Believe it or not, but it’s been 30 years since Clive Barker terrified viewers with the debut of his cerebral horror film; Hellraiser.
This September marks the 30th anniversary of Hellraiser, Clive Barker’s dark and gory horror film that still impacts and inspires viewers after all these years. In the era of the “80’s slasher film” it introduced something a bit deeper. The terror brought forth by the angels of Hell known as the Cenobites is secondary to the horror of the darker aspects of the human condition.
Based off of his 1986 novel The Hellbound Heart the story deals with several themes uncommon with the other typical genre films released during the same period. Humanity’s darkness, greed, lust, and making deals with dark forces. Visually it was like nothing that came before. The films antagonists were not at all typical of other murdering psychopaths such as Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger or Michael Myers. Blurring the lines between pleasure and pain, another of the stories themes, they aesthetically personified that lack of clarity.
Pinhead, the central Cenobite, would go on to star in a whopping 7 other entries in the franchise. Only the first 2 however are recognized by the original author. With rumors of talks regarding an eventual remake complete with the original Pinhead actor Doug Bradley, the future is wide open for more.
Happy Anniversary
This past week an anniversary screening of the original 35mm version of the film was held at the Prince Charles Cinema in London. It’s a homecoming of sorts, it’s the location of the first screening of the film back in 1987.
Fans were treated to not only the presentation, but also some amazing artwork by Matt Tobin Ryan and the re-release of the long out-of-print soundtrack. The score by Christopher Young and sold by Mondo has been completely remastered and is available in several versions. The Lament Configuration package is a must have for collectors. It comes boxed in a wooden Lament Configuration. These are limited in quantity, so be sure to check the Mondo site frequently so avoid missing out.
Arrow Video has an incredible Blu Ray Steelbook coming out on October 30th with the same artwork available at the premiere screening. This version will be Region B only. Not to fear however if you’re in North America, plans are underway for a Region A release hopefully soon.
The Nightmare Lives On
In 2015 Clive returned to the story of the dreaded Hell Priest with the much anticipated The Scarlet Gospels. This story mixed two of Barkers characters together, Pinhead and Harry D’Amour. Harry is a detective and is no stranger to cases that deal with magic, demons and the paranormal. Fans like myself had been craving a continuation to the story started long ago and this book delivers. It also brings the story to it’s conclusion, I won’t spoil it for you.
But coming this January from Subterranean Press is Hellraiser: The Toll. The tale serves as a prequel to The Scarlet Gospels and fills in the time between it and Hellraiser II. It brings back the protagonist from the first two films; Kirsty Singer. Here is the official synopsis:
Thirty years after Kirsty Singer escaped from the clutches of the Hell Priest, Pinhead, and lived to fight another day, her life has never been the same. Every few years she fashions a new name, a new identity, and a new home for herself; She is a woman who is running from her past at all costs, which is why it comes as such a surprise when she receives a mysterious letter in the mail, addressed to the woman she’s been running from over half her life.
Answering the letter’s query, she begins a descent down a rabbit hole to the ultimate confrontation. Her actions stir something unnamable in the ether, and throw her into a game where nothing—not even what she sees in front of her very eyes—can be trusted.
A Horrific Creation
A fantastic making of book is also in the works, set to release in 2018, a deep look into the crafting of an amazing horror story. Phil and Sarah Stokes, the authors, also run the always up-to-date Clive Barker site clivebarker.info. The book that they are writing is going to be as in-depth as you can get. They frequently work closely with Clive, so it will have amazing insight into the production. Behind the scenes photos, cast and crew interviews and much, much more. Phil and Sarah have open access to Clive and fully intend to give fans of the movie-making process something special.
It’s described as an archive style book, complete with full color pictures and script and screenplay notes. A good look at the mythology of the Hellraiser franchise will also be included.
Stay tuned to the website for updates on the when and where on this project.
It’s October, and that’s prime time for the horror genre. Put Hellraiser in the rotation this season, you won’t regret it.
Mike Harris hails from the suburbs of Chicago and has been a fan for most of his life. Working as an industrial radiographer and raising a family with his wife take up most of his time, but there’s always room for Star Wars books and podcasts! Just looking to give back to Star Wars and the fan community, it’s been a source of fun and learning for him for so long.