Hellraiser Puzzle Box (Wide Screen) (Limited Edition) (Box Set) (DVD)

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Outstanding
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	In a neat box, Totally collectable, Clive barkers classic, Its Pinhead
Disadvantages:	There seams to be a Hellraiser missing .  Not for the easily disturbed .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

So when I spotted this out I couldn't resist had to have it. Lucky for me after much whining my husband brought it. Clive barker at his best from my point of view. I must warn though this has four disc's and I will review the lot and what i thought plus the extras. So here goes on one of my favourites horror characters Pinhead on with the review.

The Boxset is rather unique its set as the puzzle box with a disc on each side which after removing the lid folds out into four. A collectors booklet in the centre. This is a limited Edition I presume it means only so many were made and carries the extra disc to the 3 disc only version.

HELLRAISER

I will always remember the first time I saw this film underage i might add but nether the less it sticks out in my mind. Totally original workings of a horror classic that would stand the test of time as one that's memorable.

About a puzzlebox made by a toymaker hundreds of years before the cenobites are released after the puzzle is solved it either releases Heaven of hell. The Idea behind the script actually came from barkers time doing theatrical plays and have since learnt that a women Jane Wildgoose gave unique insight into the design of clive barkers plays hence the coming of the film. She made repulsive glamour costumes working under Barker. So in 1986 when the famous and wonderful book weaveworld was released published and written by Barker and his clever inspirational mind the release of Hellraiser was upon us.

According to many film critics at the time Hellraiser was to break the mould of horror movies at the time well did it lets see shall we.

The film is largely based around the family home. Larry and his wife Julia have moved into a new home. And Kirsty Larry's daughter also plays a large part. Frank Larry's brother and Julia's old lover when they first met. All the characters work very well together and the script runs very well. The special effects for the time are really good and actually all films were made on a low budget.

Plot teaser look away now...........

After moving in the new home and gashing his hand in one of the empty rooms Uncle Frank is reborn he needs more blood to escape the cenobites who came for him after he solved the box. Julia his sister in law and former lover agrees to help Frank escape but how far will she go. Will Kirsty Stumble upon the truth to save her father, Or will the cenobites recover frank before its to late. Pinhead and the other cenobites are returning from hell to recover there victim. After Kirsty solves the box who will they take.............

My Opinion.......

Well I loved the movie and have watched it many times since although we now know it was Pinhead in the first movie he has limited appearance and is unnamed as are the other cenobites. It is mainly based on Frank and Julia and his fight to be reborn but enjoyable all the same. Clive barker had a wild imagination when he came up with this and its a memorable experience. The cast are enjoyable to watch and my most favourite bit of the movie, has to be when frank breaks through the floor boards. The reason I say this is because i will never forget my best mate saying bet he drinks carling black label i still laugh now. If you haven't seen it and want original horror give it a go.

EXTRAS

**uncut-93 minutes.approx widescreen presentation
(1.78:1) Enhanced for 16:9 TV'S
**Stereo 2.0 * Optional 5.1 * DTS
**Audio Commentary with the Director Clive Barker and Star Ashley Lawerence
** Audio Commentary with Director Clive Barker
** Hellraiser: Resurrection Featurette
** Under the skin: Doug Bradley on hellraiser
** On the set interview with Clive Barker
** HJellraiser Merchandising Promo - Easter egg
** 4 Theatrical Trailers * 5 TV Spots
** Storyboards * Scripts * Poster and stills gallery

The extras were all good and a welcome addition to the disc, I loved the interviews they were enjoyable, And the stills gallery is well worth a look, I enjoyed it loads.

Right onto the second film and my thoughts.........

HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER 2

Some info i recently found out before we start on the film itself. In the later part of 1987 before they even started filming the Hellbound film a third was already being drafted this was to be based mainly on the villain of the first movie. Claire Higgin's Julia but this never followed through on the sheer fact of the reaction to the first the unnamed cenobites so Clive Barker was forced to rethink it. In 1987 the man with pins in his head the cult of horror Pinhead was born into horror genre.

This Film is my favourite of the three the sheer workings of the script and the fantastic Labyrinth scenes was very well shot. It was directed by Barker in such a way to spellbind. Kirsty from the first film has been found wandering the streets clutching the box taken to a mental institute and rambling about the cenobites. The second film gives new twists and of course the famous Pinhead makes far more appearances. Kirsty must once again face her evil stepmother can she send Julia back to hell once and for all after being reborn from the mattress she died on. The head Dr looking after Kirsty is studying the box and so there by has the mattress delivered to his house. After watching a mental patient die on the mattress with severe hallucinations Julia Is reborn. The film takes many interesting twists from here on in.

