But it was set in a hybrid universe anyway.
Exactly! My favourite is the Zeffirelli version of the play, but this is a wonderfully vibrant and exciting interpretation too.

But it was set in a hybrid universe anyway. Southern California mixed with some Third World society run by warlords plus 15th Century cultural values.
Exactly how would such a world be different 20 years later except that hopefully the feud is still over and they'd have smart phones? Is a street punk in a flashy shirt, a slum or a mansion all that different now?
A lot of 90s music still sounds good. Some things about the world of the movie were always baffling. No Catholic church would allow such tacky decorations (including indoor neon lights!) for example.

Nail on the head. The whole look and feel of the film is so gaudy and overcooked, trying so hard it practically beats you over the head. 'LOOK HOW STYLISH THIS IS! LOOK HOW STYLISH THIS IS!'
It's a bold experiment to do something different with hallowed material, so over shouldn't be to harsh, but this has aged so badly now it's bearly viewable even as a curiosity.

I have to disagree with you. Its just a vibrant as it was in 1996. Its just a generation x movie from a generation x decade. You can't compare apples to oranges.

I agree with the OP as well.
The 68 version never loses its appeal because it was set in a time that had passed, so it could never really "age badly".
Then though I did not care much for it when it first came out.
Here All One Needs Is A Pair Of Fangs
Come Out Come Out Wherever You Are
-Lestat de Lioncourt

Everyone is entitled to they're opinion. If you like it I say good for you. However I have to agree with the OP it doesn't really hold up for me today since its release.

Wow, couldn't disagree more. I just finished the scene with "When Doves Cry" and thought it was brilliant! The entire movie is great.

No way! Watching it now - nearly 20 years later - and it's still amazing. Love seeing all these actors. Paul Rudd looks like a baby.