Blu-ray

Eight months after the Miskatonic Massacre, Doctors Herbert West (Jeffrey Combs) and Dan Cain (Bruce Abbott) return from serving as medics in a South American civil war to take up jobs at the Miskatonic University Hospital. Moving into a house next door to the cemetery, Herbert continues his experiments re-animating the dead. When he comes across the heart of Dan's former lover Megan in the hospital morgue, he gets the idea of bringing her back to life in a body assembled from disparate parts. As you do.

Hastily put together after initial plans for a story involving Herbert West working at the White House proved too costly, Bride of Re-Animator is every bit as much of a patchwork creation as its eponymous character. It frequently feels like a series of gore gags in search of a strong guiding hand. That said, there's no denying that there are some pretty great gags. Meanwhile, the manic energy Combs brings to the role of West ensures that he remains the film's true MVP.

Picture: Arrow's double-disc Blu-ray release uses the same 2K restoration that served as the basis for the 2014 German Blu-ray. And, like that version, this Limited Edition features both 'R-Rated' and 'Unrated' cuts of the film. The first is based on a scan of a second-generation intermediate interpositive, while the additional material for the uncut version was sourced from a 35mm composite master. While the picture quality for both cut is generally very good, differences in clarity and colour density are apparent in the uncut sequences.
Picture rating: 4/5

Audio: Both versions of the movie feature identical LPCM 2.0 stereo soundtracks. There is some movement across the L/R speakers during the chaotic finale, yet the real focus of the mix is on gloopy sound effects and West's impassioned ranting – both of which they deliver well.
Audio rating: 3.5/5

Extras: In addition to the two versions, this Limited Edition serves up some choice extras. Accompanying the 'Unrated' edit are three commentary tracks: one from director Brian Yuzna; another featuring actors Combs and Abbott; and a final track that sees Yuzna and Combs  joined by some of the film's FX creators. Also on offer are new interviews with Yuzna and the FX team, an archival Making of…, discussion of two deleted scenes, and the theatrical trailer. A behind-the-scenes reel joins the R-Rated cut on the second BD.

This set also features a comic book and a 24-page booklet featuring critical thoughts on the film.
Extras rating: 4/5

We say: Arrow has pieced together quite the package for this enjoyably messy horror sequel

Bride of Re-Animator: Limited Edition, Arrow Video, All-region Blu-ray & R0 DVD
HCC VERDICT: 3.5/5