Bram Stoker's Dracula (Silent Film Version)

From the first minute of this edit I knew I was going to love it. I've been a fan of the Stoker novel and Coppola's film since I was a kid, so I agree with the other reviewers that the narrative is probably incoherent to those unfamiliar with the story.

I absolutely loved the use of the Glass score, and the intertitles were well chosen and kept up a nice brisk pace. I agree with exile81 that the ending was a bit abrupt, but I also enjoyed the idea that the film ends in such a breathless way.

This is a go-to Halloween watch for me from now on. I can't believe this was a first edit. Way to go Paulisdead2221!

This fanedit may not be for everyone but I sure enjoyed the hell out of it.Presentation is top notch, loved the soundtrack (a alternate version is available.) My only problem is the abrupt ending I believe this can be solved by reinstating the original ending,Dracula looking at Mina's photo during his first interactions with Harker. Some of Dracula's interactions with Mina (For example their first encounter.). Just my opinion though

Being a fan of Coppola's Dracula interpretation and enjoying silent movies from time to time, I was 'dying' to see this edit. And I enjoyed it a lot. Besides the lower frame rate, sepia coloring and added film grain, even the aspect ratio was altered. And sometimes short in-between shots were removed, causing a jump in the 'continued' shot which is also very much a silent-movie characteristic.
I also applaud the insert shots from other Dracula movies (I presume the Legosi and Nosferatu, but I've seen both only once so I can't be sure). Especially replacing Coppola's castle with a more traditional one was to my liking. I respect Coppola's intent to avoid cliche's, but his castle was a bit too original for my taste.
The scene that impressed me most was the encounter between Mina and Dracula, with some shots not only in a different progression but sometimes even backward. Very well done indeed.
On a side note, this version made me aware of how strange the added love story for Dracula and Mina in Bram Stoker's Dracula actually is. After all, why would the count kill off the best friend of his lover, when there are countless (pun intended) other possible victims? This edit strips the story down to what Stoker wrote, and that's enough for an enjoyable outing in vampire-land.
Narrative-wise I have the same quarrel already mentioned by other reviewers: the title cards are too short, making it sometimes difficult to follow. And I also agree with other reviewers that Dracula's death comes to quick. I think that could be mended by adding the shot of the count in his last scene in the church, when he looks up into the light. Add that shot after the title card about how he seemed to smile when he died, and the audience gets a proper goodbye.

Apart from these narrative issues, I think this is a beautiful edit. The music by Glass works also well, which surprised me as I somehow didn't enjoy it in the Lugosi version. I can't however say that I like this version more than Coppola's original, because it is so completely different that it stands wholly on it's own. It's one of the most original, daring and inventive fan-edits I've seen so far - but I wouldn't mind to see a new version with the alterations mentioned above ;)

This is a really good fanedit; I'm a sucker for the idea of presenting/editing a film into a different style than its original form, and this edit is a very very good example of how to go about it.

Audio and video quality are both great - I haven't listened to the complete alternate score, but have no reason to assume there are any problems there.

The video editing is mostly very strong - the use of tinting was very nice, with a number of subtleties that helped sell the effect. Similarly, the styling on the titlecards and fades/transitions were very nice, and the film-aging effect was elegantly restrained, present without drawing undue attention to itself. Unfortunately, there are still some issues - while I really appreciate the font chosen, combined with the font size and titlecard duration it was almost impossible to read the entirety of any titlecards more than 2 lines long. Similarly some of the transitions felt hurried. I don't want to end this part on a negative note, though, so I'll mention here that there were a number of shots that were simply breathtaking as presented here - the flash of lightning when Harker is in the coach on the way to Dracula's castle is but one of many memorable images in this edit.

Narratively, I felt it was very good for someone already familiar with the story and Coppola's film (or Nosferatu, for that matter). The breakneck pace never lets up and actually becomes somewhat disorienting towards the end, with several shots in the climactic chase sequence feeling too short to be effective. Combined with the brevity of the intertitles, I suspect someone new to the material would have a hard time keeping up. In this regard it felt like some of the editing choices were made to suit the running time of the score rather than the narrative, which is rather unfortunate.

It may seem that I'm complaining a lot about this edit; that's not my intention. This edit is definitely worth viewing, flaws notwithstanding - if you like Coppola's film, or Murnau's Nosferatu, you will almost certainly derive a great deal of enjoyment from this edit. The fact that such a high standard has been achieved by a first-time editor is even more commendable; I look forward to seeing whatever Paulisdead turns their hand to next.

One can never have too many Silent era productions.
Faneditor Paulisdead has not only rendered Coppola’s 1992 Dracula into a silent movie, but he has distilled the running time to 51‘, shorter than Murnau’s Nosferatu, as well as the 1931 Dracula.
I am going to nitpick away on this, but this is really an outstanding edit which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Video - 1280 X 720 AVC. Holy moly, at 4.5 GB, this is fat. The “look” is appropriate. A bit of jerkiness and undercranking, but not excessive. Silents suffered in later years because they were shown at too high a speed. Thank you for not going overboard with the damage (scratches, streaks). I would classify this as a late teens or early 20s Silent as opposed to a later 20s production. Some of the fadeouts were abrupt.

Clips from the ‘31 version were thoughtful and not intrusive. If there were any from the Mexican version I did not catch them. Nice use of tinting. There might have been more blue for night scenes, but I could appreciate the more subtle use of showing blue during lightning flashes.

Audio - 224 kbps AC3. 2 Channel stereo. I never listen to the Glass score when watching the ‘31, yet it was fine here. The themes and motifs matched the activity on the screen. Other editors who attempt Silents could learn from the choices here. The piano version of same score feels different. I enjoy that, as well. Hard to pick a favorite.

This is usually where I write “No Subs.” Not this time. There are intertitles throughout. The font for larger header cards is ornate, for dialogue, less so. The intertitles are too brief and too small. The brevity might have been compensated for with a larger size. This was commented on while the edit was still in progress.

Narrative - The original clocked in at 2‘ 8“. More than 50% has been cut. There is a real lack of cohesion in the story. I know FE members have seen (own) the ‘92 version. For anyone new to Dracula, this is too choppy, with poor characters. Renfield could have been omitted altogether, more time given to Dracula and the hunters. Bumping the running time to 60-75“ might have fleshed out the tale, too. There were a couple stills inserted, one at 30.54, which were barely seen. This edit is breathless. The pace races and it is hard to take in at times.

Enjoyment - Oh, absolutely! This is extremely well done. Consider that this is also a first time edit. I sincerely hope Paulisdead continues editing and tackles other projects. One might think I’m giving him a hard time, but that is not my intention. The flaws and omissions were small in comparison with the resultant film.

For Dracula fans, for Silent era fans, for folks who like variety in their fanedits, this is an excellent choice.