Revisio-News #3: The Overpriced Hellraiser 4 Workprint
News and Criticism of Arrow's new 'Limited Edition' Box Set
The following is a summary of and commentary on recent news pertaining to revisions in the media industry: it covers recuts, reissues, dubs, and other instances of film or TV alteration.
Hellraiser: Bloodline Workprint Cut
Directed by Kevin Yagher/Alan Smithee
Release Date: October 23
Like a number of other long-running horror film franchises, Hellraiser ended up going to space.* It didn’t take long. After three fantasy horror movies filled with BDSM demons and a nonsensical though enthralling mythology revolving around mysterious supernatural puzzle boxes, the franchise wound up mixing things up with a dash of sci-fi in Hellraiser 4, aka Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996).
*This is usually taken as a sign of the series’ quality deteriorating, though I’d argue that space-set sequels can be really damn fun. Anybody here see Jason X (2001) or Leprechaun 4 (1996)? I mean, those were just ridiculous fun.
Though I am of something of a Hellraiser fan, I’ve never actually watched Bloodline because I’ve been led to believe over the years that none of the Hellraiser films after the third one were good or watchable, the amazing 2022 remake notwithstanding.* However, I’ve recently become interested in seeing the fourth installment, as I’ve become more aware of its revision history, as well as the fact that some rank it higher than Hellraiser 3: Hell on Earth (1992).
*For some reason, I did see the one from Dr. Strange director Scott Derrickson, Hellraiser: Inferno (2000), which turned out to be a bad if at times promising student film.