Mark of the Vampire

[Zing!]

I know this isn't a Universal or Hammer movie, but for those who are interested, MGM's terrific vampire film 'Mark of the Vampire' is finally getting released on DVD for the first time on October 3rd on the "Hollywood Legends of Horror Collection" DVD!

Directed by Tod 'Dracula' Browning and starring none other than Bela Lugosi as the Count, this is a fantastic film from 1935. If you can look past the dreadful ending (the cast played it straight – unaware of the twist in the script until the final day of shooting), this is one worth checking out - the special effects were top notch for its day, and, in my opinion, it holds up better than Dracula.

The HLOH DVD also contains Dr. X," "Mad Love," "The Return of Dr. X," "The Devil Doll" and "The Mask of Fu Manchu."

[Dehydrator]

This is a great film for the most part ( I hated the twist ending too), it's very atmospheric and spooky, I love the beginning how the movie opens up with a shot of the singing gypsies, very cool. The looks of actress Caroll Borland (who's playing Count Morla's undead daughter) has inspired many a goth chicks until this day. I think that this could very well be the best vampire film from that era (1930-1950s) if it wasn't for the ending. Still, if you haven't seen it check it out.

[miceland1]

I think it is a great little film fitting in somewhere between Universal and Hammer. I love Lugosi.

The ending though I think makes the film. Without it it would be just another forgotten film that no one loves.

[Ratlehed]

Mark of the Vampire and Return of the Vampire are both good Lugosi films. They are not related in anyway. Its funny that Lugosi plays a vampire that looks alot like Dracula but isnt. The sets and atmosphere for both movies is very good. The countess in Mark of the Vampire is great. She looks so creepy.

[Zing!]

Originally posted by Ratlehed
Mark of the Vampire and Return of the Vampire are both good Lugosi films...

I agree - Return of the Vampire is a wonderfully fun movie. It just goes to show how Lugosi got typecast in Hollywood - but it still stands out as one of the best vampire films of all time. Tod Browning's original 1931 version of 'Dracula,' along with 'Mark of the Vampire' and 'Return of the Vampire' are essential to any classic horror DVD colleciton.