Hellraiser Blu-ray Review

Clive Barker's "Hellraiser" has been presented on Blu-ray by Arrow Video with a notable flourish, boasting an original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and delighting audiences with a 1080p transfer. This edition benefits immensely from a fresh 2K restoration, elevating the film's visual allure considerably when compared to previous releases, such as the Anchor Bay's Hellraiser Puzzle Box edition. The newly minted version exhibits an enhanced vibrancy and stability, with shadow details receiving a significant upgrade, thus showcasing lusher and more balanced colors. Although free from egregious degraining issues, the restoration is not without minor hiccups; certain sequences reveal slightly awkward grain movement and minor anomalies in sharpness and brightness levels that detract from an otherwise pristine image quality. These observations, however, are only evident upon close scrutiny and do not substantially mar the viewing experience.

Reflecting on earlier versions of the movie, from VHS tapes to DVDs and initial Blu-ray releases, this current incarnation stands out for its robust enhancement and fidelity to the source material. The transfer has indeed breathed new life into "Hellraiser," preserving its eerie ambiance while offering a level of clarity that significantly surpasses earlier formats. Enthusiasts may pine for what a 4K scan or a full UHD with HDR presentation could potentially achieve, especially in terms of enriching the colors and deepening the black levels. Yet, this 1080p transfer remains a highlight among Arrow's esteemed catalog of cinematic revivals.

Notwithstanding the occasional presence of small specks, black marks, and blemishes that remind viewers of the film's age, the overall image stability is commendable. It's a testament to the care and consideration invested in this restoration that "Hellraiser" emerges not only as a preserved relic of horror cinema but as a revitalized experience that engages both loyal fans and newcomers with its visually arresting presentation. Note that this is a Region-B locked Blu-ray release, necessitating a Region-B or Region-Free player for access—an important consideration for interested parties worldwide.

The Blu-ray release of "Hellraiser" features two primary audio tracks, offering aficionados the choice between an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and an English LPCM 2.0 setup. Fans and newcomers alike will appreciate the inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature, ensuring accessibility for all viewers. The LPCM 2.0 track, in particular, garners praise for its depth, clarity, and balance, presenting Christopher Young’s haunting score alongside the film's signature sound effects—such as chains and rattling—with exceptional nuance. Dialogue through this mix is rendered crisply, allowing for effortless comprehension without the distraction of audio dropouts, pops, or digital distortions.

Critics have noted a distinct preference for the LPCM 2.0 mix, citing its organic feel that perhaps plays into a nostalgia for the era of VHS and Laserdisc. However, this does not overshadow the quality of the DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track, which demonstrates its own strengths particularly in the film’s climactic scenes where its dynamic range fully immerses the viewer in Hellraiser’s infernal ambiance. The surround mix's lower LFE enhances Christopher Young’s score, enveloping viewers in the film's ominous atmosphere more profoundly than its LPCM counterpart.

While both audio tracks are lauded as the best presentations of the film's soundscape to date, there’s a discernible touch of realism and fidelity associated with the LPCM 2.0 track that makes it stand out. It offers an auditory experience that is both immersive and true to the film’s original aesthetic. That said, the DTS surround option remains a worthy choice for those seeking a more enveloping sound experience, especially during the film’s more action-packed sequences. Collectively, these audio presentations reaffirm "Hellraiser’s" legacy not just in visual horror, but as an auditory experience as well.

