The Resurrected (1991) - Blu-ray Review

Details: By Loron Hays; 14 September 2017

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Inspired by ‘The Case of Charles Dexter Ward’ by H.P. Lovecraft, The Resurrected continues to be the Lovecraft film adaptation that is most Lovecraftian. It was a film that was pretty much yanked away from its perfectionist director and, sadly enough, completed by the studio only to be shelved for a later date. The legendary director – more on that later – responsible for the film pretty much disowned the completed project as a result.

Weird and otherworldly, this pretty straight-laced creature feature about the occult and the literal raising of the dead (and gone) makes for a rather head-rotating good and groovy time. Its lead actors are on it with their performances and, as a quest for the truth develops into a backstory that is fully realized on screen, it goes down some pretty unexpected avenues. Thanks to the efforts of Scream Factory, this cult horror film now enjoys a brand spanking new HD treatment for home theater consumption.

I maintain that those audiences on the fringe are best conditioned to undertake a true appreciation of this living dead feature. There’s a lot to unpack here. Directed by The Return of the Living Dead’s Dan O'Bannon, who probably took any chance of his Director’s Cut of the movie being released with him to the grave, the gore and effects are courageous and speckled with practical knowhow. They STILL work and, as they feature glimpses of skeletons and remains better left unsaid, produce many a solid scare unto themselves.

You just have to be willing to sit through all the twisted dealings of Dr. Charles Dexter Ward (Chris Sarandon) as his grief-stricken and confused wife, Claire Ward (Jane Sibbett) hires private investigator John March (John Terry) to figure out just what the hell is wrong with her husband. Simply put, he’s not the man he used to be and – hint, hint, hint – it might have to do with the discovery of his twisted and knotted family tree. And there’s that putrid smell drifting up from within the coach house. If it all sounds so terribly complex, complete with a backstory stretching into the 1700s, just know that it isn’t thanks to O’Bannon’s skills.

The Resurrected was held back from its initial release and, ultimately, lived and died on a straight-to-video release. It seems unfair to a film that has its share of solid genre offerings. All of this, considering the movie’s strengths in creating a mood of mystery and dread as it tells its narrative in reverse, is at a complete loss for an adequate answer. This title is the one the studio had no faith in? Really? Everything starts out slow, yes, but the bang that is sent to the audience courageous enough to hang on is a shocking one that rattles the bones.

Hell, we even get a demon-powered skull-stretching set to composer Richard Band’s old-school gothic score! The Resurrected is back up and walking among us thanks to Scream Factory’s new 2K transfer from the film’s vaulted interpositive film element.

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MPAA Rating: R for violence and language.
Runtime: 108 mins
Director: Dan O'Bannon
Writer: Brent V. Friedman
Cast: John Terry, Jane Sibbett, Chris Sarandon
Genre: Horror
Tagline: Death used to be the end. Now it's just the beginning...
Memorable Movie Quote: "I think you've found a way to live forever. But it's... messy."
Theatrical Distributor: No US theatrical release
Official Site:
Release Date:
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: September 12, 2017
Synopsis: Since the beginning of time, man has struggled with death. Now Charles Dexter Ward (Chris Sarandon, Fright Night), a wealthy scientist, may have found a way to beat it. Using an ancient diary and human remains, Ward begins a terrifying and bloody pursuit for immortality. By the time his wife Claire (Jane Sibbett, Arrival II) hires private investigator John March (John Terry, Full Metal Jacket) to halt the horrible experiments, it's too late ... the dead have been resurrected!

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The Resurrected (1991) - Blu-ray Review

Blu-ray Details:

Home Video Distributor: Shout Factory
Available on Blu-ray - September 12, 2017
Screen Formats: 1.85:1
Subtitles: English SDH
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
Discs: Blu-ray Disc; single disc
Region Encoding: Locked to Region A

Scream Factory’s 2K transfer from the film’s vaulted interpositive film element is a wonder of expressive gore and more. Shadows are crisp and detailed and the whole thing operates as if a new movie in and of itself. That’s how impactful the 1080p transfer is. With an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and Dolby Digital Stereo track, the film is treated nicely by Scream’s efforts. Nicely saturated, there are no dents in its shiny armor. Colors are strong throughout and are particularly memorable with their inclusion of details and strong edges. Black levels are clearly defined, too.

Supplements:

Commentary:

Producers Mark Borde and Kenneth Raich, screenwriter Brent V. Friedman, actor Richard Romanus and make-up effects artist Todd Masters all take turns discussing the movie and its sordid history on the NEW commentary.

Special Features:

Once again, Scream Factory rules the roost with the addition NEW interviews with actress Jane Sibbett and a new one with author S.T. Joshi, an expert in all things H.P. Lovecraft. The rest of the supplemental items – including an interview from Sarandon, screenwriter Brent Friedman, composer Richar Brand, and special effects guru Todd Masters – have been ported over from prior DVD releases of the movie.