Universal Centennial - Restoring the Classics - A Lifetime of Memories

Universal Pictures is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and to celebrate, they are doing some great things.

Here's what Universal Pictures posted:

Universal will mark its 100th anniversary in 2012, and will commemorate its centennial with a yearlong celebration honoring the studio's rich film history and cultural legacy. The campaign draws its inspiration from Universal's extraordinary and diverse library of films, many of which will be highlighted throughout the year, and is designed to engage fans of all ages in the art of moviemaking.

A significant element of the centennial includes the extensive restoration of 13 of the studio's most beloved titles such as To Kill a Mockingbird, All Quiet on the Western Front, Jaws, The Sting, Out of Africa, Frankenstein and Schindler's List.

Also included in the centennial restoration project is the 1931 Dracula starring Bela Lugosi and the 1931 Spanish version. Besides Frankenstein, Universal is restoring Bride of Frankenstein (1935) starring Boris Karloff.

Here is a 9-minute YouTube video Universal posted on the restoration:

"Dracula" (1931) Appreciated

Some people these days put down the Todd Browning 1931 Dracula. This was the movie that made Bela Lugosi a star, for better or for worse.

This was the first talking movie that dealt with an actual supernatural character and opened the floodgates for more supernatural/horror movies.

Sure, the movie is stagy (it is heavily influenced by the stage play, upon which it is based) and "clunky" in spots. The Spanish version moves better (it was filmed at night on the Universal lot using the Lugosi sets), but it is the Lugosi version that has lasted over the years. It is truly a motion picture classic and Lugosi's Count Dracula is iconic. His Dracula is the one people remember (the look, the Hungarian accent) and imitate.

It is remarkable that this year marks 80 years since Dracula premiered (on Valentine's Day in 1931). 20 years from now, Lugosi's Dracula will be 100 years old. That's even more remarkable.