Customer Reviews

The Satanic Rites of Dracula

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(25)
2 star:		(14)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

Sure, Christopher Lee might've been tired with the role of Dracula by this time- who wouldn't? Lee and this series in general milked its original feel for all it was worth and then some, and now set to conquer the modern world. Peter Cushing, in particular, seems invigrorated and enthused at playing Van Helsing.

The plot sees Dracula revived as a billionaire industrialist recluse who only works by night. Van Helsing & company get word of strange rituals being held, and investigate. The find out human sacrifices take place for Count Dracula, who has also gotten hold of a mutant strain of the Bubonic plague. His Four Horsemen for the Apocalypse include Van Helsing, who is captured, buy typically one of the three others chickens out, sacrificing himself for the good of mankind. Dracula needs the plague to end his own life and doom of immortality. We get a strange, dull, but unpredictable and rather original ending from the thorns of Christ. Also, Dracula has several brides keeping him company, and again Jessica Van Helsing is his next bride to be.

I liked this a lot, and I also like Dracula A.D. 1972.

Hammer film's Satanic Rites of Dracula is the final Christopher Lee role as Dracula in the Hammer series. The movie sets Dracula in the modern world (set a few years after Dracula A.D.1972) with the great Peter Cushing as his antagonist. I loved this movie and thought it a brilliant conclusion to the Hammer line. Dracula has been revived into the modern world and is functioning as a reclusive wealthy industrialist set on introducing a deadly plague into the world. Dracula is obsessed with taking revenge on the Van Helsing decendents and intends to use them as pawns in his diabolical plan. This film has somewhat of a James Bond feel yet maintains the the mystery and suspense of previous Hammer incarnations.

It's true that Hammer's Dracula DID need to move out of the 19th century for the sake of refreshing the plot. While it could have been better, it came out quite good in my opinion. The older films were very good atmospherically, but lacked originality. This movie has that. The Black Plague plot was really a great twist, though it might have made a better ending if Dracula had won! One problem though, these movies take too long to introduce Dracula. Especially this one since it didn't have the atmosphere of the other films, though it was great when Dracula did show up! As for the DVD I bought, it was only 6.99, though it had almost no extras. Just biographies on Lee and Cushing and a quiz. I don't recall the company, but it was not anchor bay. It was Widescreen, but I don't know if it was a "fake" widescreen like the Anchor Bay one supposedly is. All in all though, I was pleased. Just hope I didn't get ripped off with the Fake Widescreen.

While Anchor Bay must be applauded for their efforts in re-mastering and releasing a major chunk of the Hammer catalogue, I found their treatment of this title rather disappointing, especially when compared with my un-remastered copy.

To begin with, this video is described as being in 'Widescreen' format, but this is misleading. While it does appear in a widescreen aspect ratio, this has simply been achieved by lopping the top and bottom of the print and thus resulting in a loss, rather than gain, of the original image.

Secondly, while the picture is much more vivid than previously, it is marred by constant interference which seems to be directly related to the audio track.

Surely, if Anchor Bay are going to market this collection as 're-mastered', then they should make the effort to do it properly.

On a positive note, the inclusion of theatrical trailers for both the US and UK releases was a real treat.

The final 'Dracula' movie from Hammer Films, it's not quite as good as previous efforts and budget constraints are painfully evident. The premise is just as appealing to me as it was when I first saw this film nearly 20 years ago now--it can be summarized as Dracula Meets The Avengers, as the vampire lord plans to unleash a deadly plague on the Earth--although I think Dracula's death is probably the most embarrasing any vampire has ever suffered.

Peter Cushing shines as brightly as ever, although Christopher Lee seems a bit tired in the film. It might be a reflection of Dracula's own mindset, but it's more likely the actor's disastifaction with the role shining through. The scene with the vampire brides of Dracula rising from their caskets and surrounding one of the main characters remains intensely frightning to me.

