Search - Nightbreed on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Graphic Violence, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Adult Language, Profanity Movie Release: 1990 DVD Release: 08/21/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 41 mins Studio: Warner Home Video Members Wishing: 15 Genres: Horror, Creature Film, Supernatural Horror

Multimedia horror maven Clive Barker followed the success of his feature directorial debut Hellraiser with this equally surreal effort, based on his novella Cabal. The story involves the plight of Aaron Boone Craig Sheffer, a young man tormented by visions of monstrous, graveyard-dwelling creatures. Seeking the aid of his clinically cold therapist Dr. Decker (played by Canadian horror auteur David Cronenberg) in deciphering his nightmares, Boone becomes convinced that his frequent blackouts are linked to a recent spate of mutilation murders in the area. His frantic search for the truth leads him to the subterranean city of Midian, the dwelling place of a mythical race of undead nocturnal monsters known as the "Nightbreed." But it is only after he is cornered and shot dead by police that Boone's real journey begins -- he finds himself resurrected as one of the Breed and initiated into Midian's inner circle, where his latent supernatural powers are unleashed, leading to his realization of Dr. Decker's sinister role in the murders for which he was framed. Though Barker's unique and graphic vision is somewhat blunted by choppy editing (thanks to relentless tampering from the studio), this is nevertheless a fine sophomore project from a talented storyteller; the central conceit of presenting the monsters as the "good guys" -- at least compared to the gun-and-bible-toting lunatics who hunt them -- is handled with verve and originality. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

Craig Sheffer - Aaron Boone
Anne Bobby - Lori
David Cronenberg - Dr. Philip Decker
Charles Haid - Capt. Eigerman
Hugh Quarshie - Detective Joyce
Hugh Ross - Narcisse

Director Clive Barker has given gore fans some of the most ferociously original horror movies in recent memory, including Lord of Illusions and Hellraiser. In 1990 Clive Barker directed the darkly brooding Nightbreed, a story of man vs. monster vs. even more monsters. For the first time since its theatrical release, fans are able to watch Nightbreed in its original 1.85:1 widescreen presentation. Anamorphiclly enhanced, =Nightbreed features a very nice transfer by Warner with only slight imperfections. Colors are normally bright and bold with blacks especially solid (much of the film takes place in the dark). There is some slight shimmer during the end of the film, but this should not interfere with the enjoyment of the movie. Audio is presented in a remixed Dolby 5.1 soundtrack, and although it is nothing overly impressive, this is still a very well-mixed audio track. Dialogue is strained in some areas, but effects are clear and Danny Elfman's operatic music score is often pumped through all speakers. =Nightbreed gets bonus points for putting extra attention on its soundtrack, where most horror films would have been sorely lacking. Also included is a Dolby Surround 2.0 track in English, as well as English, French, and Spanish subtitles. Sadly, =Nightbreed's only supplemental feature is a theatrical trailer that includes a lot of nasty plot spoilers. At the very least a commentary track by director Clive Barker would have been welcomed, but apparently that's going to stay as mythical as the creatures in Nightbreed. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide