Rating summary
| Movie |  | 1.5 |
| Video |  | 3.5 |
| Audio |  | 3.0 |
| Extras |  | 2.5 |
| Overall | | 3.5 |
Daughter of Dracula Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 3, 2016
“Daughter of Dracula” knows exactly what to give its target audience, opening with a few minutes of film that focuses solely on a woman taking a bath. Leave to director Jess Franco to find the exploitation in any situation, but, thankfully, 1972’s “Daughter of Dracula” doesn’t really aspire to be anything more than cheap titillation, periodically interrupted by a murder mystery that touches on supernatural events and surveys deceptive participants.
Franco is a notoriously prolific filmmaker, and there’s a reason why: he barely spends any time on his productions. “Daughter of Dracula” is a typical Franco effort, basically existing to showcase nudity and softcore sex, while any plot is merely a suggestion of possible dramatics, with minutes of screen time devoted to thousand yard stares and meandering dialogue. “Daughter of Dracula” has a creepy castle setting and something of a mystery at the heart of the picture, but Franco doesn’t encourage suspense, killing time between bedroom antics and visits to Dracula’s coffin with zoom-filled shots to nowhere and performances that fail to communicate the urgency of the bloodsucker situation.
Daughter of Dracula Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation does what it can with aged elements, finding the source in rough condition, showcasing considerable wear and tear throughout the viewing experience. Scratches and speckling are common, but more intense chemical damage is detected as well. Detail is satisfying, picking up on fibrous costumes and monstrous reactions, and the location is open for study, offering deep distances with acceptable delineation. Colors are capable, delivering more interesting hues on costumes and bloodshed, and greenery is preserved. Grain is fine and filmic.
Daughter of Dracula Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 LPCM sound mix also wrestles with age, with hiss and pops carrying throughout the sonic event. Dubbing takes care of dialogue exchanges, making them clear and defined, though sharp highs are present. Scoring isn't precise, but it delivers a musical mood. Sound effects are exaggerated but alert, adding to the movie's tone.
Daughter of Dracula Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- Commentary features film historian Tim Lucas.
- Alternate "Safe" Footage (3:19, HD) removes nudity from the effort's extensive sex scenes. It's expectedly goofy, especially a mid-movie lesbian romp, which now features one participant in a turtleneck sweater.
- And a Theatrical Trailer (4:38, HD) is included.
Daughter of Dracula Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
As he does with most of his features, Franco coasts along with the bare minimum of tension and filmmaking rhythm. "Daughter of Dracula" certainly has the potential to be a more exhilarating inspection of genre confrontations and sexual urges, but instead it plays dead, trusting enough bare breasts will be enough to provide a satisfying viewing experience.
