The first major analysis of "Dracula" was by William K. Everson in his book "More Classics of the Horror Film" (1986). Everson proclaimed that the film made better use of sets like Dracula's Chambers than Browning's version and other events in the film such as the mist that appears out of Dracula's coffin and the sequence involving Dracula's travel to England. Everson also noted the "surprisingly erotic" qualities of the leading actress Lupita Tovar. David J. Skal's book "Hollywood Gothic" (1990) which included footage taken from a print of the film archived at the "Cinemateca de Cuba", including footage missing from the Library of Congress copy that was screened in 1977. Skal concluded that the film was superior to Browning's film. "Variety" reviewed the video on its VHS release, commenting that Melford's film was "far less ambitious" noting fewer dolly and tracking shots. The review also commented that Melford's film felt more stage bound and its longer running time led to more "ponderous pauses and plodding dialog.". Tom Weaver reviewed the film in "Fangoria" cautioning viewers on stating which film is better, proposing that "Is it actually a better film than Lugosi's, or will it just seem better until the novelty wears off?"