Customer Reviews

Nosferatu - The First Vampire

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This classic 1922 German thriller is one of my favorite silent films. Based on the 1897 novel Dracula by Bram Stoker, Vampire Count Orlok is interested in finding a new residence away from his run-down castle. Real estate agent Hutter is at first excited about the opportunity and scoffs at the vampire stories but eventually realizes the warnings of danger are true. Orlok becomes captivated by a photo of Hutter's wife (in particular, her "lovely throat") and sets off in his traveling coffin to be with her, bringing the plague with him. Only Hutter's wife, a woman "pure of heart," can save her neighbors from the black death that surrounds them. Orlok (Nosferatu, or the "undead") looks truly hideous and the settings, such as the spooky castle, make this film a horror delight even by today's standards.

As for this version, I was skeptical because I thought the modern music would be distracting and possibly silly. I thought I'd give it a try. The heavy gothic sound of Type O Negative did not seem to fit well at first but, the more I watched it, the better the music was in terms of following the storyline. The music used during the scene where Count Orlok races Hutter in his horse-drawn carriage to the castle is very appropriate (it is used appropriately again in one of the last scenes of the film which is very cool). From that point on I started getting the correlation between the music of Type O Negative and the film. Even some of the lyrics (when they can be understood) seem to follow the story, however loosely. It is probably better not to dwell on the lyrics, however, because they are very misogynistic and sexually-obsessed. The music is great but sometimes the tracks do not flow together very well. Some just fade out and there is a gap before the next track kicks in. Other tracks either start or end very abruptly. This DVD reminds me of those live goth concerts where silent horror films are shown in the background while the band plays.
The tracks I liked the best with this film are "Love You To Death," "Red Water," "The Green Man," "Christian Woman, "Bloody Kisses (A Death in the Family)," and "Xero Tolerance." Other tracks used are "My Girlfriend's Girlfriend," "Die With Me," and "Prelude to Agony."

The DVD also includes the b&w video "Black No. 1" by Type O Negative that uses shadows and lighting to create a truly spooky experience. The introduction by David Carradine was not as informative as I would have liked (what was with the cane?). I also did not like the font used for the subtitles as it is difficult to read ('c's look like 'e's). I found the picture quality to be good. Silent film purists will no doubt dislike this version but, for people who would like a spooky gothic experience in the safety of their own home, I recommend this DVD.

As I'm sure everyone knows, Nosferatu is a black and white silent film. When it was originally shown in theatres, an orchestra would play along with the movie to add to the mood. At the time it was the only way to hear a musical score while watching the film. Most silent films today when rented on video, are just that, silent. When I heard that this video was rereleased with a score from Type O Negative, I was a bit sceptical. Although they are one of my favorite bands, I couldn't see how these two elements of past and present could mix. Well, they pulled it off. The music and lyrics match the scenes like you wouldn't believe. Being a video production major, I have more appreciation for this than most, but I think that anyone who likes watching classic horror films would enjoy this unique version. I believe it also has a bonus Type O Negative video at the end of the movie. It's worth watching, even if have seen the original many times.

I found this DVD to be wonderful *because* of the music. I always wanted to see the Nosferatu movie, but once I heard the original music when I finally caught the movie on TV, I couldn't stomach watching because the music was so distracting. On a lark, I got this DVD because the soundtrack was new, and lo-n-behold, I loved it. The music was a wonderful, delightful enhancement that (as far as I am concerned) made the movie more than just watch-able, but thoroughly enjoyable.
The music was set to the mood of the scenes, making emotion tangible and helping draw you into the plot of this wonderful classic.

All in all, it's one of my favorite DVD's now and I watch it periodically just for the joy of it.
If you have any doubts, rent it first, then buy it if you like it. I wouldn't want my collection to be without it. :)

I, of course, own a copy of Nosferatu. But as soon as I heard about this version, I had to find it. I was lucky enough to stumble upon one copy at a local store, and had to pick it up. The music (of probably one of the finest bands in the world) beautifully compliments this film classic. I am extremly glad I was able to find this. Now, what to do with the old copy?

What makes this new edition is not the schlocky Carradine opening (why me lord) but the imaginative inclusion of Type O Negative's soundtrack. I'm not a huge Type O fan, but it went with the movie so well. This is a great "party" movie, especially for those of the "gothic" persuasion. Well worth checking out.

According to my brother Pete Steele... permission was never given by TON for their music to be used on this great film, Nosferatu.
At times the music "score" did not match the film scenes. Believe me, Pete's too much of a perfectionist when it is comes to the bands presentation of their music and lyrics to have let the movie 'producer" present their music in that light.

When seperated, both the film and the music are exceptional. Both should have been left at that seperation. There's a good manipulator out there who knows how to get a free ride at other peoples expense and hard work.
TON never publicised the release or distibution of the 'Nosferatu" DVD.
They do not advertise or promote publicly and still..to this day, by word of mouth, they have a great following.

How do you make a classic horror movie that can never be improved upon better? Type O negative. The original vamp classic was the premiere Dracula flick, and told the story darker than any other film maker could ever dream of. The new score, composed of some of Type O's best material, fits the film to a tee. I only could wish that they would have used the song "Suspended in Dusk", but the movie is definately a horror classic. 5 out of 5 stars.

The first vampire. Nosferatu, the undead. This was the first and one of the best depictions of this unholy beast for whom death is but a memory. I enjoy the music of Type O Negeative which acsents the movie perfectly. A true horror fan must get this master film.

i didn't read the labeling when i picked up a copy in a store for a few bucks and popped it in my dvd player and instead of cheesy organ music... type o negative! i just about hit the floor squealing with joy.

what impressed me most is that the person who edited the soundtrack did a good job matching type o songs to what's happening in the movie.

One of the best vampire films, made all the more haunting due to its silent nature: F.W. Murnau was a true pioneer of his time. I have this DVD version with Type O Negative performing the soundtrack (as well as the video from their song "Black No.1") & David Carradine providing a pretty cool Introduction. While I have seen both the completely silent & soundtracked versions of the film, I prefer the latter. The music was selected well, though odd in certain places, and adds nostalgia and drama into the mostly visual performance. Given the silent nature of the film and the slower pace, this movie is not for everyone (especially those who like the "sexy charismatic vampire" ideal), but it is a great piece of vampire cinema history nonetheless and my personal preference. TON's music adds an additional layer of Creepy!

RIP Peter Steele, Max Schreck, and David Carradine. Sadly missed. =(