Re-Animator [Blu-ray]

What can be said about Re-Animator that has not been said already? I remember seeing this as a kid of about 10, back in 1988 and it really put the hook in me. It's one of those rare horror films that creates a really cool atmosphere and manages to run with it.

The story, for anyone who dosen't know, or can't figure it out based on the title and the films cover, is based on the creation of a serum that brings the dead back to life, hence the films title. The problem is that once bought back to life, the dead are absolutely crazy, and this is based on the dosage of the serum that is given to them. The film follows the exploits of Herbert West and his unwitting partner in crime, Dan Cain, as they try to perfect the Re-Animation process, causing the deaths of several others along the way.

By todays standards some of the horror effects are pretty campy, but that is a really small criticism, as the peformances by the main cast (in particular Jeffery Combs as the titular Herbert West)make up for any aging in this department.

The Melinium Edition of this DVD is packed with every feature that a fan of this film could want. Interviews with key members of the production crew, which unlike many such features on other DVD's actually provide insights into the process undertaken to make and market this film. There are also two very good audio commentaries on the first disc, promotional materials (5 amusing TV spots and a theatrical trailer)a stills gallery (roughly 50 pictures)and Cast and Crew biographies and filmographies. The 16 extended scenes are interesting, but in most cases it is easy to see why certain material was either cut, or re-shot in an edited format. The deletted scene is interesting but dosen't seem to gel with the finished film.

In short, I recommend buying the Melinium Edition of this film if you were ever a fan of Re-Animator, or consider yourself to be a fan of the horror genre. You will not be dissapointed by this package. Elie Entertainment has done a wonderful job with this film and it is a classic example of how great films should be given treatment on DVD.

Finally the only version you will ever need of this horror classic has been released. It has never looked or sounded better. Up until now, the unrated version has been tough to find anywhere. The bonus materials are also top notch. I would have to say that this is one of the top 10 DVD's out there right now. No complaints here. Enjoy!

Thanks to my horror friends I've been corrupted to see this film. The one who had sat me down firmly and push this disc across the table was a man by the name of Chris... yes Chris Blackshere Why? Because he has feed the friendly pack his disgusting thought out recipe with this film. I have just seen "Re-animator" for the first time and thought why the 80's have to end. Horror movies are not made like this anymore and I enjoyed this film. I can see why the "Re-Animator" is an all-time great cult classic. It's a re-telling of the Frankenstein story that is simply out to provide a fun story, some good gore, and a wickedly droll sense of humor.

Based on a story by H. P. Lovecraft we have Herbert West (Jeffrey Combs), who is a scientist that has this dream. After testing his "Re-Animator" serum on a doctor in Switzerland, he comes to the USA hoping to try his experiments on the dead at Miskatonic University in Boston. He gets help from a young medical student named Dan Cain (Bruce Abbott), who is seeing Megan Halsey (Barbara Crampton) who just happens to be the daughter of Dean Halsey (Robert Sampson), the dean of the university. Along the way Dr. Carl Hill (David Gale) gets involved and soon mayhem breaks out.

This should be considered standard viewing for any true horror fan--especially zombie film lovers. I tell you that cat scene had me rolling and I couldn't stop myself from laughing. This movie has all of the splendor and charm that came with 80's B-horror. There is lots of blood and gore, fantastic makeup and no questionable CGI. Bruce Abbott as the good doctor and Jeffrey Combs as the mad Re-animator himself are just so fun to watch on screen. Their arguments alone are entertaining. This film also features director Gordon's wife Carolyn Purdy-Gordon in a small role, and Arnold Schwarzenegger's body double, Gerry Black, as one of the first corpses to be re-animated. The only film that I've seen from Director Gordon was "Dolls" (1987) and thought it was a pretty decent and(personally) horrifying.

Other than that, "Re-animator" proves to be a great chemical balance between comedy and horror while politely stabbing you into a memorable experience. Thanks everyone.