I can say, without question, that Stuart Gordon’s Re-Animator is one of the greatest horror films of the ’80s. Under Gordon’s expert direction, a wonderfully adapted screenplay based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, and a perfect cast, the stars were aligned for this one. After 40 years, it still holds up as a prime example of why the era was so special. To celebrate the milestone, Ignite Films has painstakingly undertaken an exquisite 4K restoration, now available.
Medical student Herbert West (Jeffrey Combs) arrives at Miskatonic University obsessed with conquering death. Brilliant and abrasive, he believes a glowing serum can reanimate dead tissue. He befriends roommate Dan Cain (Bruce Abbott) and uses Dan’s morgue access to test his theory, reviving animals and humans with violent side effects. When Professor Hill (David Gale) steals West’s work and is decapitated during a confrontation, West resurrects him, only to unleash a manipulative, bodiless monster driven by lust and revenge.
As experiments spiral, reanimated corpses overrun the hospital, threatening Dan and his girlfriend Megan (Barbara Crampton). West’s arrogance proves fatal as his creation turns on him, leaving chaos, gore, and madness in its wake.
The 4K restoration of Re-Animator is phenomenal, bringing Stuart Gordon’s splatter classic to life with startling clarity and care. Fine film grain is intact and organic, while detail in the hospital sets, gore effects, and lighting textures is vastly improved without looking artificial.
Colors are richer and more stable, from the sterile whites of Miskatonic’s corridors to the infamous neon-green reagent, which now pops with eye-searing intensity. Black levels are deeper, contrast is stronger, and damage from previous home video releases has been expertly cleaned up. It’s the definitive presentation of the cult favorite, honoring its grimy spirit while finally giving it the visual respect it deserves.
It doesn’t stop there! The discs are packed with special features that fans won’t want to miss. It includes archival content such as the “Integral Version” (105 min), an isolated score, audio commentary by Gordon, and commentary with actors Graham Skipper and Jesse Merlin (Re-Animator: The Musical). There is also a solo commentary with Gordon and an additional commentary with producer Brian Yuzna. Actors Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton, Bruce Abbott, and Robert Sampson also contribute commentaries.
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The set also includes Re-Animator: Resurrectus, a feature-length documentary about the making of the film with extensive interviews with the cast and crew. It also features a music discussion with composer Richard Band, along with Gordon discussing his stage work. Mark Nutter also talks about adapting the film for the stage.
In addition, there are deleted and extended scenes, trailers, a 2015 career-spanning interview with Barbara Crampton, and Doug Bradley’s Spinechillers with Combs reading Lovecraft’s original story.
If that wasn’t enough, there’s nearly three hours of new content, including “Re-Animator at 40: A Conversation with Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton, and Brian Yuzna”; “Piece By Piece: Cutting Re-Animator – A New Interview with Editor Lee Percy”; “The Horror of It All: The Legacy and Impact of Re-Animator“; “I Give Life: A Look Back at Re-Animator: The Musical”; “Suzie Sorority and the Good College Boy: An Interview with Carolyn Purdy-Gordon”; “Re-Animating a Horror Classic: The 4K Restoration of Re-Animator“; a 1977 documentary featuring Stuart Gordon titled The Organic Theater Company of Chicago; and the new 40th anniversary 4K UHD trailer.
There are multiple editions to choose from (the Ultimate Limited Edition is sold out), and no matter which one tickles your fancy, any is a worthy addition. Imprint has done a beautiful job with the classic, and anticipation is building for their release of the Brian Yuzna-directed sequel, Bride of Re-Animator (1990).
Re-Animator is one of my all-time favorite films, and I couldn’t be happier with this stellar 4K release.
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