I don't normally leave reviews, but when i went to order this DVD i thought i would read the customer reviews out of curiosity and was gob smacked that someone had actually slated this film! So much so i felt compelled to leave a review of my own, so here goes.
I first saw this film when i was about 10 years old and fell in love at first sight with it. I remember when i got to high school and i took GCSE Drama and Media studies that my teacher used this film to teach the students as he described it as a master class in film making. He was pleased to have me to share his enthusiasm for it.
This is quite possibly the most genius film i have ever watched. Right from the beginning where the MGM lion turns into a little green vampire you are transported to the cold snowy mountains of Transylvania. The atmosphere is the best of any film i have ever seen. Every little detail is perfect. You feel how cold the characters are, by the big red noses they have and the way the steam comes off them when they step in Chagals inn for the first time. From the clothing they wear, the manic hair and mustache of Professor Abronsius, all the sets, even the way each gate and door creak when they are opened they way you would expect them to in a creepy old castle, it is simply perfect. It is exactly as you would expect a vampire film to be. As you can tell, i am a huge fan and cannot say enough good things about it.
Perhaps it is an acquired taste. I have to say, that it isn't hilarious so i can understand if you are expecting a comedy that you might be disappointed. But it should be watched just for sheer attention to detail, superb performances from all the cast , and the whole atmosphere in general.
So much is made of Polanskis other big films,like Rosemarys Baby, that i think this slips under the radar a bit, but this is his best film for me by far. So if you are a fan of vampire films, old films, or anything a little obscure, then you will simply love it..