Hellraiser (Special Edition) (DVD)

Author's product rating:   

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

Advantages:	cheap, atmospheric, terrifying
Disadvantages:	starting to look a little dated

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

WE WILL TEAR YOUR SOUL APART!!!!

Generally speaking, the Eighties were not good to the horror film. Films made in this decade were either comedy horror's like evil dead, or films that were designed to make you jump, like nightmare on Elm Street. Most times, films like this were not truly scary. More often than not, it was the orchestral soundtrack that made you jump, rather than a particularly scary plot or effect.

There were, however, occasional exceptions to the rule. If you choose carefully, it is possible to pull the proverbial needle from the Eighties haystack. One such needle, is Clive Barker's directorial debut, Hellraiser. Barker was not well known. Previously he had written three short horror storybooks called the 'Books of blood'. Although highly enjoyable in their own right, they are more notable for the quote that was published on the front cover.

" I have seen the future of horror, and his name is Clive Barker ".

When Something like this is said by the genre's biggest names (Stephen King.), people will inevitably stand up and take notice. That said, it also potentially set this film up for one of the biggest falls in horror history. indeed, it did initially flounder for a while before rising like a pheonix from the flames of the train wreck that was Eighties horror. All the critics of the day slated the film, and it was not really until the start of the Nineties that the film started to recieve the acclaim that it undoubtedly
deserved.

The Plot

Unlike most films of this type, ther actually was a plot. The whole concept centres around a little golden box. Its like a puzzle, and it's name is the Lament configuration. This contraption is found by Frank, and he becomes obssessed by it. Almost reminding you of a Rubik's cube (also from the Eighties.), Frank eventually twists the little box correctly and it opens a portal to another realm. I don't know if it is hell, or the place inbetween, but either way it is not a nice place. It is also home to the cenobites.

The cenobites are gruesome, former humans, who are terrifying in both appearance and action. The are pained by pleasure, and take pleasure in pain. They torture and kill frank, and they love it. What they do not love, however, is his return back to the world of the living.

You see, Frank was a bad boy. When he was alive he had a rather sordid little affair with his brothers wife, Julia. And when he passed away his brother and Julia come to stay in Frank's house. And when Frank's brother cut his hand in the room where Frank died, the blood on the floor revives Frank, and he gets the initially reluctant Julia to bring him more victems here so he can continue to regenerate.

What will become of Frank, and Julia? What will the cenobites do about it? What will become of Frank's niece, Kirsty?

My thoughts

I suppose the thing that sold the film to me, was initially the visulaization of the lead cenobite. Played by Doug Bradley, 'pinhead' is one of the scariest characters in horror. Both his appearance, and his presence. He also says one of the film, and the genres most popular lines. It was the headline for my review. We will tear your soul apart.

Pinhead, and the other cenobites encapsulate what the film is all about. They look so terrifying, and they take over your mind so that all you can think about is them. They consume your flesh, and steal your soul. Considering the decade they were created in, they are surprisingly realistic, and the effects are quite good. Doug Bradley makes the role of pinhead his own, and he puts in a very authentic performance. Fans of the show know him as the main star, but may be surprised to know that he has only about four minutes on screen.

The film is not all about the scares, although there are plenty. Rather the film is about the build up, and the viewers expectancy. An on screen effest will never be as scary as what the viewers mind makes up. Barker plays on this, and the film is one great big build up, allowing your mind to do the work, that his film crew never could.
You see, the film was incredably low budget. Small studios, and no money are not a good combination, and for Barker to have created such a good film is a huge credit to him.

Also key to the film, is the role of young Kirsty, played by Ashley Laurance. Her performance seems to hold the whole film together. A remarkable feat for one so young. Her portrayal of the terrified, yet gutsy young heroine is brilliant. In fact, the whole cast list put in decent performances, and they all add to the atmosphere of the film.

In Conclusion

The film is not for everyone. It is looking a bit dated now, but if you can look past that you will get a rewarding movie. It still has the power to make you feel fear, and that power is a wonderful thing. There are not many films nowadays that can do what this film does, and this one does it without all that modern 'magic' that new films are supposed to contain. I think that this film proves that money cannot buy you everything, especially not in horror. True horror must come from deep within someones twisted mind. And that must mean that Clive Barker has a very twisted mind indeed.

special features

The dvd contains commentaries by both Clive Barker, and Ashley Laurance. There are also interviews with the cast and crew, as well as an interesting featurette ' ressurection'. I think that these would be great for a true fan, but I for one never really hold any value in the extras to be found on a dvd. Even if this was to come with just the film on it, I would still be happy. Especially considering you can get a copy for as little a £3!

Reccomended. G