Bullets 'n' Babes

Bride of Re-animator



Video:
Bride of Re-animator is presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. As an option, matte bars can be added to the tops and bottoms
on the screen through use of the subtitle feature of your DVD player. While this is an interesting idea and a good way
to see the difference between the two, it doesn’t make up for not having the film anamorphically enhanced for widescreen
televisions. Another problem is that when the matte bars are added they can sometimes take too much away from one
space and leave too much on another space. This leads to chopped off heads which can be seen in the comparisons below.

Overall, the image is quite dated by today’s standards. It’s rather flat and features clipping, softness, cross-colouration and
video noise. Colours are quite drab and there is no pop or decent sharpness to the image. Dirt and scratches
aren’t too bad on this transfer but they do pop up every now and then. There also looks to be some kind of noise
reduction being used here hence a much softer image. The Unrated Version on Side B is even worse with more
of what made the Theatrical Version look bad. Refer to the comparison shots below for an idea of what the two
transfers look like. This DVD can’t be recommended for its technical side but it excels with its supplements.



Widescreen vs. fullscreen









Image Captures































Audio:
Same goes for the audio of Bride of Re-animator. It is a 2.0 Dolby Stereo track that sounds pretty average even for a
late 90s DVD. No real bass to this but dialogue does come through rather clear without sounding too harsh. Surrounds
are rarely used. Music sounded accurately re-produced. The Unrated Version is much worse with a flat sounding
track with muffled dialogue. Probably due to the lack of remastering to an old print.

Unrated Version Extended Scene:
The unrated version extends some scenes of violence throughout the film's duration. The most notable is the
"Tissue Rejection Scene" when the Bride that Herbert and Dan have reconstructed falls apart. The scene was
cut for its original release and only shows us the head begin to fall off. However, here we get to see the whole
deconstruction as the whole bloody mess falls apart in a very graphic and grisly way.




Supplemental Materials:
As I’ve stated before, this is where the disc excels in quality. First things first, there are two cuts presented on this
disc. Side A features the Theatrical Version with some minor cuts and trims. Side B features the uncut Unrated
Version which features the gorier “tissue rejection” scene. Refer to captures below for screen shots.


Commentaries:
There are two commentary tracks found on Side A (Theatrical Version).
Commentary One features Brian Yuzna,
Tom Rainone, and effects team: John Buechler, Mike Deak, Bob Kurtzman, Howard Berger and Screaming Mad George.
This, as one would expect, is full of onset details and information on many of the special effects and how they were
created. This highly informative commentary comes very highly recommended.
Commentary Two features actors Jeffry Combs and Bruce Abbott. This is a much more “fun” commentary with the
two actors reminiscing about the production side. Many times they poke fun at each other’s performances, the
characters and the film overall. Quite a hilarious commentary that also comes recommended.


Behind the Scenes:
On Side B is a 20 minute behind the scenes documentary edited together from tons of interviews and footage all shot
on set while making the movie. It provides a nice look into the work done to make some of the more impressive
make-up effects appear on film. This is a worthwhile featurette to watch.





Deleted Scenes:
Two deleted scenes are presented on Side A:
Meg is re-animated: This is more of a behind-the-scenes look onset while the filming of the scene was done. It
runs about 8 minutes and sets up the scene showing them preparing to film and then we see the full scene without
finished audio or effects. The scene is a continuation of the events that occured right after the end of the first movie.
The title says it all, Meg is re-animated with not-so-good results
Carnival Scene: All this is is Brian Yuzna and Combs talking over photos of the lost scene featuring Dr. Hill’s head
being found by a detective at a carnival.







Dr. West’s Casebook:
A well-produced and highly informative photo gallery found on Side A that provides detail on the making of the film
including filming, special effects, advertising, etc. Highly interesting.





Trailer:
A trailer for the film on Side A that was probably used for home video releases.



Final Thoughts:
Bride of Re-animator is not a perfect film and it’s nowhere near as good as the original, but it does have its moments.
The special make-up effects are very well created by some of the best guys in the business. Many have gone
on to much bigger features and have become quite successful. I had a good time while watching the film, mostly
because of Jeff Combs, he’s just such an interesting actor and I can’t help but smirk whenever he’s on-screen.
Pioneer’s now out-of-print Special edition truly is somewhat special. It does lack in the technical side with poor
video and average sound but it was made while DVD was still in its infancy. Despite that the DVD is truly packed
full of extras that any Re-animator fan will truly enjoy.

Feature: 3/5
Video: 1.5/5
Audio: 2/5
Extras: 4/5

i have this dvd but hear rumours there is a superior aussie release.can anyone confirm?

I know that there was an anamorphic version released but I'm not sure what region it was. We have another DVD in Region 1 but it's just the rated cut in fullscreen with no extras and I hear even a worse transfer.

Fully updated with comparison shots and unrated captures.

i believe the anamorphic version is dutch.will have to find it.

hey,

well done on the thorough review. Always get pissed off when people (and sites) doesn't take the DVD reviewing seriously, especially in extras territory.

Thanks.
I'll probably start reviewing individual titles this way. I like adding the pictures and comparisons to my review because it let's everyone know exactly what is on the disc and what it looks and sounds like. Hungfist does some excellent reviews recently too.

saltysam wrote:i have this dvd but hear rumours there is a superior aussie release.can anyone confirm?

Yup, it exists. OOP now, I still kick myself for not buying it.