‘Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things’ (1972) Blu-ray Review: The Definitive Release

Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things 4K Cover Cropped
MVD Visual

Before a drunk driver tragically killed him and his son in 2007, Bob Clark had a career like no other. He directed Porky’s (1981), one of the greatest comedies of the decade, which led to hundreds of copycats and rip-offs. He made what is arguably one of the best holiday horror films, Black Christmas (1974), which was remade twice, once in 2006 and then again in 2019. Then in 1983, he directed one of the most beloved Christmas films of all time, A Christmas Story. The films are milestones in cinema history and an impressive resume.

Much like those films, Clark is just as admired. He has several other well-known and loved titles under his belt, but he’s also remembered for having helmed the cult classic horror/comedy Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things (1972). MVD Visual has just released the 50th Anniversary Edition to 4K Ultra HD, and the results are stunning.

Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things $K Cover
MVD Visual

A theatre troupe travels to a small island off the coast of Miami to have a good time and learns it has been predominantly used as a cemetery for criminals. Their jerk director, Alan (Alan Ormsby), torments the troupe and forces them to go along with his idea to try and do a summoning at midnight to try and raise the dead.

At first, it is thought to be a failure and a prank, quickly turns into a true night of terror when the dead eventually does begin to rise. The troupe will have to fight to stay alive and do whatever they can to escape the cursed island.

RELATED: ‘HEARTLAND OF DARKNESS’ BLU-RAY REVIEW: A LOST LINNEA QUIGLEY HORROR FILM WORTH WATCHING

Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things is the true definition of a cult classic. The film has been released in various formats over the years, but these new releases (also available on DVD and Blu-ray) are certainly the way to go.

Shot in fourteen days on a budget of $50,000, Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things has always looked a little subpar. It’s dark and grainy, with some scenes being difficult to make out. This 4K release does miracles for the film, and I highly recommend getting this release. It’s the most definitive edition ever released and the only one you will ever need.

Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things is loaded with special features, including a 90-minute documentary, a new Q&A with Alan Ormsby, a commentary track, music videos, a Bob Clark tribute, and so much more. There’s a booklet with liner notes written by Patrick McCabe and a slipcase. I’ve owned numerous editions of this film over the years, and now having this 4K disc, I’ve finally found the perfect version for my collection.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.