Blu-ray Review: COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE (1973)

COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE 
Directed by Javier Aguirre
Distributed by Vinegar Syndrome

  Here is another example of a great horror movie that I have never heard of.   Vinegar Syndrome continues to release some of the best horror, cult, exploitation films out there, and this one is no different.   COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE stars Spanish screen legend Paul Naschy  as Count Dracula in this romantic, yet tragic tale of the classic vampire.
   Here is the basic  plot from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

After their carriage breaks down and their driver is killed in a freak accident, a group of young women are forced to spend the night in a strange and isolated former sanatorium, which has just been purchased by the secretive Dr. Marlow (Paul Naschy). Unbeknownst to the visitors, Dr. Marlow is actually Count Dracula, and stalking the sanatorium are his recently turned vampire slaves. Soon the guests begin to be attacked by the ravenous bloodsuckers, while Dracula sets his sights on the beautiful virgin Karen, deciding to offer her his hand in marriage…

  This film is very reminiscent of the old Hammer Horror films.  In fact, I think it is safe to say that is the blueprint the filmmakers were following here, right down to the gorgeous and buxom women that the film features.  This film was much gorier than I expected, which is always a good thing in my opinion!   The special effects in this film are pretty amazing especially considering this film is over 40 years old!  One scene in particular that showcases this in particular was at the very beginning when a man gets an axe to the head, then falls down a flight of stairs.  I did not see it coming and it was quite startling.

  The film has a some great scenery, and no, I'm not talking about the buxom women this time!  Shot in Madrid, Spain, there is some very beautiful settings including the castle that Count Dracula lives in.  Many scenes throughout the film are very creepy and atmospheric.

  This film is a must watch for any Dracula fan in my opinion.  If you like the old Hammer Horror films that featured Dracula, you should love this one just as well!

  COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE is available now from Vinegar Syndrome and contains the following Special Features:

*  All extras on both formats
*  Region free Blu-ray and DVD combo pack
*  Scanned & restored in 2k from 35mm internegative
*  Commentary track with director Javier Aguirre and lead actor Paul Naschy, moderated by Angel Gomez Rivero
*  New video interview with actress Mirta Miller
*  Includes both the English dub and original Spanish language soundtrack
*  International theatrical trailer
*  Still gallery
*  8 page booklet by Mirek Lipinski
*  English and Spanish subtitles
*  Reversible cover artwork


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD/BD combo pack