With the new gorgeous print of BRIDES OF DRACULA it seems easy to now say that BRIDES is the better film than HORROR OF DRACULA, but let's not jump to conclusions too hasily.

First of all, we are comparing a gorgeous DVD release of BRIDES to a bastardized release of HORROR OF DRACULA on DVD. When Scott MacQueen remastered HORROR OF DRACULA for DVD release, it contained the Universal
Globe logo and was mastered using the proper aspect ratio. When Scott handed over the print to Warners, they immediately cut off the Universal Globe logo and printed the DVD at the wrong aspect ratio. effectively cutting off everyone's head. Thus, HORROR is working at a distinct disadvantage and is begging for the release that Scott MacQueen intended.

Also, we must remember, that even without Christopher Lee, that BRIDES is a sequel to HORROR (the Peter Cushing Van Helsing character is really the star of HORROR) and that most of the things we enjoy about BRIDES was actually created first in HORROR.

I agree that the pacing is better in BRIDES and at times the film is splashier, but it lacks the subtlety of the best aspects of HORROR. No where is there a scene as drop dead creepy as the scene with Tania's undead sister preying on the little girl when Van Helsing's crucifix suddenly enters the frame. No where is there a shocking, horrific sequence as terrifying as Lee's entrance into the library, blood smeared all over his lips and teeth, that animal reaction, as his "mate" attacks Harker. No where does BRIDES contain the pulse-pounding climax with the carriage chase and the chase through the castle, leading to the one-on-struggle with the Count and Van Helsing. And no where does BRIDES'
ending come anywhere near the ending of HORROR with Lee turning to dust in what was then a special effects marvel (compared to the windmill shadow killing Meinster in the most undramatic, anti-climatic way).

BRIDES has some dynamic sequences: the resurrection of the vampire bride from her grave, the branding neck sequence in the mill, the unlocked casket sequence and the resurrection of Gina in the barn, etc. But BRIDES is almost more of the same when compared to HORROR. I see them as the best and second best Hammer film productions (so I do rate BRIDES just a slight notch below HORROR) and I see them more of a part one and part one type of series. Although David Peel is terrific as Meinster, Christopher Lee is simply better as Dracula, and so is the film.