The Satanic Rites of Dracula (DVD)

Hidden behind the doors of England's wealthiest manors are altars dedicated to the worship of Satan, the sites of hideous black mass rituals. These twisted scenes of torture and sacrifice are perpetrated by the country's most prominent citizens, seduced by the power of Count Dracula. The vampire has enlisted the aid of politicians, generals, and scientists to unleash a deadly plague on the earth. The legendary vampire hunter, Dr. Van Helsing, learns of the scheme just before the Sabbath of the Undead, the day chosen for human annihilation. With the aid of his granddaughter and two investigators, he pursues Dracula to his foul lair where they clash in a devastating battle that will decide the fate of the human race.

The Satanic Rites of Dracula, released in the U.K. as Count Dracula and his Vampire Bride, is the final film pairing Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Their portrayals of Dracula and Van Helsing in the Hammer series are definitive within the vampire genre, and The Satanic Rites of Dracula is an impressive finale for the saga. Contains nudity.

• horror