If it were solely up to me, I would recommend first HELLRAISER and then its direct sequel as number one. The reason for this would be that the film is a top suggestion for anyone who has not had the chance to see it or experience a cenobite. Though two separate films, they top and tail a story about families, that crosses dimensions and (with 13 days left) is a horrifically joyful jolt.
13 – HELLRAISER I and II (ARROW)
WHATS IT ABOUT?
Clive Barker HELLRAISER sees Kirsty Cotton (Ashley Laurence) take on her menacing uncle Frank Cotton (Sean Chapman), when she finds he has been resurrected by murderous deeds. She uses a mysterious puzzle box that connects to hell and the Cenobites, who are hunting him and then her. HELLRAISER II: HELLBOUND finds Kirsty detained in a psychiatric institute, cared for by Dr. Channard (Kenneth Cranham), a man that is equal parts master of the mind and monster of it.
WHY SHOULD WE WATCH IT FOR HALLOWEEN?
There is so much to recommend these films. I could spend a day talking on it and might well love to write a book on it but I instead will talk about, why for this Halloween it is a must watch. The deliciously gore induced first film, is met and matched by a superb second film that explores the realms of the Cenobites and the world of HELLRAISER.
WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR?
Ok, the film comes in an excellent set so maybe buy this. However, the restoration of both films keep the best bits but lose leave a few loose ends (the grain damage is a worry) however in the first part is a stunning documentary that is well worth watching on the films creation and this is increased in the second film disc. My other high points are the commentaries that allow Ashley Laurence to laugh a little and Barker speak directly about the films making and his own short comings in this.
Brand new 2K restorations of Hellraiser, Hellbound: Hellraiser II, and Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth
Uncompressed PCM Stereo 2.0 and Lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 sound for Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II
Lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 sound for Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth
English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for all three films
Reversible sleeves for all three films featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx
Disc 1 – Hellraiser
Brand new 2K restoration approved by director of photography Robin Vidgeon
Audio commentary with writer/director Clive Barker
Audio commentary with Barker and actress Ashley Laurence
Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser – brand new version of the definitive documentary on the making of Hellraiser, featuring interviews with key cast and crew members
Being Frank: Sean Chapman on Hellraiser – actor Sean Chapman talks candidly about playing the character of Frank Cotton in Barker’s original
Soundtrack Hell: The Story of the Abandoned Coil Score – Coil member Stephen Thrower on the Hellraiser score that almost was
Hellraiser: Resurrection – vintage featurette including interviews with Clive Barker, actors Doug Bradley and Ashley Laurence, special make-up effects artist Bob Keen and others
Under the Skin: Doug Bradley on Hellraiser
Original EPK featuring on-set interviews with cast and crew
Draft Screenplays [BD-ROM content]
Trailers and TV Spots
Image Gallery
Disc 2 – Hellbound: Hellraiser II
Brand new 2K restoration approved by director of photography Robin Vidgeon
Audio Commentary with director Tony Randel and writer Peter Atkins
Audio Commentary with Randel, Atkins and actress Ashley Laurence
Leviathan: The Story of Hellbound: Hellraiser II – brand new version of the definitive documentary on the making of Hellbound, featuring interviews with key cast and crew members
Being Frank: Sean Chapman on Hellbound – actor Sean Chapman talks about reprising the role of Frank Cotton in the first Hellraiser sequel
Surgeon Scene – the home video world premiere of this legendary, never before-seen excised sequence from Hellbound, sourced from a VHS workprint
Lost in the Labyrinth – vintage featurette including interviews with Barker, Randel, Keen, Atkins and others
Under the Skin: Doug Bradley on Hellbound: Hellraiser II
On-set interview with Clive Barker
On-set interviews with cast and crew
Behind-the-Scenes Footage
Rare and unseen storyboards
Draft Screenplay [BD-ROM content]
Trailers and TV Spots
Image Gallery
BUY IT NOW
