Dracula and the Director's Intent

Posted September 28, 2007 08:41 AM by Josh Dreuth

With only a few days left until the much anticipated Blu-ray release of 'Bram Stoker's Dracula', the title is already causing confusion amongst the few lucky enough to get advanced copies. Early reviews have been mixed, and the web forums have erupted in consumer backlash, claiming Sony has destroyed the transfer. Thankfully, one of our Insiders was able to get the real story: this Blu-ray release reflects the wishes of director Francis Ford Coppola.

The divide between those who thought the presentation was absolutely stunning and those who think its an utter abomination is blatantly clear. Those who have indicated they like the presentation are viewing the title on its own merits. Those who have criticized the transfer are comparing it to the Superbit DVD release, and are missing some crucial information about development of this Blu-ray.

The masters used for the Superbit DVD release were not approved by Mr. Coppola, while the Blu-ray masters were
The color correction on the DVD was not done by direction of Mr. Coppola
For the latest master, a representative from Zoetrope was charged with checking the color correction to match the wishes of Mr. Coppola
The Blu-ray release was not accomplished quickly; it was carefully planned with full cooperation of Zoetrope

So when you sit down to watch this Blu-ray on Tuesday, remember that you are watching the absolute best video release of 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' ever created, and that it is exactly as the director intended. Any comparisons to previous video releases are invalid, as this release was approved by Mr. Coppola and his team at Zoetrope.

We thank Sony Pictures for the extensive amount of work they do, and continue to do, in order to ensure that Blu-ray owners receive the absolute best versions of classic films on Blu-ray. They have gone to great lengths to get director participation on high-profile Blu-ray releases, and we applaud them for all their hard work.

Also, thanks must go out to our Insiders, who constantly provide us with important information regarding current and upcoming releases. Without your support, we would truly be in the dark.

For the full Insider post regarding this title and all other Insider information, please visit our Insider Thread.

Source: Blu-ray.com Forums | Permalink |

News comments (22 comments)

u_nick

Sep 28, 2007

I have to admit, thats really REALLY cool. This was a title I was considering. The details on most of these dont really bother me, but after the mixed reviews, I was going ot hold out for a bit, and it dropped lower on my 'to get' list. Now that this has been cleared up, I'll more than likely move it right back up and go order from Amazon right now.

CptGreedle

Sep 28, 2007

Hey the comments work again! Great.

I for one am REALLY looking forward to this. I was never satisfied with the DVD release and would
love to see the vision Mr Coppola has in mind.
Bring it on!

dialog_gvf

Sep 28, 2007

Thanks Josh.

I have always said: The director's intent is the last word. If this is how Mr. Coppola wants the film to look, then this release represents the first and only representation of his true vision on home video.

Now, people can disagree with the results, of course. But, everyone who wants to comment really needs to view the disc before complaining.

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PowellPressburger

Sep 28, 2007

One thing is for sure... there have been many different looks to this film transfer as well as sound mixes ... if you research it on www.imdb.com and look up older laserdisc reviews the soundmixes have been different between the Columbia LD version and the Criterion LD versions. Will prob make more people angry but it has been tinkered with a bit in the past. I will hold on to my superbit of the film just for having it and get the new version also. Following info regarding the Criterion LD release print/sound - This transfer is darker than the Columbia/Tristar version. In some scenes the colors are not as vivid, but in darker scenes more details are visible. The sound was mastered from a 6 channel master, which was used to make the Dolby Digital mix. This version has about 40 sound effects which are not present on the normal Dolby Surround mix. The standard Dolby Surround mix is also included on the analog track -

ericede

Sep 28, 2007

I was confused myself. I had already talked myself out of buying it. Not that I consider myself easily swayed but I think it warants a closer look. I'm gonna go ahead and pick it up. My wife loves the movie and I'd be curious to see how Coppola sets the mood for the film.

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Viiincent

Sep 28, 2007

well,, if thats how he wants it to look, thats how i'll be glad to watch it ;O

atdm71

Sep 28, 2007

I have all confidence I will be impressed with this Blu-ray. Coppola makes simply gorgeous films. They have a distinct mood and character all their own, and I can only hope we get to see more of his classics on Blu-ray.

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dobyblue

Sep 28, 2007

Josh - great article, thanks for thinking of it.

We DO appreciate the time and effort SPE are putting into their catalogue titles and we look forward to many more to come.

(Hello, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, only available on the preferred High Definition format endorsed by Steven Spielberg)

tru blu

Sep 28, 2007

I have this preordered here in Australia - released 11/14. Even with the reviews online I didn't cancel
it. I absolutely love this movie.
Glad to hear Mr Coppola was involved in this release and that the final product is his vision.

Can't wait till for it.

May the Blu be with you...

kaliraver

Sep 28, 2007

I will probably end up getting this movie since it is a classic and very good.

Amel

Sep 28, 2007

great article my son

Freis968

Sep 28, 2007

Well, since I never saw it on SuperBit I guess I am one of the lucky ones.

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Psx0005

Sep 29, 2007

Another case of backlash being thrown at Sony simply because its...Sony. People, we have to get all sides of a story before an opinion is formed on an advance release. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to this release as Francis Ford Coppola intended it to be released. Now it would be nice if Mr. Coppola could pull The Godfather out from Paramount's grasp and release that trilogy on Blu-Ray!

johnnyFLOWERS

Sep 29, 2007

I can't wait for this title to release!

I had pre-ordered this since it first became available. This film has some amazing cinematography!

I'm glad to see Coppola (and Company) are giving special care to this transfer. I hope the Godfather Trilogy recieves the same treatment...

...after the format war, of course! =D

bluflu

Sep 29, 2007

I'm buying this title and will judge for myself! The 2 cent opinions of wannabe movie critics never meant much to me.

Knight-Errant

Sep 29, 2007

I watched this last night and was really pleased with how it looked and sounded. I've seen this film many times and it's never looked better for me.

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Blu Titan

Sep 29, 2007

I am glad that the issue was clarified. Going to order this one right now!

G.I. SnakeEyes

Sep 30, 2007

WELL I HAVE HAD IT SINCE WEDNESDAY, AND HAVE TO TELL YOU I LOVE IT. I KNOW THIS SHOP AROUND MY WAY WHO GETS EVERYTHING EARLY, ALSO PICKED UP FANTASTIC FOUR 2

view_it

Sep 30, 2007

I WILL LOVE IT !!!
So here in Budapest - HUNGARY - Europe will be a big fan of this FILM & hope the disributor not continue this way of issue of future Blu-DISCs...

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bhampton

Sep 30, 2007

Going to watch is tonite,.. Can't wait. Hope the kids go to bed without much of a fuss,.. mayble I'll do
a double feature with this a UnderWorld.

scubasteve

Oct 01, 2007

I wonder if it was Coppola's intent to have Keanu Reeves act so badly? That is pretty much consistent in all the versions... Brilliant old school Hollywood opticals by a "master" and a promising opening cannot save this film. Sigh...I'll probably buy it anyway, just to see Gary Oldman chew up the scenery.