Just re-watched this after not seeing for many years. Peel is great as a vampire. I wouldn't be surprised if he was the inspiration for Lestat. I'd have to say this is one of the better vampire movies done. The scene with Gina rising is a classic as is Van Helsing's cauterization of his bite.

Spoilers:

Only negative is the quickly wrapped up ending. I find the creation of "crosses" out of everyday things to be kind of pushing the vampire rule envelope. Does that mean a vampire with a "t" in his name couldn't write his name on his coffin because a "t" looks like a cross? We come across cross shaped items and architecture all the time, which would make a vampire's life very difficult.

I thought he should have been at least staked at the end while trapped in the shadow of the cross.

Overall though, it is one of the best Hammers I have seen yet. Stepping up and filling the void of Christopher Lee was no small feat for Peel and I thought he did an admirable job and merited more screen time! Gotta respect a vampire so villainous he even bit his own mom!