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My Bloody Valentine (1981)
By: Devon Bertsch on July 9, 2006. Share Share  CommentsComments (1)
DVD
Paramount (Australia). Region 4, PAL. 1.78:1 (16:9 enhanced). German DD 2.0, English DD 2.0, Spanish DD 2.0, French DD 2.0, Italian DD 2.0. Danish, German, Greek, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese, Finnish, Swedish, Turkish, English, (FHI) Subtitles. 87 minutes
The Movie
Cover Art
Credits
Director: George Mihalka
Starring: Paul Kelman, Lori Hallier, Neil Affleck
Screenplay: John Beaird
Music: Paul Zaza
Tagline: There's more than one way to lose your heart
Country: USA
Trying to ad even more horror to a date that already strikes fear into the heart of men everywhere, My Bloody Valentine sets itself around that wonderful day known for chocolates and stupid, short, naked, wingéd archers. However, in a bid to be clever, an early caption says 'Thursday February 12th,' with much occurring on what would then be Saturday the 14th. This means that a Friday the 13th occurs during the film, just to muddle your slasher comprehension more.

The plot of My Bloody Valentine is very complex, so pay attention. In the 60s, five miners were killed down the mine in a preventable accident. Their companion, and only survivor of the incident, Harry Warden, goes a bit loopy afterwards. He returns to the town one year later, and kills. Then, we go to 'present' day, and the town is looking to put all this tragedy behind them and once again be able to celebrate Valentine's Day. Why anyone would give a fuck, I don't know. Anyway, the town plans a dance, and then ominous warnings start appearing in the traditional heart shaped boxes that Kurt Cobain was always on about. When the warnings aren't heeded, the deaths begin, hence the 'bloody' in the title. Is Harry Warden back?

While My Bloody Valentine might not be a favourite in Tasmania right now, it is an okay 80's slasher. The kills are unfortunately a bit basic, but rumour has it there is an uncut version that makes the 'bloody' bit of the title seem like an understatement. The cuts also render some scenes incoherent, so maybe the film's a masterpiece at full strength. While that footage languishes in Paramount's purgatory, we'll have to make due with the theatrical release.
Video
My Bloody Valentine is presented at 1.78:1 in a 16x9 enhanced print. The film looks sharp, with colours strong, and minimal grain. A few specks and spots are still to be had, but overall, this film looks excellent. Prints like this are exactly what we have the DVD format for.
Audio
The audio is presented in the original mono track. Purists, rejoice. Others, the audio is clear. It may not make your surround sound stereo hop, but you can hear what's going on.
Extra Features
You want what now?
The Verdict
It's a good thing these psycho killers are always so patient and on top of things. If they weren't so vigilant, people might think they could get away with shit like a holiday dance after only a few decades of cowering. My Bloody Valentine is nothing new, and wasn't even really back when it debuted 25 years ago. The film isn't really deserving of a deluxe edition, but I certainly wouldn't mind upgrading to an uncut edition. Evidently one of the producers claims to have not only an uncut negative, but an extended version of the film. He is currently trying to find a way to get this version released on DVD, but is having rights issues. Regardless, the elements of the theatrical release are well presented here, so if you're a fan of the movie and can pick this up cheap, do so.
The Rating

User Comments
1 user comments have been posted so far
Comment Script
the recent copy released is totally rubbish, the best scenens have been cut or edited, its about time paramount released the full uncut version , otherwise it may aswell be binned.
Posted by: lorraine on 05/08/2008 @ 09:54
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