Blood For Dracula (Andy Warhol’s Dracula)

(Paul Morrissey; 1974)

(Criterion)

Udo Kier portrays a decidedly gaunt and effeminate Count Dracula, who is in desperate need of the blood of a Virgin to stay alive. He and his servant travel to Italy in search of a virgin bride. The two end up as guests in the estate of a once wealthy family, who are eager to marry off on of their four daughters. This is a bizarre but effective take on the Dracula legend, and has quickly risen to the near top of my all time favorite vampire films. It’s quirky, campy and gory, with plenty of female flesh. Definitely worth a viewing, but I would recommend a rental before a purchase, since it may not be to all tastes. Includes a classic scene of the Count flailing about, violently vomiting blood all over the bathroom, after having ingested the blood of a whore. Look for a cameo by Roman Polanski.

The soundtrack is monaural with some background hiss.

Presented in a slightly overmatted 1.90:1, and the colors aren’t as sharp as they could be, but all in all it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the film.

-       Commentary by writer/director Paul Morrissey, actor 'Udo Kier (qv), and film historian Maurice Yacovar

-    Commentary by Still gallery of publicity and production photographs featuring excerpts from Claudio Gizzi's musical score in stereo
-    Widescreen letterbox format
 

Nice packaging by Criterion, nothing special to note. 

Sound: 4

Picture: 5

Special Features: 5

Packaging: 7

Film: 9

Overall Rating: 8

(Rating scale is out of 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 the best)