Kirsty plays an excellent part and does seem scared most of the time she plays it brilliantly. Julia Plays Evil very well and she at most points glues the film. The special effects this time round are breath taking for the year it was made. Anymore on the plot of course would spoil it for those who haven't seen it i loved it that much i really could write about the whole film but won't.

Some nice bits of gore for the horror fans but I still find it tame must be me little gore happy with horror films but the script and cast make up for that.

EXTRAS

** Uncut- 99 mins approx Widesgreen Presentation
(1.78:1) Enchanced for 16:9 TVS
** Stereo 2.0 * Optional 5.1 * DTS
** Subtitles for the hard of hearing
** Audio Commentary with Pete Atkins and Tony Randel
** Audio Commentary with Directer Tony Randel Star Ashley Laurence and writer Peter Atkins
** Under the skin: Doug Bradley on Hellraiser 2
** Lost in the Labyrinth featurette
** On the set Interview with Clive Barker, Tony Randel, Claire Higgins, Ashley Lawrence, Imogen Boorman and Kenneth Crantham.
** On the set interview with Clive Barker
** Behind the scenes Montage
** 4 theatrical Trailers * 2 TV Spots
** Script * Poster and Stills gallery

Again all features are good the interview at the end i really enjoyed because most of the cast are present. The Lost in the Labyrinth extra was really good and i loved it personally. Worth a look also is the two new additions to the directing and writing of the movie enlisted by Barker. Tony Randle Directed it very well and the additional writing of Peter Atkins lifted this way above the original and of course Pinhead was a household name in horror fans general terms cult class was made.

Phew On to the third...................

HELLRAISER 3: HELL ON EARTH

Now us horror fans had to wait ages for the final release and third instalment for Hellraiser. Released in 1992 this Hellraiser was sure to shock special effect had come on some way since the last film. The special effect for this instalment was used to full effect, However I felt with this one it was very American teenage slasher and i surpose more modern would be the best way to describe it.

Revolved around a young club owner and a reporter investing a strange occurrence outside his club. He has bought a statue a rather ugly one at that i must say but who's face is peering at you from one side of it of course Pinhead. After being awaken he needs the club owners cast offs (girls) to be released from the statue. His estranged girlfriend terry witnessed the box and the statue can she help the reporter solve the mystery that surrounds it. This was and I believe still is a horror for the Mtv generation Plenty of special effects and loads of gore, The club scene when Pinhead and the cenobites reign is superb but aimed at horror fans, You also see the explanation behind Pinhead which was a nice addition, How he came to be, etc. This made the film more than just a clear cut gory addition and very watchable.

Again the script worked very well and the cast again glue rather well in my opinion well worth a few years wait. Give it a try unless horror turns your stomach.

EXTRAS

** Uncut - 93 mins approx Widescreen Presentation
(1.78:1) Enhanced for 16:9 TVS
** Stereo 2.0 * Optional 5.1 * DTS
** Subtitles for the hard of hearing
** Audio Commentary with the Director Anthony Hickox and star Doug Bradley
** Under the skin: Doug Bradley on Hellraiser 3
** Raising Hell on Earth: Interview with Director Anthony Hickox
** On set interviews with Clive Barker and Doug Bradley
** Theactrical Trailer * Poster and Stills gallery

I thought the extras were ok but obviously they do seem the same run of the mill. I loved the Interview with Doug Bradley Pinhead himself was interesting. Of course the gallery is always worth a look and you get feel for why the movie took the direction it did by watching the many extras.

BONUS DISC AS ADDED EXTRA

On this disc are some other stuff for the hellraiser fan and adds to it being a collectors item. The extras are as follows........

** Full Screen Presentation of the Hellraisr 3: Hell On Earth
** Early Short - Clive Barker's Salome (1973)
** Early Short - Clive Barker's The Forbidden (1978)
** Interviews with Clive Barker, Pete Atkins and Doug Bradley, discussing the early short films.

I found this a nice addition and if your a Clive Barker fan it gives great insight into the Director and his Early efforts. I found it very interesting and loved seeing the early stuff.

MY OVERALL OPINION...............

Its defiantly one for the collector and of course Doug Bradley played Pinhead to a tea a memorable performance in all the films. It is Of course rated 18 given the gore aspect and general storyline. The complete Running time is a massive 285 mins approx so long time to sit and watch. I have watched all a few times since buying. My husband bought it from Woolworth's for £27.99 last year but Amazon now do it for a much lower price and of course over £15 delivery is free. I am leaving some links which maybe of interest for those who may want to buy it or read about the Director in more detail. It was released as a boxset in 2004 so a couple of years old now.

www.anchorbay.co.uk

www.amazon.co.uk

www.hellrasier. com

www.play.com

Thanks for reading lou xx