888 Films present "Mind Ripper" in an HD-transfer from the film's original negative. The film is housed on a dual-layered Blu-ray and has a high bitrate. Though the transfer is mostly free of debris and scratches, the original shots were sometimes somewhat unfocused or blurry, possibly due to the stock that the film was shot on, or perhaps a choice of the filmmakers. Detail is good, though not great. Colors and contras seems fine as fleshtones look appropriate and the gory scenes look red and bloody, as they should. Though not a breathtaking transfer, one can assume that this is as good as this film is going to look on digital, for the time being.

88 Films present the film in 2.0 stereo on a 24-bit DTS-HD track. The various sci-fi special effects sound appropriately gooey and gross, and dialogue is clear. J. Peter Robinson was the composer here, he was also the composer of such features as "Wayne's World" and "Detroit Rock City" (and countless other notable films). There are optional English Subtitles for the film on this Region 'B'-locked Blu-ray.

What do Kato Kaelin, O.J. Simpson, 'Divorce Court' and Bulgaria have to do with "Mind Ripper"? You'll have to watch Producer/Writer Jonathan Craven's great half-hour interview that is included on this disc. Jonathan is very, very open about the challenges that he faced making this film, and this is quite the informative extra. Apparently, Alexander Payne was being floated as a possible director for the film and we also learn that upon visiting Jonathan's father Wes (yes, that Wes) in the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" cutting room, he learned that his father had little faith in that film being a hit. Though this is by-and-large the only extra of any substance, it is a good one that covers all the bases. There is a nice write-up from Dr. Callum Waddell that is included in the Blu-ray's insert. The film's trailer is also included here, as well as a reversible sleeve with alternative artwork.

Originally imagined (and titled) "The Hills Have Eyes III", "Wes Craven presents: Mind Ripper" is a piece-meal, low-budget direct-to-video sci-fi / horror feature. Jonathan may not have had the success of his father, but he clearly tried his best here as a producer and writer. Director Joe Gayton went on to be somewhat successful directing action films, and his talent for creating tension and creating action (from a very low-budget) really shines here. Though not a masterpiece by any measure, this is an interesting attempt at a horror/sci-fi hybrid that is worth checking out. 

 - Colin Zavitz