Bride of
Re-Animator (1990)
I created what
no man’s mind
nor woman’s womb
could ever hope
to achieve.
I’ve already reviewed the Re-Animator series of which I’m a big fan and you can read the review here – Re-Animator Series Review
However I recently received a copy of Arrow’s upcoming Blu-Ray release (with a nifty syringe pen filled with a green liquid) of the 2K restored Unrated version so that’s what I’m reviewing here.
First a synopsis.
Dr Herbert West and Dan Cain return to Miskatonic University to further their research into re-animating dead tissue only this time Herbert wishes to create a whole woman from various body parts belonging to other women.
Only he’s being chased by Lt. Chapham who’s wife was one of the victims from the first film as well as having to contend with an old enemy.
Not all that liked by a lot of people when released it seems this is another horror film that is becoming more accepted by fans as the years go on and with good reason.
Jeffrey Combs is Jeffrey Combs. You know what to expect from him and as always he delivers.
Great to watch as the amoral Doctor who’s obsession with his reagent is not only something that he believes should be his entire life but Dr Cain’s too. Everything else is a distraction especially women as he constantly tells Dr Cain but he is always willing to use whatever means to further his cause, he isn’t above using Dr Cain’s love interests for his own ends.
Being a sequel this film ups the practical and make up effects to fantastic levels. Lots of animated limbs and blood throughout but the Bride receives the best and most over the top effects in the finale. That’s quite a thing in a film with a dog that has a human arm for one of his legs.
The influence of the bride from Bride of Frankenstein (1935) is obvious to anyone that has seen it but she didn’t end up like Dr West bride does. Beautiful and hideous to watch at the same time; this shows why great and over the top practical effects can really make a film fun.
Take note modern filmmakers.
As for the bluray release this one does pack some features into it like all the best Arrow releases do.
DIRECTOR-APPROVED 3-DISC LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
- Brand new 2K restorations of the Unrated and R-rated versions of the film, approved by director Brian Yuzna
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
- Original Stereo 2.0 audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Newly commissioned artwork by Gary Pullin
- Limited Edition Collector’s Booklet
- Limited Edition Packaging to be revealed
DISCS 1 & 2 – BLU-RAY/DVD – UNRATED VERSION
- Brand new 2K restoration of the Unrated version
- Brand new audio commentary with Brian Yuzna
- Audio Commentary with Brian Yuzna, star Jeffrey Combs, visual effects supervisor Tom
- Rainone and the effects team including John Buechler, Mike Deak, Bob Kurtzman, Howard Berger and Screaming Mad George
- Audio Commentary with stars Jeffrey Combs and Bruce Abbott
- Brian Yuzna Remembers Bride of Re-animator – brand new featurette in which the director looks back at the making of the first Re-animator sequel
- Splatter Masters: The Special Effects Artists of Bride of Re-animator – Brand new FX featurette with a wealth of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with Robert Kurtzman of KNB, Screaming Mad George, Tony Doublin and John Buechler
- Getting Ahead in Horror – archive making-of featurette
- Deleted Scenes
DISC 3 – BLU-RAY – R-RATED VERSION
- Brand new 2K restoration of the R-rated version
The picture quality is fantastic. Something you’ll be grateful for when things start to get messy and limbs start flying. Literally.
Nice and crisp the 2K transfer does this film justice. I couldn’t see any problems with it.
There are times in the unrated version when the restored scenes are of a lower quality due to the material they was sourced from but that isn’t distracting and simply means that you know something gory is about to happen.
Audio quality isn’t bad but not outstanding. Again this isn’t an issue and doesn’t distract just don’t expect there to be a 5.1 surround output on the bluray.
It’s clear and perfectly fine.
The extras are nice. I enjoyed watching how they made the special effects as well as the behind the scenes clips in the making of featurette and director Brian Yuzna talking about getting the sequel made.
All in all this is a fantastic release for fans of either the Re-Animator series or Jeffrey Combs and Arrow delivers another fantastic release
Available to buy here – Bride of Re-Animator
