Jerry Goldsmith did a better re-recording with the NPO in England
He certainly did. It’s a beautiful recording but Alex North’s surviving recording fits the actual picture. Sadly the existing recording is in mono.
The CINEMA EDITION of Dracula (1979) is now available for order on Amazon. This is Region 2 only but does include the color timing released in the previously titled Dracula (1979) 35mm Silver Screen Edition. If you weren’t satisfied with Shout! Factory’s release? This is the Blu-ray for you!
https://www.amazon.ca/Dracula-2-Blu-ray-Cinema-Edition/dp/B08FP9Z5JD
DRACULA (1979) Cinema Edition - Bluray
Running time: approx. 105 min.
Regional code: RC 2
TV standard: PAL
Packaging: Keep Case (Amaray)
Aspect ratio: 2.35: 1 (anamorphic / 16: 9)
Sound format: German (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
Subtitle: German
Extras: main movie disc
Introduction by director John Badham (UT)
RECONSTRUCTED ORIGINAL COLOR VERSION
Audio commentary John Badham (UT)
German and original trailer
Picture gallery with rare advertising material
Bonus DVD (approx. 105 min, subtitled in German)
radio spots
“King of My Kind”, interview with John Badham, 32 min
“What Sad Music”, interview with author W.D. Judge, 33 min
“The Revamping of Dracula”, making-of, 39 min
Great project! I’ve thought about doing this myself. Couple of questions…
Have you reinstated the score across the whole film?
Did you find a cue sheet online somewhere to get the timing as Alex would have planned it or did you just make educated guesses about where and when each cue would start?
All available originally recorded cues were edited back into to the film per their original spotting notes. ALEX NORTH’s 2001 is presented in a visual documentary format with text cards giving context to the each cue and the history of the score and why it was rejected. The whole of the film is not presented as North did not complete the project per Kubrick’s request. As a result the film ends at the moon shuttle bus landing just before the reveal of the monolith. Similarly, as the original film sources cues were applied multiple times, North’s score was extended in this presentation to include the reveal of the Star Child and End Credits.
Ooh… I’d love to get a copy of this!
Please send a private message.
For those who were not entirely satisfied with Shout Factory’s release of the original colour version, you can now order a Region 2 Pal Bluray and/or DVD copy available on November 26th.
DRACULA (1979) Cinema Edition - Bluray
https://ssl.ofdb.de/view.php?page=fassung_vorab&fid=11063&vid=105207
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Dracula-Blu-ray/274800/
https://www.amazon.de/Dracula-Blu-ray/dp/B08FP9Z5JD?tag=bluraycom04-21&linkCode=xm2&m=A3JWKAKR8XB7XF
https://www.uncut-dealer.com/dracula-1979-5-disc-wattiertes-mediabook-cover-a-limited-ultimate-edition-2-blu-ray-3-dvd-bonus-a1-poster.html
DRACULA (1979) Cinema Edition - DVD
https://ssl.ofdb.de/view.php?page=fassung_vorab&fid=11063&vid=105207
FSK 16
Running time: approx. 105 min.
Regional code: RC 2
TV standard: PAL
Packaging: Keep Case (Amaray)
Aspect ratio: 2.35: 1 (anamorphic / 16: 9)
Sound format: German (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
Subtitle: German
Extras: main movie disc
Bonus DVD (approx. 105 min, subtitled in German)
Thanks for the kind words. I hope one day there’s a Special Edition or Extended Cut restoring the original opening that was deleted which would have featured a similar opening to Superman: The Movie beginning in a movie theater with narration from Tristan Lake Leabu that would have brought us into the movie proper.
could you please send me a link to this cut, I’d love to check it out
Please send a PM for a link request. Thank you.
Please can i have link for the film?
Sent!
Hi. Can I also have link please? Thanks 😊
Please send me a direct message. Thank you.
Please can i have link for the film?
Sent!
Absolutely. Please send me a private message. Cheers!
comparison
35mm
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17TEfYD81x-IL3Sa0u8D4v_OzvIny9B6o&export=downloadNew BD
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12PDxDxUayO9w1ELgJAaP3kJydul6eb5C&export=downloadI prefer the 35mm.
Well, thank you. I’d hoped that the new Bluray would make the 35mm irrelevant.
This project isn’t about exceeding the choices made in the final film but to serve as a document of what was, at one time, intended for the film. Just about anyone can sit back and point to Kubrick’s genius in retaining his preferred temp tracks. The film is a classic and there’s little point in disputing that. Alex North’s 2001 is more of a what could have been and more importantly? Giving the composer his due more than fifty years later.
As for the rest? Guess you’ll have to PM me to find out. 😉
This is for real as far as a fan edit is concerned. The score has been cut to picture and the film has been assembled into a kind of documentary format where scenes are allowed to play out with their original cues along with the original sound effects and title cards providing context.
