Hammer Horror’s Dracula Restoration Commentary Track!

I don’t think I’ve ever actually screamed at a Hammer horror, but I did do a very dignified imitation of one when I got the email inviting Paul and I to record a commentary track for the most iconic of all Hammer’s films: Dracula.

I was very good and didn’t spend the whole time elucidating on how utterly magnificent Peter Cushing is. Though, obviously, he is utterly magnificent throughout. But there’s so much to this film that is just…magical. And paying the sort of attention one does when you’re prepping for a commentary is a whole other thing than a chill rewatch.

My biggest shiny new takeaway was just how brilliant the (Peter Cushing-less!) opening section is, where Jonathan Harker arrives at Dracula’s castle and becomes trapped there. It’s arguably the best part of the novel, a gorgeous horror tale in and off itself, and the Hammer adaptation keeps the vibe while putting its own spin on events, which is both so effective, and a delightful subversion of expectations for anyone familiar with the novel. The big beats of “omg!” (spoilers ahead) being the reveal that Harker knows full well what Dracula is and is there to kill him, and he not only fails, but dies. And, of course, this section contains the most iconic of iconic Hammer moments, that visceral reveal of the monster beneath the Count’s urbane disguise, with fangs, and bloody eyes, and monstrous hiss.

And the restoration itself is just sublime; much envy to those who’ve had the chance to see it on the big screen. Plus there are…seven, I think? versions of the film is the gorgeous box set, an insane number of extras, posters, post cards, a graphic novel reprint, and a booklet packed with info on the film.

So, that’s out now! Available at Amazon: Dracula Limited Edition DVD Collector’s Set.

And I don’t think I mentioned here the release of The Stolen Face earlier this year, another restoration release from Hammer, of one of their lesser known thrillers, with another commentary from Paul and me, in another beautiful box set.

So, yes, Hammer film commentaries! That’s a thing I do. It’s still so bizarre to me. And to be on Dracula…blinkin’ heck. And there are more to come! (We are, I believe, recording the next one this Friday.)