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S E A R C H    D V D B e a v e r

(aka 'Panics")

 

Directed by Andrew Fleming

USA 1988

 

After the success of A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET in 1984, many a movie that moulded together slasher thrills and supernatural chills was rushed into production - from SLAUGHTERHOUSE ROCK (1988) to THE HORROR SHOW (1989) and Wes Craven's own SHOCKER (1989). None, however, were quite as notable nor as notorious as the bombastic blood-spiller BAD DREAMS from 1987, which roped in its own Freddy Krueger alumni with sexy Scream Queen starlet Jennifer Ruben (from A NIGHTMARE ON ELM ST 3: THE DREAM WARRIORS). Also starring the late, great B-thespian Richard Lynch (CUT AND RUN) as a Jim Jones-style reverend who begins to avenge his creepy cult of followers from beyond-the-grave, BAD DREAMS features some frantic and ferocious special effects, plenty of tormented teens and some of the finest frights of its decade! Featuring the legendary Bruce Abbott (RE-ANIMATOR) and produced by Hollywood heavyweight Gale Anne Hurd (ALIENS), whilst featuring a screenplay from DIE HARD's Steven E. de Souza, it is no wonder that BAD DREAMS became one of the most popular slasher classics of the 1980s... and 88 Films is proud to present this work of gruesome genius in horrific HD! It might just stop you getting a good night's kip!

Posters

Theatrical Release: April 8th, 1988

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Review: 88 Films - Region 'B' - Blu-ray

Box Cover

 

Distribution

88 Films
Region
'B' Blu-ray

 

Runtime

1:24:10.086

Video

Disc Size: 34,968,225,271 bytes

Feature Size: 18,182,295,552 bytes

Average Bitrate: 24.88 Mbps

Dual-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video

Bitrate:

 

88 Films Blu-ray

 

Audio

DTS-HD Master Audio English 2016 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 2016 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Commentary:

Dolby Digital Audio English 224 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 224 kbps

Subtitles English, None
Features Release Information:
Studio: 88 Films

 

Disc Size: 34,968,225,271 bytes

Feature Size: 18,182,295,552 bytes

Average Bitrate: 24.88 Mbps

Dual-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video

 

Edition Details:
• LIVING THE DREAM - An Interview with Director Andrew Fleming (24:17)
• DREAM WOMAN - An Interview with Actress Jennifer Rubin (40:26)
• DERIVATIVE DREAMS - An Interview with Academic and Curator Spencer
Murphy (19:29)
• AUDIO COMMENTARY by Genre Experts Nathaniel Thompson and Tim Greer
• THEATRICAL TRAILER (1:44)
• Reversible Sleeve
• LIMITED EDITION FIRST PRESSING BOOKLET - GUIDE TO THE 30
GREATEST SLASHER MOVIES - By Colin Waddell
DVD


Blu-ray  Release Date: July 23rd, 2018
Red Blu-ray case inside slipcase

Chapters: 8

 

 

Comments

NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

Bad Dreams gets an HD transfer to Blu-ray from 88 Films under their 'Slasher Classics Collection'. It's on a dual-layered disc but, considering, has a modest bitrate. The image quality is still very pleasing with a sharp, detailed image visible in the film's many close-ups. It is in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio and the film's colors and contrast seem adept exporting a realistic image that shows plenty of depth.

88 Films utilize a DTS-HD Master track 2.0 channel (24-bit) on the
Blu-ray and it exports some of the aggressive effects and screams with depth. There is a fittingly score by Jay Ferguson that adds to the suspense and occasional shocks. The audio is consistent without issue and carry's the film's creepy mood very well. There are optional English subtitles, and the Blu-ray is region 'B'-locked.

88 Films add many extras. There is an audio commentary with 'genre experts' Nathaniel Thompson and Tim Greer - the former's volume is very hushed and it doesn't seems to have been mixed well but it was a good commentary in terms of detailing information about the production and off-shoots of the cast and crew. Living the Dream is a 24-minute interview with director Andrew Fleming who discusses how he cut his teeth on Bad Dreams and some of the production hurdles. Dream Woman is a 40-minute interview with actress Jennifer Rubin who outlines her extensive career and gives a frank discussion of the business focusing on remembrances of Bad Dreams. Derivative Dreams is a 20-minute interview with Academic and Curator Spencer Murphy who is a pleasure to follow and appreciate his shared knowledge. There is also a theatrical trailer. The package has a second disc DVD, a reversible sleeve and a limited edition booklet with a guide to the '30 Greatest Slasher Films' written by Dr. Colin Waddell.

Bad Dreams has many common horror conventions from dripping blood to graphic mutilations but it seems restrained enough to give the narrative a positive push in the sensible direction - all things considered. It's no masterpiece but as far as the genre goes - it fits like a glove and is genuinely well-realized. The 88 Films
Blu-ray has some sincerity into the film with a solid HD transfer, the commentary and shy of 1.5 hours of interviews.
 Fans of the genre should be very pleased with this complete package.

 - Gary Tooze

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Box Cover

 

Distribution

88 Films
Region
'B' Blu-ray




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