The most complete version of Dracula ever to be seen by UK and US audiences, featuring long lost footage believed missing for over 60 years – in UK cinemas nationwide from 16th October. Limited Collector’s Edition 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray available to pre-order from 4th September, released 26th October.
Hammer Films resurrects the uncensored Dracula in its most ambitious 4K restoration to date. Deemed too shocking for audiences at the time and previously seen only during the film’s original Japanese theatrical release in 1958, the recovered material has never been released before in full in the UK or US.
Christopher Lee’s unmistakable silhouette on that dark staircase. “I am Dracula.” In 1958, Hammer Films changed horror cinema forever.
In 1958 the legendary British horror studio, Hammer Films, unleashed Lee’s terrifying vampire and blood-thirsty fangs on the world – his unforgettable and frightening performance redefined Dracula in popular culture. Christopher Lee embodies the ultimate Dracula – long cloak, seductive nature, and short sharp predatory fangs.
Now film fans and horror connoisseurs can come face-to-face with the Count again as the classicfilm, Dracula, is resurrected this Halloween – and he’s never looked better!
Painstakingly restored in 4K from the best original archival materials sourced from around the world and featuring footage believed missing for more than six decades, Dracula is the definitive restoration of one of the most influential horror films ever made and will be released in UK cinemas from 16th October and as a 4K Limited Collector’s Edition Boxset from 26th October.
John Gore, Executive Chairman of Hammer Films and John Gore Studios, says: “Dracula changed horror forever. Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing created iconic performances that still define the genre, and this restoration brings audiences closer than ever to the film as it was originally intended to be seen. Seeing the long lost director’s cut finally return to cinemas feels like the right way to celebrate one of Britain’s greatest ever horror films.”
Meticulously restored by Hammer Films and Silver Salt Restoration in collaboration with The Warner Archive Collection, Dracula is back to scare a whole new generation of film fans as director Terence Fisher intended. This is the most complete version UK and US audiences will have seen –it’s the cut the censors tried to bury, blood, gore and all.
In Dracula, Christopher Lee is partnered on screen for the second time with acting legend Peter Cushing(The Curse of Frankenstein) – whose energetic, intelligent and physically capable portrayal of Van Helsing was a major departure from the older, more scholarly stereotype, as well as a memorable performance by Michael Gough (Crucible of Horror) as Arthur Holmwood, whose sister and wife fall victim to the evil king of the undead.
Written by Jimmy Sangster, directed by Fisher, scored by James Bernard, with production design by Bernard Robinson, and effects and matte paintings by Les Bowie, Dracula is a convergence of Hammer’s key creative talents, cementing the studio’s iconic gothic style.
Find out more at: hammerfilms.com