The greatest period for horror cinema was undoubtedly the 1980s. Some of the most memorable films the genre has produced were made during that decade. The Fly, Hellraiser, The Evil Dead, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Thing and The Shining are some of the most beloved films for horror fans. Not every creation was quite so serious though. Along with Peter Jackson’s creations and Ash, Brian Yuzna’s Re-Animator has a special place in the heart of many people.
Dan Cain (Bruce Abbott) is a talented medical student at Miskatonic University. He’s also dating the beautiful Megan Halsey (Barbara Crampton), who just happens to be the Dean’s (Robert Sampson) daughter. His life seems perfect until a new student moves into his apartment. There’s something very strange about Herbert West (Jeffrey Combs) and after walking in on one of his experiments, Dan’s life will never be the same again.
Based on a short story by HP Lovecraft, Re-Animator is a beautifully anarchic take on the Frankenstein’s monster story. Yuzna plays up the irreverence as West leaves a trail of carnage in his wake. Written by Stuart Gordon and original intended to be a TV show, John Naulin does great work with the make-up; with an emphasis on the gruesome. Re-Animator is a spectacular roller coaster of a ride and is pure unbridled horrible fun.
Re-Animator is released on limited edition 2-disc Blu-ray Steelbook by Second Sight on Monday.
