RE-ANIMATOR 2 Disk DVD: People, it's worth it.

[Chris K.]

Okay, so some here said they are just fine with their early Elite DVD of RE-ANIMATOR. But, those who have said that are really missing out on the new 2 disk Millennium Edition. Here is what you get:

DISK 1:

THX Approved Digital Transfer
Transfer (Aspect Ratio 1.85:1)
DTS 5.1 Digital Surround
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
Isolated 5.1 Dolby Digital Music Score
Original 2.0 Mono Mix
Commentary with director Stuart Gordon
Commentary with producer Brian Yuzna and actors Jeffrey Combs, Robert Sampson, Barbara Crampton, and Bruce Abbott

As much as this bosts the same commentary tracks from the original Elite release, I have to say the film has had a new transfer and looks BETTER than the original edition. The original transfer was good, but it was a bit grany and dark. This new transfer is more colorful and clear. And the additional bonus is that their is an Isolated Music Score of Richard Band that is presented on this disk. I have always loved Richard's music that was in Charles Band films. So the Isolated track is a joy to behold for I find the score of RE-ANIMATOR is great.

DISK 2:

New Video Interviews with director Stuart Gordon and producer Brian Yuzna
New Video Interview with writer Dennis Paoli
New Video Interview with composer Richard Band
New Video Interview with Fangoria Editor Tony Timpone
16 Extended Scenes (16x9 Anamorphic Aspect Ratio 1.85:1)
Deleted Scene (16x9 Anamorphic Aspect Ratio 1.85:1)
Theatrical Trailer (16x9 Anamorphic Aspect Ratio 1.85:1)
5 TV spots
Music Discussion with composer Richard Band (4 scenes)
Multi-Angle Story Boards (3 scenes)
Behind-the-Scenes Photo Gallery
Biographies and Filmographies of Cast and Filmmakers

Now on to the supplimental material. The original edition had only the theatrical trailer, 3 TV spots, 16 Extended Scenes in Full Frame presentation, and the deleted scene in 1.85:1. With the Millennium Edition, we have the 16 Extended Scenes in their ORIGINAL 1.85:1 and anamorphic (and looks better than the Full Frame presentations on the earlier disk), 4 TV spots, and a load of new extras. The video interview of Stuart Gordon and Brian Yuzna is pretty long, but it contains some new info that is not present on the commentary track (and watch for what they say about Roger Ebert's review). The Tony Timpone interview was short, but informative on how Fangoria helped RE-ANIMATOR gain that cult status. Dennis Paoli gave a nice discussion on how he was involved with the script and that he did not expect the film to be so bloody (but I'll bet this guy has not seen Peter Jackson's BRAINDEAD at all). The one interview I enjoyed more was Richard Band and how he discusses that his main theme of RE-ANIMATOR was inspired by PSYCHO and that it was intended (something that the critics DID NOT GET) as an in-joke so as the audience would know what kind of a film you are going to experience. Band also tells how the Bernard Herrmann fan club was annoyed by his PSYCHO-inspired score and he ends that comment with stating to the fanboys of Bernard Herrmann to "Get a sense of humor" (good call, Richard). And Richard's music discussion about 4 specific scenes was also enlightining. Rounding the whole disk out is some so-so Multi-Angle Storyboards, amusing Photo Galleries, and the usual Biographies and Filmographies of the Cast and Filmmakers.

So all in all, a great disk that is, in my opinion, way better than the old Elite DVD and lives up to it "Welcome to the Best RE-ANIMATOR Ever!!" title. So Andrew, is this next on the list of your reviews.

Any questions or comments?

Next batch of DVD's I need to get a hold of:
ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST (1979)
THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD (1984)
BRAIN OF BLOOD (1971)
BRIDES OF BLOOD (1968)
MAD DOCTOR OF BLOOD ISLAND (1969)
BEAST OF BLOOD (1970)
A CAT IN THE BRAIN (1990)
HORROR OF THE BLOOD MONSTERS (1970)
MONSTER A GO-GO/PSYCHED OUT BY THE 4D WITCH (1965/1975)
MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH/THE PREMATURE BURIAL (1964/1963)

[Steven Millan]

                     Sounds like a worthy DVD to add onto your DVD collection,especially if it's any one(or both)of the "Re-Animator" movies.

[StatCat]

I'd definitely like the new edition and would gladly trade my old disc for it anyday. Definitely would of bought it if I didn't already have it. Maybe the soundtrack included separately on a cd for a few extra dollars would have been a better choice if it contains enough music. I never really liked playing music from the dvd. Media blasters are also releasing burial ground: nights of terror with zombie holocaust.