Such Sights to Show You in 4K

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MOVIE REVIEW
Hellraiser: Quartet Of Torment [Pinhead Slipcase Limited Edition]
Hellraiser
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Hellbound: Hellraiser II
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Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth
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Hellraiser: Bloodline
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Genre: Horror, Thriller, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 1987 / 1988 / 1992 / 1996, 2024 Arrow Video
Runtime: 1h 34m / 1h 37m / 1h 37m / 1h 25m
Director(s): Clive Barker / Tony Randel / Anthony Hickox / Kevin Yagher
Writer(s): Clive Barker / Peter Atkins, Clive Barker / Tony Randel, Clive Barker, Peter Atkins / Peter Atkins
Cast: Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Doug Bradley, Ashley Laurence / Doug Bradley, Ashley Laurence, Clare Higgins / Terry Farrell, Doug Bradley, Kevin Bernhardt / Bruce Ramsay, Valentina Vargas, Doug Bradley
Where To Watch: available October 22, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Let me talk about the elephant in the room first; the last time I watched HELLRAISER, it was on a VHS tape that I rented (long ago), so needless to say, I was a little concerned about what my experience diving into this gritty world on 4K would be like. Arrow did an incredible job restoring and preserving the experience in every possible way. Entering into HELLRAISER: QUARTET OF TORMENT feels like stepping into an epic narrative crafted by Clive Barker's dark imagination, where the lines between fear and fascination blur with every scene. This 4K restoration revitalizes a seminal horror saga, highlighting the chilling journey from earthly desires to supernatural punishments led by the ever-enigmatic Pinhead (Doug Bradley.)

At the forefront of this chilling collection stands HELLRAISER, a landmark in horror that intertwines human emotion with the ethereal dread of the other side. The tale begins with Frank Cotton (Sean Chapman,) who inadvertently opens a portal to the realm of the Cenobites after tinkering with the mysterious Lament Configuration. These entities, especially the terrifying Pinhead, personify the allure and severe consequences of seeking pleasures beyond mortal comprehension. The film excels in portraying visceral horror while plumbing the depths of desire and betrayal, setting a high bar for the genre.

HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II takes viewers deeper into the abyss, expanding the narrative to explore the underworld ruled by Cenobites. Tony Randel's direction amplifies the haunting visuals of labyrinthine corridors that echo the despair of lost souls, making it a grotesque masterpiece that builds on the first film’s themes. The sequel spotlights Dr. Channard's (Kenneth Cranham) descent into madness, driven by his unquenchable thirst for knowledge, as a stark reminder of the perils lurking in forbidden curiosity.

Transitioning to the chaotic streets of New York, HELLRAISER III: HELL ON EARTH shifts gears. Under Anthony Hickox’s guidance, the film adopts an action-packed narrative that propels Pinhead into the role of a conventional antagonist, engaging in visually spectacular mayhem. This chapter marks a notable shift from the psychological horror that defined its predecessors, introducing a more accessible yet equally thrilling dimension to the saga.

The narrative reaches new heights in HELLRAISER: BLOODLINE, where the storyline spans from the shadowy passageways of 18th-century France to the sterile corridors of a futuristic space station. Despite its grandiose vision, the film grapples with its expansive scope, resulting in a somewhat disjointed execution due to studio interventions. Nevertheless, it provides a compelling exploration of the cursed legacy of the Merchant family, tracing the origins and lasting impact of the Lament Configuration across generations.

Together, these films weave a complex tale that showcases traditional horror elements and invites viewers to ponder deep philosophical questions about destiny, free will, and the essence of evil. The HELLRAISER: QUARTET OF TORMENT serves as a testament to the evolution of horror cinema and offers a profound introspection on the human condition through its dark themes.

This newly restored series is a portal into a world where the exploration of complex human emotions plays out against a backdrop of timeless fear. Both new fans and long-time followers of Barker’s work will find this restoration a treasure trove of cinematic delights, providing a richer understanding of the intricate details that define the HELLRAISER mythos. It’s an essential journey for anyone fascinated by the interplay of horror and deep narrative exploration, ensuring its place as a pivotal experience for cinema enthusiasts everywhere.

