Any discerning horror fan should be familiar with Re-Animator. It not only draws from the works of H.P. Lovecraft, but is nestled into an era where filmmakers were pushing the limits of storytelling, special effects, and good taste. Stuart Gordon’s directorial debut blended horror, humor, and a healthy dose of satire that now, thanks to Arrow Films, is getting a very special 4K restoration re-release.
Synopsis:
Scientist Herbert West has discovered a fluid which brings living tissue back to life. After the death of his professor, West moves to a new university to continue his research. He involves a fellow student and the student’s fiancée in his research by experimenting on their dead cat. Dan, fascinated by West’s research, agrees to smuggle him into the hospital morgue…
It’s a relatively simple plot, one based on H.P. Lovecraft’s 1921–22 series Herbert West: Re-Animator. As with any tale of a scientist who wants to play God, things inevitably go wrong. Ensuing body horror elements fuel the film, using imaginative and brilliantly executed practical effects that impress even today, but there’s more than gore here. Disturbing visuals are tempered by an often hilarious screenplay, or utilized in some ludicrous ways, verging on the slapstick. While the dark facets of the tale keep it from veering into silliness, the film never loses its sense of fun. Like Hellraiser, Brain Damage, and Prince of Darkness, among others, Re-Animator was a horror film that had more substance, something that was smarter than the spate of slasher films that were so predominant at the time. It delves into the science, the morals, and the consequences of these characters.
It’s an assured feature from director Stuart Gordon. Lurid and visceral, he embraces the schlock, but elevates it too. He crafts characters with depth and is brazen enough to change-up their prominence and roles as the film progresses. He’s ably assisted by a great cast, notably David Gale, Bruce Abbott, and of course Barbara Crampton, who makes an indelible mark on the horror genre with her role, not to mention the infamous ‘severed head sequence’. The film ultimately belongs to Jeffrey Combs, whose work as Herbert Wells holds your gaze throughout. His intensity, quirkiness, and escalating unhinged qualities add to the potency of this cinematic horror landmark.
The Package
The release touts a new 4K restoration of both the Unrated and Integral versions of the film. Having seen the film on everything from VHS, DVD, and even 35mm, the difference here is impressive. A clean and vibrant image, impressive detail, with no flaws evident. The release is stuffed with an incredible array of special features:
DISC 1
• Unrated version [86 mins]
• Audio commentary with director Stuart Gordon: A highlight of the release. A really in-depth commentary that not just offers insight into the film, but Gordon’s own career. Details on the script, production, and some amusing behind the scenes tales.
• Audio commentary with producer Brian Yuzna, actors Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton, Bruce Abbott, and Robert Sampson: Another great track, good banter between the assembled talent, interesting tidbits and one of the most fun commentaries I’ve heard, including insights into prosthetics, line delivery, nudity, and more!
• Re-Animator Resurrectus — documentary on the making of the film, featuring extensive interviews with cast and crew: Running just over an hour, an in-depth look at the film’s production and an example of how this feature should be approached.
• Interview with director Stuart Gordon and producer Brian Yuzna: Featurette that shows off the repertoire between the pair, as they discuss how they approach making the film.
• Interview with writer Dennis Paoli: A conversation about how Lovecraft’s work was adapted, as well as other cinematic endeavors that inspired the film.
• Interview with composer Richard Band: Worth a watch, if only for how Band seems to be operating on a different level to the rest of the crew.
• Music Discussion with composer Richard Band: A smartly assembled featurette that shows scenes with and without music to highlight what they bring to the film.
• Interview with former Fangoria editor Tony Timpone: A recollection of his first viewing of the film and later love of it.
• Barbara Crampton In Conversation — the Re-Animator star sits down with journalist Alan Jones for this career-spanning discussion: Queen!
• Deleted and Extended Scenes
• Trailer & TV Spots
DISC 2
- Integral version [105 mins]: Running 19 minutes longer than the ‘uncut’ version, it reintegrates a number of deleted scenes (available separately on disc 1). Personally, I prefer the uncut version, a tighter and more well paced affair, but it’s great to have this included.
- A Guide to Lovecraftian Cinema — brand new featurette looking at the many various cinematic incarnations of writer H.P. Lovecraft’s work: A nice look at the highs and (many) lows of cinematic adaptations of Lovecraft’s work, presented by Chris Lackey, host of the H.P. Lovecraft Literary Podcast.
- Doug Bradley’s Spinechillers: Herbert West — Reanimator: Actor Jeffrey Combs reads H.P. Lovecraft’s original classic short story. A great little addition.
The version available for review was a barebones disc, with all the extra features. The limited edition retail release comes in a hell of a package, a image is below and includes:
• Digipak packaging featuring newly commissioned artwork by Justin Erickson
• Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by writer Michael Gingold
• Re-Animator — the original 1991 comic book adaptation, reprinted in its entirety
The Bottom Line
Re-Animator was, and remains, a landmark in the horror genre. Smart, dark, and often hilarious. A gloriously gory spectacle featuring a career defining turn from Jeffrey Combs. A stunning treatment by Arrow Films for a rightly revered classic.
The Re-Animator 4K Restoration is available via Arrow Films from August 8th.
