I don't know where Jean-Claude comes up with 85% but I assume it's just a theoretical number meant to indicate "a bunch."  

Immediately after the re-discovery and release of Melford's DRACULA, I think the overall reaction was pretty universally that it was better than Browning's.  Maybe it was 85% in that first blush of enthusiasm.  But it seems to me that the bloom is pretty much off that rose now that the newness has worn off.  My best guess would be that the number of folks who prefer the Melford is still pretty sizable, but probably less than half.  Amongst American fans, that is.  On the continent... who knows?

Personally, I'm gonna have to take another look at the Melford (some day).  I was among those swept away by it when it re-appeared, but I'm now back in the Browning camp.  But I'm not sure that my opinion hasn't swung too far back.  Must refresh my feeble brain.  (But I doubt that any fresh, clear-eyed reappraisal is gonna help Villarias' performance any.  It's always gonna be pretty goofy.)


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