Bonus Materials
4-DISC ULTRA HD LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
Brand new 4K restorations of all four films from the original camera negatives by Arrow Films
Ultra High Definition (2160p) presentations of all four films in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Original lossless stereo and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio for all four films.
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Ages of Desire, an exclusive 200-page hardback book with new writing from Clive Barker archivists Phil and Sarah Stokes
Limited edition layered packaging featuring brand new Pinhead artwork

DISC 1 – HELLRAISER
Brand new audio commentary featuring genre historian (and unit publicist of Hellraiser) Stephen Jones with author and film critic Kim Newman
Archival audio commentary with writer/director Clive Barker and actor Ashley Laurence, moderated by Peter Atkins
Archival audio commentary with writer/director Clive Barker
Power of Imagination – brand new 60-minute discussion about Hellraiser and the work of Clive Barker by film scholars Sorcha Ní Fhlainn (editor of Clive Barker: Dark Imaginer) and Karmel Kniprath
Unboxing Hellraiser – brand new visual essay celebrating the Lament Configuration by genre author Alexandra Benedict (The Beauty of Murder)
The Pursuit of Possibilities – brand new 60-minute discussion between acclaimed horror authors Paula D. Ashe and Eric LaRocca celebrating the queerness of Hellraiser and the importance of Clive Barker as a queer writer
Flesh is a Trap – brand new visual essay exploring body horror and transcendence in the work of Clive Barker by genre author Guy Adams (The World House)
Newly uncovered extended EPK interviews with Clive Barker and stars Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence, and effects artist Bob Keen, shot during the making of Hellraiser, with a new introduction by Stephen Jones and Kim Newman
Original 1987 Electronic Press Kit
Being Frank: Sean Chapman on Hellraiser – archival interview with the actor.
Under the Skin: Doug Bradley on Hellraiser – archival interview with the iconic actor about his first appearance as ‘Pinhead’
Soundtrack Hell: The Story of the Abandoned Coil Score – archival interview with Coil member Stephen Thrower
Trailers and TV spots
Image Gallery
Draft screenplays

DISC 2 – HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II
Brand new audio commentary featuring Stephen Jones and Kim Newman
Archival audio commentary with director Tony Randel, writer Peter Atkins, and actor Ashley Laurence
Audio commentary with director Tony Randel and writer Peter Atkins
Hell Was What They Wanted! – brand new 80-minute appreciation of Hellbound, the Hellraiser mythos, and the work of Clive Barker by horror authors George Daniel Lea (Born in Blood) and Kit Power (The Finite)
That Rat-Slice Sound – brand new appreciation of composer Christopher Young’s scores for Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II by Guy Adams
Archival on-set interview with Clive Barker
Archival on-set interview with cast and crew
Behind-the-scenes footage
Being Frank: Sean Chapman on Hellbound – archival interview about the actor’s return to the role of Frank Cotton
Under the Skin: Doug Bradley on Hellbound – archival interview with the iconic actor about his second appearance as ‘Pinhead’
Lost in the Labyrinth – archival featurette featuring interviews with Barker, Randel, Keen, Atkins, and others
Trailers and TV spots
Image Gallery

DISC 3 – HELLRAISER III: HELL ON EARTH
Alternative Unrated version (contains standard definition inserts)
Brand new audio commentary featuring Stephen Jones and Kim Newman
Archival audio commentary with screenwriter Peter Atkins (Theatrical Cut only)
Archival audio commentary with director Anthony Hickox and actor Doug Bradley (Unrated Version only)
Previously unseen extended EPK featuring interviews with Clive Barker and Doug Bradley
FX dailies
Time with Terri – archival interview with actor Paula Marshall
Raising Hell on Earth – archival interview with director Anthony Hickox
Under the Skin: Doug Bradley on Hellraiser III – archival interview with the iconic actor about his third appearance as ‘Pinhead’
Theatrical trailer
Image Gallery

DISC 4 – HELLRAISER: BLOODLINE
Brand new audio commentary featuring screenwriter Peter Atkins, with Stephen Jones and Kim Newman
The Beauty of Suffering – brand new featurette exploring the Cenobites' connection to goth, fetish cultures and BDSM
A newly uncovered workprint version of the film provides a fascinating insight into how it changed during post-production.
Hellraiser Evolutions – archival documentary on the evolution of the franchise and its enduring legacy, featuring interviews with Scott Derrickson, Rick Bota, and Stuart Gordon, among others
Books of Blood and Beyond: The Literary Works of Clive Barker – archival appreciation by horror author David Gatwalk of Barker’s written work, from The Books of Blood to The Scarlet Gospels
Theatrical trailer
Image Gallery
Easter egg

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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