By any qualitative measure, Count Dracula's Great Love sure isn't art, but the gothic elements (the howling wolves, full moons, coffins, mists, etc.) are atmospheric and even if he sometimes does look like a vampirized Johnny Cash at times, Paul Naschy brings spirit to the role of Dracula. Furthermore, the vampires are very effective and the various scenes of the trio of female vampires are visually arresting. Sure, it does not always make sense, but the mighty Mr Naschy does bring something different to the oft-told Dracula story, while making sure not to skimp on the gore. A total production assessment is not possible as the DVD transfer I watched was not perfect (often showing clear evidence of its video source) and sound issues were present (although these sometimes added some amusement, such as the whipping scene in which the sounds of the blows came two seconds after the lashes made contact), but Paul Naschy films are quite hard to track down in the UK, so I will happily overlook such factors.
So, not as effective or as enjoyable as Naschy's werewolf movies, but Count Dracula's Great Love is still a gothic treat and represents a different, romantic (ish) angle on the great Dracula saga.
So, not as effective or as enjoyable as Naschy's werewolf movies, but Count Dracula's Great Love is still a gothic treat and represents a different, romantic (ish) angle on the great Dracula saga.