Sizzle Reel -
https://vimeo.com/381956853
A Brief Note -
In the early stages of production, Kubrick had commissioned noted Hollywood composer Alex North, who had written the score for Spartacus and also worked on Dr. Strangelove, to write the score for his upcoming film 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. However, during post-production, Kubrick chose to abandon North’s music in favor of classical music he had chosen as temp tracks. North did not know of the abandonment of the score until after he attended a screening in New York. The world’s first exposure to North’s unused music was in 1993 on a compilation album by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. The score was later re-recorded in 1993 by North’s friend and colleague Jerry Goldsmith with the National Philharmonic Orchestra. Eventually, a mono mix-down of North’s original recording which had survived was released as a limited edition CD in 2007.
The release was authorized by the North family, the estate of Stanley Kubrick, Dylanna Music, North’s music publishing company, and other entities. The album features nine tracks from the score, as well as an alternate version of the track “The Foraging.” In addition, the album features three bonus tracks, all additional takes of other tracks on the album. The music is conducted the orchestrator by Henry Brant. The CD also includes liner notes and precise cue points as to where the music would have been found so that viewers can properly track these cues in sync with the film.
In The Art of Film Music, George Burt found North’s score outstanding and deemed Kubrick’s decision to abandon it was “most unfortunate”, even though his choice of classical music did have merit. On hearing the score as it might have been in the film, film scholar Gene D. Phillips argued that “it is difficult to see how North’s music would have been an improvement on the background music that Kubrick finally chose for the film.” Conversely, in his notes for the Jerry Goldsmith recording, Kevin Mulhall argued that “there is no doubt that 2001 would have been better if Kubrick had used North’s music. Even if one likes some of the choices Kubrick made for certain individual scenes, the eclectic group of classical composers employed by the director resulted in a disturbing melange of sounds and styles overall.” Film critic Roger Ebert noted that North’s rejected score contains emotional cues to the viewer while the final music selections exist outside the action uplifting it. With regard to the space docking sequence, Ebert stressed the peculiar combination of slowness and majesty resulting from the choice of Strauss’s Blue Danube waltz, which brought “seriousness and transcendence” to the visuals. Speaking of the music generally, Ebert wrote that “when classical music is associated with popular entertainment, the result is usually to trivialize it (who can listen to the William Tell Overture without thinking of the Lone Ranger?). Kubrick’s film is almost unique in enhancing the music by its association with his images.”
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER presents
Alex North’s 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
starring KEIR DULLEA GARY LOCKWOOD DOUGLAS RAIN
music by ALEX NORTH conducted and orchestrated by HENRY BRANT
screenplay by STANLEY KUBRICK and ARTHUR C. CLARKE
produced and directed by STANLEY KUBRICK
SUPER PANAVISION and METROCOLOR
Runtime: 45 min
Sound Mix: 2-Track Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 2.35 : 1 (35mm)
Track Listing -
BONES and MAIN TITLE
THE FORAGING
THE DAWN OF MAN
THE BLUFF
NIGHT TERRORS
BONES and MAIN TITLE
EAT MEAT AND KILL
SPACE STATION DOCKING
DOCKING
SPACE TALK
TRIP TO THE MOON PART 1
MOON ROCKET BUS
BONES and MAIN TITLE
SPACE STATION DOCKING
music composed by ALEX NORTH
conducted and orchestrated by HENRY BRANT
recorded at ANVIL STUDIOS
The new scan is soft and does have it’s own issues. This is a film that is forty years old after all and it didn’t benefit from a complete restoration using an original negative in a wet gate scan. As well, Shout! Factory is very upfront with the print they did use indicating that it was the best they could find. I take that to mean with the amount of time and financial resources allowed for this project which is completely fair. There are fans of this film but it’s not in high demand. That being said, I more than accept the issues with this transfer and I’m greatly appreciative that it was made available in the first place mainly because of fans like us.
So what do I think when comparing the two versions? The original theatrical release and the silver screen edition? As the one who created it, I think the silver screen edition generated a false expectation of what to expect. The color restoration was an approximation based on multiple sources including VHS, LaserDisc and original set photography. That being said, it was also at the mercy of the de-saturated Blu Ray from which that version was created. As a result, it’s much darker than it should be when compared to the new Shout! release. It’s possible this new transfer is too bright but I’m not about to go ahead and correct it.
I hope everyone is enjoying their new copies and aware that it’s because of you that this new Shout! release happened. We were all loud enough that someone heard us. 😃
Well by now I’m sure we’re all enjoying our copies of Shout Factory’s release of DRACULA (1979) and the new 4K scan of the original theatrical color print. It’s been a bit of an eye opener given that this is in fact the way the film originally looked when it was released and obviously better than I could have ever remembered it.
The optical titles are, in fact, black on white and not solid white as they were in the VHS release of the film. This is obviously due to the titles being re-created for the the home video market which, in the 80’s, was 4x3 and the widescreen tiles would not have fit the screen. The flesh tones are far more pink then I thought they would be and overall the print is a lot brighter than I would have imagined. This is probably due to the fact that I’m so used to John Badham’s preferred color treatment and my restored color version.
