Controversial Classic Pushes Boundaries of Fear

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MOVIE REVIEW
Nightmare [3-Disc 4K UHD w/Slipcover] (Nightmare in a Damaged Brain)
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 1981, 2024 Severin Films 4K, Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Romano Scavolini
Writer(s): Romano Scavolini
Cast: Baird Stafford, Sharon Smith, C.J. Cooke, Mik Cribben, Danny Ronan, Bill Milling, Scott Praetorius, William Kirksey, Christina Keefe, Tammy Patterson, Kim Patterson
Where To Watch: available February 26, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.severinfilms.com (UK,) or www.severinfilms.com (US)

RAVING REVIEW: NIGHTMARE escorts us through the shadowy corridors of New York's underbelly, offering a psychological horror spectacle that intrigues us as much as it terrifies us. Directed with a keen eye for the macabre by Romano Scavolini, we're thrust into the upside-down world of George Tatum, portrayed with an unnerving brilliance by Baird Stafford. Tatum's struggle with his dark impulses and haunted memories sets the stage for a narrative that blurs the lines between antagonist and protagonist, weaving a tale of fear and redemption.

The story starts with a lapse in psychiatric care, propelling Tatum into the freedom of city life. Haunted by nightmarish visions from a tormented childhood, he finds himself drawn to a family oblivious to the impending danger. NIGHTMARE intricately charts this internal battle, showcasing a man dangling on the edge of his sanity.

The film's unflinching dive into the abyss of human darkness stirred quite the storm, igniting debates that only cemented its status as a controversial horror icon. Its bold depiction of gore and a flirtation with the darker side of human nature have garnered criticism and praise, securing its legacy as a piece of cinema that both repels and enthralls.

Caught in the "video nasties," a term popularized by the National Viewers' and Listeners' Association (NVALA) in the United Kingdom in the early 80s, NIGHTMARE's graphic portrayal of fear faced backlash. Yet, it's within this controversy that Scavolini's narrative prowess and budget ingenuity truly shine, complemented by pioneering special effects and a visceral visual style that haunts viewers well beyond the film's end.

The enigma surrounding special effects maestro Tom Savini adds depth to the film's horror elements. “In some sources, Tom Savini is credited as the film's make-up effects artist, and some video prints credit him as "Special Effects Director." Based on Savini's comments, he was only a consultant and threatened to sue over using his name to promote the film.” With a foundation in B-movie ethos and a penchant for pushing boundaries, Scavolini imbues NIGHTMARE with a raw edge that captivates and shocks equally.

As time has passed, NIGHTMARE has evolved beyond its initial backlash to attain a beloved cult status, revered for its bold exploration of the human psyche's dark recesses. Stafford's performance as Tatum offers a chilling glimpse into the effects of trauma and the fragile boundary separating humanity from the horror. This film entertains and provokes thought on the lurking shadows within us all.

NIGHTMARE transcends traditional horror to probe the depths of fear, trauma, and human frailty. Its evolution from controversy to cult acclaim highlights the genre's capacity to challenge, disturb, and ultimately mesmerize. It is a testament to horror's unparalleled ability to explore the darkest corners of the human mind, making NIGHTMARE an essential viewing for those daring enough to confront their inner darkness.

Special Features:
Disc 1: UHD
Audio Commentary With Star Baird Stafford and Special Effects Assistant Cleve Hall Moderated By Lee Christian and David DeCoteau
Audio Commentary With Producer William Paul
Trailers

Disc 2: Blu-ray
Audio Commentary With Star Baird Stafford and Special Effects Assistant Cleve Hall Moderated By Lee Christian and David DeCoteau
Audio Commentary With Producer William Paul
Kill Thy Father And Thy Mother – Interview With Director Romano Scavolini (71 mins)
Dreaming Up A Nightmare – Featuring Former President Of 21st Century Distribution Arthur Schweitzer, Actor/Unit Production Manager Mik Cribben, Production Supervisor Simon Nuchtern, Florida Producer/Special Effects Artist William Milling, Uncredited Editor Jim Markovic, and Archival Interviews With Actor Baird Stafford And Special Effects Artists Edward French and Cleve Hall
The Nightmare Of NIGHTMARE – Interview With Erroneously Credited Special Effects Director Tom Savini
The Stuff That Nightmares Are Made Of – Interview With Makeup Artist Robin Stevens
A Nightmare On Many Streets – Locations Tour With Rue Morgue Writer Michael Gingold
Open Matte Peep Show Sequence
Deleted Scenes
Still Gallery
Trailers

Disc 3: Blu-ray
DAMAGED: THE VERY BRITISH OBSCENITY OF DAVID HAMILTON-GRANT (71 mins)
Rare David Hamilton-Grant Productions: THE OFFICE PARTY (55 mins), UNDER THE BED (53 mins), YOU'RE DRIVING ME CRAZY (53 mins), and ESCAPE TO ENTEBBE (9 mins)
Additional Special Features:
Violent Nature: The Selling Of A NIGHTMARE Booklet By Mondo Digital's Nathaniel Thompson

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[photo courtesy of SEVERIN FILMS]

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