Hellraiser: 20th Anniversary Edition
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   162 of 358 readers found this review helpful.

In the 80s slashers were huge. They were all the rage! Different masks, different kills, but the same stupid ass big-haired horny teens in each. Mind you, there isn’t anything necessarily bad about all that. Frankly, I loved every redundant movie of the bunch. While things were getting pretty stale, along comes Clive Barker. He set the world on fire with his dark and twisted take on S&M horror.

Of course this movie skyrocketed, because really- what can you compare it to? It isn’t a slasher, which is what so many of us horror fans were watching at the time and it wasn’t your normal supernatural fare. In fact, there isn’t anything quite like Hellraiser. If you think that pain equals pleasure and your “night wear” consists of leather crotch-less chaps and nipple rings, then this movie is already in your collection. Who am I kidding? If you are a fan of horror, then I am sure you’ve seen this movie a thousand times already. Hell, you probably all own it on Beta, VHS and DVD.

Here we are 20 years later and those great bastards from Anchor Bay have released a 20th Anniversary Edition of this freaky dark classic, making us all question a double dip purchase. Right about now, I would clue you all in on the synopsis, but is that even needed? What?!? There are some of you that have not seen this movie? Well, let me be brief.

Larry and Julia Cotton move into a nasty little house. Not only does it need some work, but it also houses the man’s half brother Frank in the floorboards. While moving some furniture, a mover cuts himself dripping blood onto the floor. This is the start of the return of the man’s half-brother. Frank was a lover of Julia and even in his skin abscent-condition he still has an erotic hold over her. He needs her help to become whole, and she agrees to help. She begins luring men into the room for Frank to peel their life away.

A problem however for dirty ole’ Frank is his return to life is not overlooked from the demons of hell. He escaped and they want him back. Larry’s daughter Kristy is now in the middle of a bad situation. When she believes that things are not right with her step mother, she finds the Lament Configuration – a puzzle box to hell. Opening it up accidentally, she is told by the Cenobites to either bring Frank to them or her soul will be ripped apart.

Folks, this is a kinky gorefest that should be owned by all. The true question is – is this version the one to get? My honest opinion is yes. With some great featurettes and interviews with Doug Bradley (Pinhead), Ashley Laurence ( Kirsty), Andrew Robinson (Larry Cotton) and composer Christopher Young this is a must have. If you have a special edition of the film already, then you probably have the commentary by Clive Barker and Ashley Laurence. Hell, you might have some of the trailers, TV spots etc. With everything in one disk then I would say, take the double dip and get rid of your other copy. If this movie is not in your collection yet, then good god folks, PICK THIS UP. An easy 5 can purchase.

Added:  Tuesday, November 06, 2007

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