RE-ANIMATOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY 4K UHD: A Glorious Madness Re-Animated

Review by Jonathan Berk

It’s hard to believe that Stuart Gordon’s instant cult classic, Re-Animator, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. My relationship with the movie is relatively new, but I’d been aware of it for most of my life. I’ve had friends who have loved it for decades now, even if it feel it feels like just yesterday that they saw it for the first time. Although nearly two years have passed since I initially watched it back in October of 2023, I haven’t forgotten how Herbert West shocked and horrified me, but also made me laugh. At the time, I viewed it on streaming, but now, thanks to Ignite Films and Eagle Rock Pictures, we can relive the glorious gore in a beautiful 4K UHD restoration, approved by producer Brian Yuzna.  

This new 4K restoration brings new life to the visuals of this already iconic film.  Yuzna himself exclaimed, "It looks great! Especially if you have a big screen! An excellent restoration, it is like seeing it for the first time again." The clarity and detail of the 4K UHD make this Lovecraftian tale look fantastic, and I was very pleased with the overall presentation of the film on both discs.  

While fans probably don’t need a refresher, Re-Animator tells the story of Herbert West (Jeffrey Combs), a brilliant yet unhinged medical student who discovers a serum that can reanimate the dead. Of course, if you play god, you’re bound to encounter horrifying consequences. Gordon's film masterfully blends grotesque horror with dark humor, creating a cinematic experience that has kept horror fans coming back for generations. The cast, including Bruce Abbott, Barbara Crampton, David Gale, and Robert Sampson, delivers memorable performances that perfectly capture the film's style and tone, which is hard to imagine anyone else being able to pull off.  

This 40th-anniversary release is a true celebration of Re-Animator's enduring appeal. Fans can choose from four editions – each packed with both new and legacy bonus features. The highlight of this release is the Ultimate Limited Edition Box Set, which includes a 4K UHD/Blu-ray combo, a 150-page hardcover book with interviews and essays, collector's art cards, and a Dr. Hill collector's bobblehead. For the truly obsessed, some lucky fans will even find a green "re-agent" in their order, granting them an exclusive signed poster and a special Re-Animator gift pack.  
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Ignite Films and Eagle Rock Pictures are no strangers to giving classic films the 4K UHD treatment. Their previous restoration of Invaders From Mars was met with universal acclaim and even won a Saturn Award for Best Classic Film Home Media Release. With this release, they continue their commitment to preserving and sharing cinematic treasures with new and old audiences alike.  

The 40th Anniversary 4K UHD release of Re-Animator is a must-have for any horror fan. Whether you're a longtime devotee or a newcomer to the madness, this restoration will re-animate your love for this cult classic. Just as Barbara Crampton says, "People love this film! Over time, Re-Animator has only gained more fans who understand its evergreen appeal of an outrageous story, told with humor and horror in a grand and almost operatic way. To see the beautiful new 4K restoration in all its cult glory is a sight to behold. I know cinephiles will enjoy it for years to come."