‘Scars of Dracula’ in 4K brings Christopher Lee back in bloody Hammer-style

Distinguished actor Christopher Lee once again took on the role that made him a legend in his fifth outing as the world-famous, blood-sucking count in a 1970 classic from gothic horror cinema maestro Hammer Films that has now been beautifully resurrected in the 4K format in Scars of Dracula (Universal Studios Home Entertainment, rated R, 1.50:1 aspect ratio, 118 minutes, $32.98).

While on the topic of resurrections, an opening scene finds our vampire resurrected by a vampire bat regurgitating blood onto his reddish ashes. Count Dracula rises again in his humble castle and is ready to cause more homicidal mischief to local villagers.

Cut to philanderer Paul Carlson (Christopher Matthews) escaping from local law enforcement for bedding the Burgermeister’s daughter and ending up at Dracula’s castle before becoming a prisoner and blood bank.

His brother Simon (Dennis Waterman), with help from his fiancee Sarah (Jenny Hanley) and a priest (Michael Gwynn), now takes on the role of vampire hunter, often portrayed by Peter Cushing in the Lee vampire films, as he goes after Dracula. What could possibly go wrong?

Let’s ignore a preponderance of fake and hilarious vampire bats (the high resolution even reveals the strings), which ruin the horror vibe.

Instead, fans will focus on the ramped-up gore and violence (a bloody, brutal stabbing by Dracula and the dissolving of body parts in acid leads the way) mixed with some buxom maidens and a pinch of gothic hanky-panky.

And, in a first, viewers get to see Dracula climbing up a castle wall in a pretty creepy scene.

Whether the movie is actually any good does not matter; it’s rather mediocre. Rather, fans get to appreciate another chilling performance by Lee, who, compared to his other appearances in the series, actually has some dialogue.

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4K in action: The surprisingly clean and fresh visuals from the Ultra High Definition restoration, derived from a new 4K restoration from the original camera negative by StudioCanal, deliver a minimal amount of grain with vivid primary colors such as maroon-colored draperies and blood splatters popping from the screen.

A moment to certainly savor is a focus on Dracula’s intricate bloodshot eyes as he prepares to sink his fangs into a victim.

Best extras: Viewers first get a vintage 2001 optional commentary track with Lee and director Roy Ward Baker, all mildly moderated by Hammer film historian Marcus Hearn.

Lee dives in immediately, saying he was dissatisfied with Hammer’s interpretation of his character. He wanted a more Stoker-esque crafting, including using dialogue from the book.

Throughout, Mr. Hearn steps back and allows the actor and director to talk. Lee is the stand-out, well-spoken, well-versed in film history and charming throughout. What a treat. Surprisingly, no one mentions the cheap bat effects.

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In a second and brand-new commentary track, author and critic Tim Lucas delivers a nonstop geyser of information.

Although it sounds like he is methodically reading from a script throughout, Mr. Lucas’ flow of facts demand attention and cover in detail Hammer Films lore; the cast and crew; and cultural, theme and story nuggets as well as critical analysis. He even identifies mechanical effects artist Roger Dickens (“Alien”) as the guy responsible for the hilarious vampire bat.

Additionally, an 18-minute vintage documentary, titled “Blood Rites: Inside Scars of Dracula,” features interviews with authors and film historians such as Kevin Lyons, Jonathan Rigby, and Alan Barnes (co-author of “The Hammer Story”), cultural historian John J. Johnston and actress Jenny Hanley (Sarah)

Ms. Hanley is a hoot, explaining that another actress dubbed her lines except for the screams, and noted that Lee was very serious about the role, with no giggling allowed, no matter how silly that bat was.

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• Joseph Szadkowski can be reached at jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com.