Customer Reviews

The Hellraiser Films And Their Legacy

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Paul Kane has pulled out all the stops in creating this insightful love-letter to the Hellraiser movies. Drawing from an impressive array of sources, the book offers an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes creation of each of the (8 to-date) Hellraiser movies, with supplemental chapters examining the many themes explored in each film. Films 1 and 2 (arguably the finest in the series) get the most exposure, and rightfully so as these had the strongest input from series creator Clive Barker.

Other chapters tell the fascinating story of alternate versions of Kevin Yagher's troubled "Hellraiser: Bloodline", and the sequels that never made it onto celluloid - especially the intriguing "Hellraiser: Hellfire" concept. Only one gripe - a few more "behind-the-scenes" photos would be welcome, perhaps with some in colour - but no matter, this is a book you'll very much purchase for the text!

An attractive hardcover, larger format book that's a must for any Hellraiser fan's bookshelf - keep it next to your puzzle box at all times!

Just bought this book, and despite the price tag, it was all worth it. Like other McFarland guide books, this one is also excellent. It's obvious Paul Kane is a fan of the Hellraiser franchise, and that enthusiasm definitely shows in his writing. He examines all the films in great detail, with the first two being discussed in more detail than others.
The book features a lot of behind the scenes photos, production sketches, and publicity photos of the actors involved. There's also a funny introduction to the book by Doug Bradley.
Overall, if you're a fan of this series, then this book is a definite must buy.

THE HELLRAISER FILMS
AND THEIR LEGACY

I have always been a fan of this series and well to be honest the first film is possibly my favorite film of all time. I love Pinhead and well basically any thing the characters or mythos have been involved in. from the original book "The Hell Bound Heart" by the great Clive Barker all the way to the new comics, toys, and everything else that is released. When this book was first released I was all over it of course, pre order and all, I had to have it. I have read various times since and still can not put it down.

This is with out a doubt one of the most in depth books I have ever read as it goes over everything that is Hellraiser, and I do mean everything. Of course it goes over the author of it all himself Mr. Clive Barker and how he came about writing the original story. Also it goes into how the first film came about and what went into getting it made and making it. The best thing is it does this in detail and does it for every one of the films that have been made, including the direct to DVD ones. Yes that is correct an in depth look at how all the films came to be and then it goes into examination mode with each film.

It breaks down each film and goes into what each one means and all the different mythos that are involved with all of them, this may be the most interesting part of the book. I love how it goes into detail with each and every aspect of every film, love it. But that is not all; we also dive into the comic books, toys, and everything else that is Hellraiser. That also includes that fan film that is a hidden Easter egg on one of the Hellraiser DVD's [can you find it]. I myself though it was a brilliant short film and commend all that were involved with it; it kinda makes sense, kinda.

I know you are wondering why I didn't go into detail about a book that I say is full of detail, well I don't want to ruin anything for you. I love this book and any one who is even just barley a fan of this series will love this book. Actually you don't even have to be a fan to enjoy this book since it is a window into how these films are made. Just being a film fan is enough or a horror fan. I highly recommend buying this book; it is more than worth it. Did I mention there is a forward by Pinhead himself Dog Bradley; Paul Kane did a great job with this book.

This is a well-researched, reverent book for fans of the dark, demented and icky Hellraiser films.

The book features in-depth material on the making of each of the eight Hellraiser movies (up to Hellworld), including backgrounds on the production, the directors, actors, etc. It tells the 'story' of the Hellraiser franchise and on its making, an odyssey in its own right. The book also explores the Hellraiser films in popular culture, and examines from whence the films took inspiration in their imagery and mythos. For the most part, it's a serious consideration of the films and their inspirations.

More so than other horror franchises, Hellraiser tends to have a bit more going on under the bloody surface, with its themes of pain and pleasure as one, religious overtones, sexual themes, etc. Nobody said this was stuff for a bright, sunny day, but for fans of the macabre these films and characters go a long way.

The book looks great--it's a nice hardcover edition with plenty of slick photos. A serious consideration of the films and their entire legacy is a very welcome treat for long-time fans. Comes with an intro by Doug 'Pinhead' Bradley. Highly recommended to fans of the series, and horror fans in general.

This book explores the deeper meanings behind the book and movies. A great resource for fans of the series.

Gwyn L.,MS