view the dailies of the simultaneous Browning version, see their mistakes and improve on them. Carlos Villar, as Dracula, was the only member of the Spanish cast allowed to view these rushes. It was a colossal error. The problem with Lugosi's performance was his overly theatrical style with its flourishes of posturing and gesticulations. Villar tries too hard to out-Bela Lugosi. Consequently, his take on the Count is eccentric to a ludicrous extent. He is also true to the gaudy thespian craft of silent screen peformance which dictated that an actor must act with his eyes and facial contortions to convey the emotional inflections that are lost in the absence of the aural experience. What results is comic in its execution and whereas Lugosi makes one wince at the amateur theatrics, Villar illicits a mocking laugh, which is not advisable in a horror flick. This is the Spanish version's only major flaw, but it is a fatal one dramatically, because the movie depends upon our belief in the menacing aspect of the lead character. However the negative affect of Villar's hammy performance is offset by the delights of the Latino female leads, notably Lupita Tovar and Carmen Guerrero, who exude a sexuality not latent in their Anglo counterparts, and they are allowed a greater latitude to explore the sensual aspects of the drama. When Juan Harker gazes longingly at his beloved Eva we understand his emotive state because our eyes are transfixed also. The plunging neckline and the barely contained bosom assist quite nicely, thank you. Apparently the censors cared little for protecting the moral standards of their Spanish cousins, thankfully, else these scenes would have ended up on the cutting room floor. But when one says that this version of Dracula is the better of the two, that is no great boast as neither would stand the acid test of a modern audience. As horror it fails miserably but as drama is succeeds enough to give it a marginal recommendation. But its primary benefit is to students of filn for whom it will provide a valuable resource.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A LOST TREASURE FROM UNIVERSAL, August 30, 2001

By 

William Patrick Maynard (Parma, Ohio) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dracula (Spanish Language) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The Spanish version of DRACULA received so much publicity (mainly claiming it's superiority to the Tod Browning/Bela Lugosi classic) that I avoided this archival release for years. Well, I'm happy to say that I was mistaken. This marvel is one last classic from Universal's horror heyday. True, the star is no Bela Lugosi--but the Spanish Renfield rivals Dwight Frye without ever imitating him. Best of all, you get a chance to see what Browning's film could have been like without any cuts. It is impossible to downplay the value of this alternate version. A true treasure for film buffs.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent but needs Lugosi !!, January 14, 2001

By 

"tvrepairman" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dracula (Spanish Language) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This film was done at the same time as the one with Bela Lugosi and by the same company and this film is about 20 minutes longer. It is every bit as good as the Lugosi version as far as the story,sets, etc.., because they used the same sets. The film has a little different feel because of a german director's mark made on this film. The only thing it needs is the charisma that Bela Lugosi has because Carlos Villarias is ok as Dracula but it's just not the same. I highly recommend this film for your collection. I enjoyed the characters better in this version a little more with the exception of Bela lugosi and Dwight Fry. I had never seen this movie until i saw it on AMC's Monsterfest in October of 2000. It's a blast so enjoy!!