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Hellraiser
1987
Having made his reputation as one of the most prolific and gifted horror writers of his generation (prompting Stephen King to call him "the future of horror"), Clive Barker made a natural transition to movies with this audacious directorial debut from 1987. Not only did Barker serve up a chilling tale of devilish originality, .. Read more
| Starring | Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence, Sean Chapman |
|---|---|
| Director | Clive Barker |
| Genres | Horror |
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Hellraiser
Having made his reputation as one of the most prolific and gifted horror writers of his generation (prompting Stephen King to call him "the future of horror"), Clive Barker made a natural transition to movies with this audacious directorial debut from 1987. Not only did Barker serve up a chilling tale of devilish originality, he also introduced new icons of horror that since have become as popular among genre connoisseurs as Frankenstein's monster and the Wolfman. Foremost among these frightful visions is the sadomasochistic demon affectionately named Pinhead (so named because his pale, bald head is a geometric pincushion and a symbol of eternal pain). Pinhead is the leader of the Cenobites, agents of evil who appear only when someone successfully "solves" the exotic puzzle box called the Lamont Configuration--a mysterious device that opens the door to Hell. The puzzle's latest victim is Frank (Sean Chapman), who now lives in a gelatinous skeletal state in an upstairs room of the British home just purchased by his newlywed half-brother (Andrew Robinson, best known as the villain from Dirty Harry), who has married one of Frank's former lovers (Claire Higgins). The latter is recruited to supply the cannibalistic Frank with fresh victims, enabling him to reconstitute his own flesh--but will Frank succeed in restoring himself completely? Will Pinhead continue to demonstrate the flesh-ripping pleasures of absolute agony? Your reaction to this description should tell you if you've got the stomach for Hellraiser, which has since spawned a number of interesting but inferior sequels. It's definitely not for everyone, but there's no denying that it's become a semiclassic of modern horror. --Jeff Shannon
| Starring | Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence, Sean Chapman, Doug Bradley |
|---|---|
| Director | Clive Barker |
| Studio | CINEMA CLUB |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 29 mins Blu-ray: 1 hr 33 mins Watch now: 1 hr 29 mins |
| Certificate | DVD: , Watch Online: |
| Collections | 100 Horror Films |
| Genres | Horror |
| Language | DVD: English Blu-ray: English Watch Online: English |
| Subtitles | DVD: None |
| Released | DVD: 10 Sep 2001 Blu-ray: 20 Jul 2009 Watch now: 12 Aug 2009 Production year: 1987 |
| Watch now | £2.49 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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Popular horror writer Clive Barker successfully transfers his trademark perverse chills to the screen in his directorial debut — a surreal, claustrophobic and graphic shocker about the consequences of opening a Chinese puzzle box. The film allows Barker to introduce a dark new mythology to the genre as well as the Cenobites — leather-clad, disfigured angels from hell with intriguing concepts of dimensional pleasure and pain. Despite his uneven direction, and the odd Cricklewood locations, this absorbing sado-masochistic chiller really delivers the gruesome goods.
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"...[The film] has several twists for the devotees of gore to delight in...[It] is well made, well acted, and the visual effects are generally handled with skill..."
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Most helpful member's review
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8 out of 8 people found this review helpful
Excellent Horror Classic - Still Holds Up Today
Even though this movie was made 18 YEARS AGO it still rates amongst one of the best even against todays standards. Very gory and is capable of making you cringe at times due to the torture scenes - which adds to the creepy scary feel of the movie. Pinhead is excellent! Hadn't thought about this movie in a while , until another visit to Blackpool Pleasure Beach were I went inside the PASAJE DE TERROR (were real people dress as horror movie characters and chase you around.) This time I came face to face with Pinhead and was absolutely terrified! Inspired me to watch Hellraiser again and enjoy a real horror movie instead of watching the usual drivel that gets churned out of studios these days. DEFINATELY WORTH A WATCH
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Most recent members' review
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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Intelligent Horror, rare
Cliver Barkers original Hellraiser should really be seen as its own film, separate from the ridiculous franchise it spawned. The Faustian themes of pleasure and pain having no distinction is really interesting, particularly when it relates to the female lead having an affair and living to regret it. The murders she needs to commit by having more affairs are analogous to trying to erase the painful memory by reliving it over and over, instead making the memory more apparent. The Cenobites are understated and therefore hold a majestic centrepiece to the movie. I just really wished they'd not resorted to the yellow graphics when destroying the cenobites at the end. When Bud Fox is watching Hellraiser in Wall St, it hammers the movie home as a cult classic, to be enjoyed if you're stressed late at night.
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News and features
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Have a fright-night this Halloween
- 24 Oct 2006
Rent out your top three scary films and turn the lights off this Halloween, for Empire Online has published its writers' favourite Halloween triple-bills suitable for a festive viewing party. The first trio includes Hellraiser, Halloween and Evil Dead II. Hellraiser is a grisly eighties horror, while Halloween is considered by many as the original slasher movie. Sam Raimi's Evil Dead II - the story of a cabin full of strangers is invaded by spirits - rounds off the selection. If you want to... Read more
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- Hellraiser - BLU-RAY Version
- Blu-Ray: £5.93
Free Delivery - RRP £19.99 (you save: 70%)
The spine chilling tale of a man brought partially back to life by the blood of his brother. He befriends his sister-in-law who agrees to supply the blood he requires to live, but he is still haunted ... -
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Hellraiser
Having made his reputation as one of the most prolific and gifted horror writers of his generation (prompting Stephen King to call him "the future of horror"), Clive Barker made a natural transition to movies with this audacious directorial debut from 1987. Not only did Barker serve up a chilling ...
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