Search - Nosferatu - The First Vampire on DVD

Jason B. (FelixBlackCat) from MADISON, WI
Reviewed on 7/30/2008...

This DVD features the original _Nosferatu_ movie with a new feature-length score by goth band Type O Negative.

3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Goth Fans Rejoice, Silent Film Purists Avoid

mwreview | Northern California, USA | 10/25/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This classic 1922 German thriller is one of my favorite silent films. Based on the 1897 novel Dracula by Bram Stoker, Vampire Count Orlok is interested in finding a new residence away from his run-down castle. Real estate agent Hutter is at first excited about the opportunity and scoffs at the vampire stories but eventually realizes the warnings of danger are true. Orlok becomes captivated by a photo of Hutter's wife (in particular, her "lovely throat") and sets off in his traveling coffin to be with her, bringing the plague with him. Only Hutter's wife, a woman "pure of heart," can save her neighbors from the black death that surrounds them. Orlok (Nosferatu, or the "undead") looks truly hideous and the settings, such as the spooky castle, make this film a horror delight even by today's standards.

As for this version, I was skeptical because I thought the modern music would be distracting and possibly silly. I thought I'd give it a try. The heavy gothic sound of Type O Negative did not seem to fit well at first but, the more I watched it, the better the music was in terms of following the storyline. The music used during the scene where Count Orlok races Hutter in his horse-drawn carriage to the castle is very appropriate (it is used appropriately again in one of the last scenes of the film which is very cool). From that point on I started getting the correlation between the music of Type O Negative and the film. Even some of the lyrics (when they can be understood) seem to follow the story, however loosely. It is probably better not to dwell on the lyrics, however, because they are very misogynistic and sexually-obsessed. The music is great but sometimes the tracks do not flow together very well. Some just fade out and there is a gap before the next track kicks in. Other tracks either start or end very abruptly. This DVD reminds me of those live goth concerts where silent horror films are shown in the background while the band plays.
The tracks I liked the best with this film are "Love You To Death," "Red Water," "The Green Man," "Christian Woman, "Bloody Kisses (A Death in the Family)," and "Xero Tolerance." Other tracks used are "My Girlfriend's Girlfriend," "Die With Me," and "Prelude to Agony."

The DVD also includes the b&w video "Black No. 1" by Type O Negative that uses shadows and lighting to create a truly spooky experience. The introduction by David Carradine was not as informative as I would have liked (what was with the cane?). I also did not like the font used for the subtitles as it is difficult to read ('c's look like 'e's). I found the picture quality to be good. Silent film purists will no doubt dislike this version but, for people who would like a spooky gothic experience in the safety of their own home, I recommend this DVD."

Enjoyed it thoroughly

nytdreams | Richland, WA United States | 06/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found this DVD to be wonderful *because* of the music. I always wanted to see the Nosferatu movie, but once I heard the original music when I finally caught the movie on TV, I couldn't stomach watching because the music was so distracting. On a lark, I got this DVD because the soundtrack was new, and lo-n-behold, I loved it. The music was a wonderful, delightful enhancement that (as far as I am concerned) made the movie more than just watch-able, but thoroughly enjoyable.
The music was set to the mood of the scenes, making emotion tangible and helping draw you into the plot of this wonderful classic.All in all, it's one of my favorite DVD's now and I watch it periodically just for the joy of it.
If you have any doubts, rent it first, then buy it if you like it. I wouldn't want my collection to be without it. :)"

Good blend between yesterday's and today's horror taste.

nytdreams | 12/20/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As I'm sure everyone knows, Nosferatu is a black and white silent film. When it was originally shown in theatres, an orchestra would play along with the movie to add to the mood. At the time it was the only way to hear a musical score while watching the film. Most silent films today when rented on video, are just that, silent. When I heard that this video was rereleased with a score from Type O Negative, I was a bit sceptical. Although they are one of my favorite bands, I couldn't see how these two elements of past and present could mix. Well, they pulled it off. The music and lyrics match the scenes like you wouldn't believe. Being a video production major, I have more appreciation for this than most, but I think that anyone who likes watching classic horror films would enjoy this unique version. I believe it also has a bonus Type O Negative video at the end of the movie. It's worth watching, even if have seen the original many times."