Hellraiser Lament Configuration Box Set

Like Halloween and The Evil Dead films, Hellraiser is one of those movies that Anchor Bay likes to re-release on DVD every few years hoping to loosen the purse strings of the series' loyal fans. Thus we have this new Hellraiser box set, which boasts amazing packaging based on the creepy Lament Configuration box that summons Pinhead and his demonic buddies. The box contains the special edition DVDs of the first two Hellraiser movies (aka the good ones) and a Blu-Ray of the first film. If you've never bought a copy of Hellraiser before and you're a fan of the series, it's an obvious pick up. The movies hold up surprisingly well. Pinhead and the hell-raised Cenobites are still terrifying cinematic creations 20 years later and Barker's combination of S&M imagery with demonic horror is just as potent now as it was then. The first Hellraiser is the only entry in the series written and directed by Clive Barker and it's easily the best. It's primarily a twisted, gory and intimate family horror story with a sprinkling of Pinhead for flavour. The film is still frightening and unforgettable even if there's some dated '80s cheese. The sequel takes the audience straight to hell, with Pinhead and his buddies in a more central role. Clive Baker co-wrote and produced Hellbound: Hellraiser II and his presence does give the film a similarly bleak tone and vision. However, towards the end Pinhead and the Cenobites stop being the embodiments of evil and become wisecracking variations on Freddy Kruger. Fortunately, the film still works, unlike the later sequels, which are forgettable drivel. The box set comes with the exact same special edition DVDs released in 2007. The special features are plentiful and interesting, with hours of interviews and making-of documentaries split between the two discs. Clive Barker only appears in archival footage on the Hellbound features but shows up for both a documentary and commentary track on the Hellraiser DVD. Barker reveals that he likes the first film but disliked what the series became after he left and has no real desire to return to the franchise or even talk about the films again. The Blu-Ray contains no new special features but offers a gorgeous transfer that serves the moody lighting and special effects well, even if the upgraded resolutions and colours aren't as revelatory as they were on Anchor Bay's previous Blu-Rays. If you already own the special edition DVDs, you may as well just pick up the Blu-ray disc separately. Otherwise you'll be paying twice as much for a fancy box.