Dracula (1958) [Blu-ray + DVD] - Region B Blu-ray

There are several reasons for this. Firstly, this release brings together two different takes on the feature, including the 2012 restoration work from Hammer itself, which added in material that had been unseen for many years. Furthermore, the film's transfer is excellent, a real labour of love and an outright justification alone for getting hold of the Blu-ray. But then there are the further two discs of extra material, which dig into the story of the film, as well as spending some time exploring the restoration work that brought it into its current state. Furthermore, there's an excellent commentary track to enjoy as well.

The film itself? It remains the star of the show, and one of the best of Hammer's impressive catalogue. Cushing is magnetic in the central role, and the supporting work from the likes of Christopher Lee and Michael Gough adds majesty to an already impressive production.

How refreshing, then, that it's all arrived packaged on a Rolls Royce-standard disc release, that shows that with real care and diligence, it's possible to put together Blu-ray packages of older films that are something really very special indeed. --Jon Foster