Horrorondvd.com: January 2009

Just released on DVD by Paramount/Lionsgate is Special Edition of the cult classic My Bloody Valentine. This Special Edition returns deleted footage back into the movie that fans of this flick have been clamoring for.

For those not in the know My Bloody Valentine is a horror film that falls in the slasher genre. Although it has many obvious cues taken from Halloween and Friday the 13th, MBV is still able to find its way to becoming an enjoyable film.

The story is that 20 years ago, on Valentine’s Day, some miners were killed due to the negligence of their co-workers who were more interested in the annual dance than their safety. One lone survivor, Harry Warden, goes on a murderous rampage and slaughters the revelers. Now, since Harry’s murder spree, the town no longer celebrates Valentine’s Day. But Harry has become more urban legend than threat that some young adults are not taking seriously and choose to throw a Valentine’s Day party anyway. This act of defiance is met with a series of fatal endings for these people culminating with a mine shaft massacre.

My Bloody Valentine could have easily failed, but its energy and sharp thrills keep one entertained. The kills are not overly graphic in the theatrical version and while footage has been reinserted for this special edition, they are still interesting without crossing the line, well except for the eyeball part, argh. LOL

Clearly a win for this early 80’s entry and a definite "must add" to your Horror DVD collection. Enough suspense to keep the casual viewer invested and enough blood to satisfy the gorehounds.

Special Features include:
Bloodlust: My Bloody Valentine and the Rise of the Slasher Film (20 min 35 sec)
This mini-doc starts out really good with an interesting look at the birth of the Slasher genre. While it heavily plays MBV’s importance, it still provides some interesting notes, especially from Adam Rockoff (author of Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Films). Unfortunately about halfway through it becomes a commercial for My Bloody Valentine 3D (in theaters now…of course).

Bloodlines: An Interactive Horror Film History
An interesting overview of the Horror sub-genres. A great primer for those not as well versed in the many facets of the Horrorverse.

Deleted Footage with Director, Cast and Special Effects Designer Introductions – The deleted footage can be watched as part of the movie or separately. Director George Mihalka talks about the movies violence and the impact that John Lennon’s death had, the special effects and more.

There are several spots where additional footage has been added. From the deleted scenes menu they are:

Opening Sequence
Mabel in the Dryer
Happy’s Surprise
Dave Gets Dunked
Sylvia in the Showers
Nail Gun
Beheading
Pick Axe to the Torso
Axel’s Flashback
End Sequence

When it comes to the actual additional footage there is a slight change in the quality of the film but it is still great to watch.

While this DVD does right by the movie, the extras seem to be somewhat unfocused but fun. If you already have My Bloody Valentine, I’m sure you are going to want this for the restored footage, if you do not have this movie then by all means grab this DVD. This is a great addition to your horror collection.

--Monstar