Overall, I’m glad to finally have the film we all imaged we remembered given it’s been forty years since its release. What are your thoughts on the new Bluray?
Be sure to order your copy. I think after sharing the bootleg it’s the least we can all do to show our appreciation.
https://www.shoutfactory.com/product/dracula-collector-s-edition?product_id=7228
PREVIEW
Director John Badham Discusses The Dark Look
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpMJSDfWKyU
John Badham Discusses A Scene From The Broadway Play
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_SJLaxelI0
Ladies and gentleman, we have all waited patiently over the years for this to finally happen and here it is for pre-oder. Shout Factory presents John Badham’s 1979 release of DRACULA. A bluray cannot be made habitable in a day. And, after all, how few blurays go to make up a century. 😉
Dracula [Collector’s Edition] + Exclusive Poster
Released: November 26, 2019 • Available in US & Canada
Product SKU: 826663203707
No Reviews Yet
$28.43
List Price: $29.99 USDhttps://www.shoutfactory.com/product/dracula-collector-s-edition?product_id=7228
Honestly, all the work that everyone has done over the years which led me to even attempt this restoration has been worth it given that we’re all going to benefit from an official release. I honestly look forward to comparing the work against the original theatrical release in HD and will gladly set mine aside to enjoy the film as it always should have been made available.
DRACULA (Restored Theatrical Trailer)
https://vimeo.com/330017416DRACULA (35mm Silver Screen Edition Sizzle Reel)
https://vimeo.com/295047399Hi
Unfortunately I live in Europe, so the region A Shout version isn’t playable here.But I registered here because I saw this discussion - and would request a link to your restored version, please.
The less compressed, the better 😃 - bandwidth and harddisk space are not problems.
So far this seems the best I can hope for, and with the praise from other users, I am looking much forward to it.
Regards,
Asger
Please send me a private message.
Hello, that looks amazing. Can you please send the link for PM?
Please send me a private message.
SUPERMAN RESTORED is now available. I have privately contacted those who’ve previously reached out to me. If you were still interested and wanting a link please do not hesitate to contact me. Cheers.
SUPERMAN RESTORED (Promotional Trailer)
https://vimeo.com/206159006
For everyone who has been asking, SUPERMAN RESTORED in HD will be available soon. PM me directly and I will send you a link directly. Thank you all for your patience. I apologize for the extended delay.
SUPERMAN RESTORED (Promotional Trailer)
https://vimeo.com/206159006
Ladies and gentleman, we have all waited patiently over the years for this to finally happen and here it is for pre-oder. Shout Factory presents John Badham’s 1979 release of DRACULA. A bluray cannot be made habitable in a day. And, after all, how few blurays go to make up a century. 😉
Dracula [Collector’s Edition] + Exclusive Poster
Released: November 26, 2019 • Available in US & Canada
Product SKU: 826663203707
No Reviews Yet
$28.43
List Price: $29.99 USD
https://www.shoutfactory.com/product/dracula-collector-s-edition?product_id=7228
Honestly, all the work that everyone has done over the years which led me to even attempt this restoration has been worth it given that we’re all going to benefit from an official release. I honestly look forward to comparing the work against the original theatrical release in HD and will gladly set mine aside to enjoy the film as it always should have been made available.
DRACULA (Restored Theatrical Trailer)
https://vimeo.com/330017416
DRACULA (35mm Silver Screen Edition Sizzle Reel)
https://vimeo.com/295047399
Scream factory has announced a dual version release. Original and then desaturated. YES!
If you hadn’t told me I wouldn’t have believed it. Incredible. 😃 I doubt there’s much restoration in regard to that new transfer. Perhaps some noise reduction and smoothing but I am beyond thrilled, excited and eager to purchase this new version. I don’t consider any amount of work I’ve done a waste of time and hope those involved with the release saw this forum or watched the trailer realizing that this original theatrical version was still in demand. Scream Factory has done it again by honouring the fans and the work.
OFFICIAL RELEASE FROM SCREAM FACTORY
DRACULA (1979) (Collector’s Edition) – John Badham’s slick and sophisticated telling of the legendary story flies into our midst in a 2-disc set. Includes a new transfer of the theatrical version as seen in theaters in 1979 with full color as well as the alternate director-approved version of the film created in 1991 for home video with a muted color palette. Expected Release: November 2019.
This version is not available at the moment but will be in the near future. Thank you for your patience.
It truly is a shame that director John Badham decided to re-time the film digitally. I appreciate that he only was trying to capture what he originally had in his mind’s eye and I would have been more open to it had it been included with the original theatrical release version. I can think of Frank Darabont’s The Mist as an example where the filmmaker made the case for his B&W version of the film to better caption the tone he was gong for but he also rightly included the theatrical version as well. Fortunately, the original assets for 1979’s Dracula still exist in analog for and no doubt as a digitally scanned version with the color intact. I have no doubt that one day, we will eventually see the film as it was originally released.
@ITHoTMK I’ve sent you a pm after watching your trailer. Wow! I’m really excited to finally see Dracula 1979 again in color.
Replied!