Review of Nightmare (Uncut 30th Anniversary Edition)

The eventual release of a long-anticipated movie leaves a taste of confusion. For a title a lot of fans have been urging for, for years, the release leaves a sort of weird feeling. I think frustration was not a one-way deal. The giving label Code Red did receive quite a lot of unnecessary shit during the years-in-waiting. I think this overall atmosphere did have an impact on how they saw the project; instead of overwhelming expectation, I sense a slight dose of frustration; for instance, why have the impressive Romano Scavolini interview without subtitles? One could write a 1000-page book on the developments of the project. At times, it even seemed an unprobability. Therefore, I am so happy that the release actually took place! It happened.

In fact, a lot of the confusion is due to the fact, that the viewer is not sure which is the beef. I mean, on the two discs we get three different versions of the film. Perhaps it would have been a good idea to explain these versions a little. For me, at least, it is not that clear. We get a director approved telecine-version, a ”Hi-Def” 1.78:1 ”created from the two best 35mm prints”, and finally on the 2nd disc, which in fact is a DVD-R – another source for confusion, a pirate-looking official disc?? - we get to see a ”brand new 2011 telecine 1.78:1 from a recently discovered slightly better 35mm print”...

I think what we need here is some sort of an explanation of the whole process. As I said, it must have been a distressing experience. Then, why not give the fans what they want – at least a history of that very frustration. It even seems, the label just had enough and threw up this brew of versions and incomplete extras – do what you want, we are fed up!! I hope I am wrong.

At least, the text on the cover is optimistic and positive: ”Many fans claim this will be the biggest selling horror film in the history of DVD!” That is great, and I must be among those optimistic souls, who predict the 100 thousand items will be sold out pretty shortly. So, Code Red, thank you for this absolute favour for the human race, and do not feel frustrated! It is just that those who have waited for so long will demand perfection. No-one demands perfection if you do not promise it many years prior to the actual release.

All in all, although a confused lot, this is a release to have. Although extra-wise it could have been much better, there is nothing better. The film itself is entirely a different story. In brief, I think the Halloween inspiration is just a background. The film has its own atmosphere, and although the gore f/x do look dated and clumsy, the boy actor axing away his father and his ”service” at the end is a classic I think never to be outdone! It is just not possible anymore to use child actors in creative – or in violent or sexual – roles.