Works on every level that DRACULA A.D. 1972 did'nt. Vastly under rated, This up-dated setting has a weary Count Dracula bent on ending his own exiestence as well as that of humanity by releasing a deadly mutated form of Bubonic Plague. Fast paced and featureing a seldom seen way to keep Dracula powerless in the eerie climax set in a dark forest. Peter Cushing as Van Helsing and Christopher Lee as the Lord of the Un-Dead, who could ask for anything more? Superb transfer adds to the it's enjoyment. My only reason for not giving the movie 5 stars is the Lack of the Quality in the Movie Soundtrack. Why was'nt James Bernard used?

There are alot of nasty reviews of this movie. I mean I guess I can understand why someone would hate this: if they took Dracula seriously and if they shop at Hot Topic and wear pentagrams. Geez, it's just a movie. This movie was great, aesthetically the movie is very pleasing. The scenes are intriguing.Oversaturated color gave it a very artistic look. The movie is so mod not goth, very period mod look: hip pointed-toe boot wearing biker gangs, teased hair and slick suits. The music was fantastic. The composer was Cacavas, if the soundtrack sounds familiar, it is because he did the scores for tons of mod films. He even did the Hawaii-Five-O stuff.
Alot of people are hating and are saying that Dracula belongs in the 1800s. That is bogus. This film is unique because it is modern. There are like a bazillion gothic, cold-castle, German villiage, same ole' same ole' plot vampire films.Now that is boring. I want to see something new. I want to see Dracula's good taste in lounge furniture. I want to Dracula's sheepskin wearing, big sunglass sporting motorcycle gang snipers.
I highly recommend this film for those that can appreciate beautiful and symbolic things (lots of interesting symbolism). And for those that want "realistic fangs" and a long ratty haired cast, go watch "Bram Stocker's" for like the millionth time.Ok.

OK, first let me say that I love this movie! Count Dracula decides to wipe out mankind with a super-plague, just so he can finally die. Just thinking about it makes me drool! He has a host of eeevil helpers, including chained-up vampire babes in the basement! Lots of fanged action! There are also satanic snipers, a mad scientist, motorcycle-riding hitmen, a naked sacrifice, etc.,etc., etc. Not to mention the fact that both Christopher Lee (Drac) and Peter Cushing (Van Helsing) are awesome! Plus, as an added bonus to any / all AB-FAB fans out there, Joanna Lumley (Patsy) plays Van Helsing's beautiful, red-headed granddaughter, Jessica! Now, I got that out of the way to warn folks that this DVD has another title. It is also known as "Count Dracula And His Vampire Brides" (I think it should've been called "Dracula: Apocalypse" or something). Hope this helps someone to NOT buy two copies of the same movie...

Generally regarded as one the weaker Hammer Films, it's not. The decision by Hammer Films to move Dracula from his gothic environment to contemporary London was an attempt to bring a fresh approach to the Dracula series. Although somewhat derivitive of "Count Yorga, Vampire" in thas respect, "The Satanic Rites of Dracula" is a lot of fun if you don't feel compelled to compare it to the best Hammer had to offer. Standing on its own, there's a wild plot about Dracula trying to develop a bubonic plague to wipe out the world and a fine performance by Peter Cushing as Dracula's nemesis Van Helsing. In many ways, the plot and execution of the film resembles a long episode of the beloved television show "The Avengers". In fact, I think some of the people who made "The Avengers" also worked behind the scenes on this movie. Suffice it to say, if you like the title of this film "The Satanic Rites of Dracula" you will also find this to be a worthwhile addition to your video or DVD library.

This has to be the worst of the Lee-Cushing Hammer Draculas. One has to wonder if they had a film - lame - and they said - HEY lets put Lee in his cape in here and we will make money. Idiots! Sorry, I love Lee, Cushing and the other Dracula films but Hammer was in it for the bucks here and nothing else. The fact it was released under various titles tells you something, Satanic was one, but there was "Dracula is Dead and Well and Living in London" or uninspired "Count Dracula and his Bride". I mean that is ALL they could come up with?

Sequel to A.D., charming Joanna Lumley takes over from Stephanie Beacham as Van Helsing's granddaughter. Cushing is back as well. So bad it's sort of good...lol. Count Dracula decides to wipe out mankind with a super-plague so he can finally die? Well, I am sure they thought it sounded good on paper.

Of interest to Lee-Cushing fans, but others will yawn.