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| Simitar (Australia USA Import). All Regions, NTSC. 1.85 (16:9 enhanced)& 4:3. English DD 5.1, English 2.0. 99 minutes |
| The Movie |
| Cover Art |
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| Credits |
Director: Tony Randel
Starring: Ashley Laurence,
Clare Higgins, Kenneth Cranham, Imogen Boorman,
Doug Bradley
Screenplay: Peter Atkins,
Clive Barker
Music: Christopher Young
Tagline: "It Will
Tear Your Soul Apart Like Never Before"
Country:UK |
In the movie world, any film that successfully
rakes in a little bit of a profit will, inevitably,
find itself blessed with a sequel or ten - resulting
in many lame, brainless follow-ups to a successful
horror flick polluting cinema screens and video-store
shelves. Luckily for fans of Pinhead and Co., Hellraiser creator Clive Barker,
after the sequel was given the go-ahead, decided
to expand on the ideas and characters of the first
movie to ensure that Hellbound was more than just a case of 'more of the
same.' Barker's plot outline and ideas
were passed to writer Peter Atkins and Tony Randel
was signed up to direct the sequel.
After a quick recap of the final moments from
the original, Hellbound finds
Kirsty (Ashley Lawrence) banged up in a Mental
Institution under the watchful gaze of the suspiciously
shifty Dr. Channard, who's intentions aren't
entirely concerned with Kirsty's well-being.
Channard has in his possession a familiar-looking,
blood-soaked mattress which he uses, with the
help of a hospital inmate and a straight razor,
to resurrect Julia (Claire Higgins.) Kirsty, meanwhile,
is haunted by a skinless creature who pleads with
her, 'I am in hell. Help me.' Also
resident at the hospital is a young girl, Tiffany,
who has a talent for solving puzzles. Needless
to say, a certain puzzle-box finds it's
way into her hands and, as a result, all hell
(quite literally) breaks loose…
So what's new? Well, firstly, the role
of Julia is cleverly reversed from seduced to
seducer in this sequel. After being manipulated
by Frank in the original movie, she uses the easily
led Channard to help provide her with victims
to aid her 'reconstruction.' It's
a neat twist for her character, that's for
sure. Secondly, the background of the Cenobites
is explored in some detail, with Pinhead's
creation being revealed as well as his human form
grabbing some screen-time. Pinhead is undoubtedly
the star of this franchise and the expansion of
his character found here is most welcome and in
keeping with Barker's original intentions
for the sequel.
Visually, Hellbound retains
a similar look to the original movie with flashes
of bright lighting and some strikingly macabre
images - the sight of a skinless Julia, wrapped
in pure white bandages is especially memorable.
It's worth mentioning at this point that Hellbound is one of the most
relentlessly gory films that this reviewer has
ever seen, with hardly a minute passing without
some kind of gore effect being splashed across
the screen. The previously mentioned scene with
the hospital inmate hacking away at himself with
a razor will send even hardened gorehounds stomachs
a-churning and splatter-fans will be delighted
with the grue on display here. Needless to say
that the squeamish out there can consider themselves
suitably forewarned! (Hellbound has suffered from censorship in some territories
but the print on offer here is the unrated Director's
cut of the film.) |
| Video |
| Presented in 1.85 anamorphic widescreen with a
full-frame option, Hellbound looks
very nice thanks to this THX approved transfer.
Blacks are nice and rich and colour reproduction
is good. The transfer carries a good level of detail
and the print used is virtually damage free. Some
grain is present, especially during some of the
later special effects sequences, but that is really
the only criticism that can be made regarding this
transfer. |
| Audio |
| A choice of 5.1 or Stereo Surround. Both tracks
are nice and punchy with clear dialogue and effects.
The excellent music score is nicely reproduced.
No background noise or other unwelcome clatter was
to be found. A good quality audio presentation. |
| Extra Features |
| First up is a commentary track featuring Randel,
Laurence and Atkins. Randel is an interesting
and honest speaker, happy to give credit to other
crew members for their contributions and equally
happy to point out his own errors and discuss
things he would change about the film. Laurence
and Atkins add some interesting opinions and memories
concerning the film and, together, the three contributors
provide a fun commentary track.
A 17 minute featurette, 'Lost In The Labyrinth'
follows next. A short piece interviewing all the
major players in the movie's creation. Not
bad of it's kind.
The extras are rounded off with the usual theatrical
trailer and that old favourite, the stills gallery.
A THX set-up guide is also available should it
be required and the menus are animated and scored. |
| The Verdict |
A worthy and enjoyable sequel that succeeds in
expanding on the ideas of the original movie and
therefore avoids being just another pointless cash-in.
The disc carries a good quality audio/video presentation
and a satisfying selection of bonus goodies. All
this adds up to a release that should be part of
any horror fans collection.
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