I've always been a horror film fan from early on. I grew up
on the classics, staying up late at night and watching monster movies on the
Cleveland stations all in glorious black and white. While most kids have no
idea who Karloff, Lugosi or Chaney Jr. are, for me they were the monsters of my
childhood. Knowing that and remembering what a great time I had with them, I'm
always excited to hear that a new monster is on the horizon. Unfortunately of
late that has meant slashers and stalkers rather than monsters. Wouldn't you
know one of the last great monster to come along happened in 1988. The good
news is that the movie that introduced this new monster is now available on
blu-ray from Shout Factory.
PUMPKINHEAD offers a new creation rather than relying on
something old. If you've never seen the movie then this blu-ray edition is by
far the best way to introduce yourself. Not only will you get a beautiful copy
of the movie itself but it offers some killer extras that fans and non-fans
alike will love and appreciate. These include a new tribute to monster creator
and the director of this movie, Stan Winston; interviews with the producer and
several actors; PUMPKINHEAD-UNEARTHED, a documentary on the making of the movie;
a featurette about the toyline that featured the creature and more.
The story itself begins in 1957 in a backwoods area where a
young Ed Harley witnesses the wrath of the legend known as Pumpkinhead, a
creature called forth to exact revenge on an individual or group at the bequest
of someone wronged. Years later Ed (Lance Henriksen) is grown up and living
with his young son, running the local general store. An accident involving a
group of young people and their motocross bikes leaves Ed's son dead and Ed
determined to have his revenge.
Ed finds his way to the creepy old lady of the hills and
pays what she asks to help him fulfill this wish. She warns him that the cost
is deep but blinded by grief he agrees. It isn't long before the creature of
vengeance is unleashed upon the earth and the group of youngsters hiding in
their cabin is not safe behind closed doors. Before the end of the night Ed
will have to decide if the price for his revenge is worth it. Can he decide
before each of the victims is claimed by Pumpkinhead?
That might not sound terrifying but in reality this creature
is fantastic. Director and special effects genius Stan Winston used practical
effects to create this creature and the effort pays off hugely. It appears to
be a real live creature. Keep in mind in 1988 the age of CGI
monsters was not around yet. When you look at this monster it is indeed scary
to look at and one that you hope never comes knocking.
The whole movie has an eerie vibe to it that seeps through
each and every frame. It's not just the monster that is scary but the havoc
that it unleashes as well. Not only that but the effect it all has on Ed as it
begins to fulfill his wishes makes for some creepy moments as well. Rarely has
a new monster been created that could cause nightmares but this time they've
done it and done it well.
To say that Shout/Scream Factory has outdone themselves
again is beginning to become redundant in my reviews of the product they've
released. They truly get that fans want to see these great horror films in
blu-ray format but not cleansed so much they don't remain faithful to the
original print. Not only that, they take these movies and add to them extras
that show they truly appreciate these movies rather than just toss them out
there with nothing special. They've done an amazing job on this release and it
only makes us, the fans, look forward to what comes next. If you love this
movie buy it immediately. If you like it, buy it and learn to love it. This is
a great new release and one that deserves space on your shelf.
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