How's this for a complicated film: a Spanish adaptation of a Tod Browning film adapted from a John L. Balderston play revised from an earlier Hamilton Deane play adapted from a novel by Bram Stoker! The Spanish-language version of Dracula was filmed on the same sets as the English-language version with an entirely different cast following the same treatment. Contemporary DVD releases of the Tod Browning English film tend to include the Spanish-language variant directed by George Melford.
As you would expect the Spanish Dracula is virtually identical to the English version in terms of plot and staging. And yet, beyond the performances themselves, there are some noticeable differences: the fake spider at Castle Dracula is a completely different (and more believable) prop in the Spanish version; the bats in the Spanish version flap about instead of hovering in place. But it's the performances which truly alter the material; although they are still restricted by the script's devotion to the play, there is something about the Latin languages which inspires more energy and excitement in conversation. Note too how violently Van Helsing's mirror is shattered in the Spanish version versus the English copy!
I would also say the Spanish version of Lucy & Mina (Lucia & Eva) are far lovelier than the women in the English film. The film's Renfield is no Dwight Frye, but is fine. Where the Spanish film is lacking is in the count himself, portrayed there by Carlos Villarias. Carlos' was so moon-faced that while his performance showed a ruthlessness which I found lacking in Lugosi, physically he was not as intimidating as Lugosi (of course, he also lacked Lugosi's wonderful accent). If you don't mind watching films with subtitles than you might enjoy the Spanish version more than the English one - I certainly do. However, you'll likely want to see the English version first to prepare for the inevitable comparisons.
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