The 1958 Hammer horror film Dracula, starring Christopher Lee, is set to be re-released with previously removed gory footage reinstated after almost 70 years. Up to three minutes of shocking scenes, which caused audiences to faint during early screenings in Japan, were cut from the original UK and US releases. The presumed missing footage was discovered in a Warner Bros warehouse and has been added to a new 4K restoration.
First Full Uncut Version Outside Japan
This marks the first time audiences outside of Japan will see the full, uncensored version of the film. The restored scenes include a moment of Dracula's blood-dripping fangs and a trimmed sexual encounter. Christopher Lee's Dracula was the first to ever have fangs on screen and was also the first Dracula film released in colour.
October Release and Future Restorations
The remastered Dracula is scheduled for release in October. Hammer Films has indicated that they are now exploring other titles in their catalogue for similar restorations, potentially bringing more classic horror films back to the screen with their original, uncut content.