The extra presentation on the Blu Ray of "Hellraiser" is a treasure trove for fans and scholars of the film alike, meticulously curated to weave an exhaustive tapestry of its making, impact, and legacy. The collection boasts two insightful audio commentaries, one solo by director Clive Barker, providing a deep dive into the film's creation, and another featuring Barker alongside star Ashley Laurence and screenwriter Peter Atkins discussing the film’s enduring cult status. The crown jewel, "Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser," is an extensive documentary that unpacks the film's production history and thematic depth. Other highlights include "Being Frank: Sean Chapman on Hellraiser," shedding light on Chapman's views and experiences, and "Soundtrack Hell," exploring the film's initial musical direction with Coil. Archival materials, such as the original EPK, trailers, TV spots, a vast image gallery, draft screenplays available via BD-ROM, and a quirky Easter Egg round out the package. No new features were added, but with such rich content at hand, this collection stands out as a comprehensive compendium that brilliantly complements the film itself.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Clive Barker: In-depth solo commentary by the director.
• Audio Commentary with Clive Barker and Ashley Laurence: A collaboration reflecting on the film's production and status.
• Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser: A comprehensive documentary on the film’s history.
• Being Frank: Sean Chapman on Hellraiser: Chapman discusses his role and experiences.
• Soundtrack Hell: Featurette on the original soundtrack collaboration with Coil.
• Hellraiser: Resurrection: Archival featurette with key interviews.
• Under the Skin: Doug Bradley on Hellraiser: Bradley’s perspective on his character and the film.
• Original EPK: Raw footage and interviews from the set.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original cinema trailer.
• Red Band Theatrical Trailer: More graphic trailer version.
• International Trailer: Trailer for international audiences.
• TV Spots: Short promotional TV clips.
• Image Gallery: Collection of production stills and promotional material.
• Draft Screenplays: Accessible via BD-ROM, presenting the film's draft scripts.
• Easter Egg: A quirky hidden promo.

Clive Barker's "Hellraiser" presents a unique journey into a dark, gothic world, exploring the themes of obsession, desire, and the consequences of actions, all through the lens of horror. Released on Blu-ray by Arrow Video, this 1987 film boasts not only original trailers and TV spots but enriches the viewing experience with two audio commentaries, archival featurettes, and interviews with pivotal team members including actor Doug Bradley and musician Stephen Thrower. Highlighting its place in horror film history, "Hellraiser" captivates with its atmosphere, complementing its considerably gruesome narrative with a well-crafted musical score by Christopher Young, which plays a significant role in establishing the gothic ambiance that defines the movie.

The story revolves around a mysterious box that serves as a gateway to hell, summoning the cenobites, led by the iconic Pinhead (Doug Bradley), who are as terrifying as they are fascinating. Despite some of the special effects showing their age, these characters remain a highlight, embodying the film's exploration of pain and pleasure. The narrative unfolds as Frank (Sean Chapman/Oliver Smith), who seeks the ultimate experience in pain, unwittingly entangles his brother Larry (Andrew Robinson), Larry's wife Julia (Claire Higgins), and daughter Kristy (Ashley Laurence) in a horrifying family drama that questions the very nature of villainy and victimhood.

Beyond its surface-level horrors, "Hellraiser" is celebrated for its deep dive into human psychology—obsession, addiction, and the familial impact of these dark explorations. Barker’s directorial debut showcases his talent not just in storytelling but in creating visually compelling cinema that pushes boundaries and provokes thought. While the movie’s effects might be dated by today's standards, its thematic depth, coupled with its atmospheric tension and a haunting score, solidifies "Hellraiser" as a seminal work in the horror genre, making this Blu-ray release a must-have for aficionados seeking a high-quality presentation of Barker's dark vision.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Hellraiser" leaves an indelible mark as an essential possession for horror enthusiasts and collectors alike. This cult classic, directed by the visionary Clive Barker, encapsulates a chilling tale of pain, pleasure, and the infernal. The narrative follows an individual's morbid curiosity leading to the summoning of the fearsome Pinhead and his cenobite minions. Despite the film showing signs of its age, its groundbreaking nature and Barker's unrelenting vision ensure that "Hellraiser" continues to sit on a macabre pedestal of its own. This release, notably available via Arrow Video, either as part of 'The Scarlet Box' or as an awaited individual issue next year, delivers not just the movie but a slew of cherished additional content.

The technical facets of this edition underscore why it is being touted as the superior version for fans and newcomers alike. The Blu-ray boasts an exemplary audio-visual presentation that pays homage to the film's atmospheric intensity and detailed practical effects. The richness of the visual texture and the clarity of the unsettling score are meticulously preserved, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. Moreover, the inclusion of hours of extras including but not limited to behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and commentaries enriches one's appreciation of Barker's oeuvre. Although some may opine that it doesn't quite mirror the exhaustive compilation seen in 'The Scarlet Box,' this release nonetheless stands as a commendable tribute.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "Hellraiser" is not just a celebration of Clive Barker’s cinematic genius but a must-have for the aficionados of the genre. Its stellar presentation allied with a treasure trove of supplementary material makes it highly recommended. Whether you've traversed the horrifying corridors with Pinhead before or are preparing to unlock the puzzle box for the first time, this edition promises to deliver an unmatched horror experience.