Sign Up | Log In

Write a Review
Post a Quick Tip
Create a List
Ask a Question
Create a Poll
Create a Community

Movies •Books •Music •Food •Tv Shows •Technology •Politics •Video Games •Parenting •Fashion •Green Living •more >

Lunch » Tags » Movies » Reviews » My Bloody Valentine: Special Edition

My Bloody Valentine: Special Edition

2 Ratings: 2.5

This edition contains added and uncut death scenes that aren't present in the theatrical release

My Bloody Valentine is a 1981 Canadian slasher film released in the wake of the popularity of the slasher genre that had overtaken the 1970s. Considered an example of the low-budget cult films reminiscent of popular slasher films such as Halloween … see full wiki

Tags: Movies, Action Movies, Action, Horror, Horror Movies, Horror Movie, see all

Genre: Horror, Slasher

1 review about My Bloody Valentine: Special Edition

Showing 1-1 of 1

Sort by:

That really is a cool gift. In a sick, deranged, sort of way.

Sep 27, 2011

by Madpenguin
posted in Movie Hype

Rating:

In the small town of Valentine's Bluff, an accident took place involving a simple mining job that went wrong, which left five men trapped underneath the rubble. The foremen of the job were more concerned with attending the towns Valentine's Day dance instead of saving the men. The only survivor who was found six weeks later named Harry Warden was sent to a mental institution.

He escaped the institution and returned to the town for revenge. Using a pick axe, he killed those who he felt was responsible, and warned the town to never hold another Valentines Day dance. 20 years later, the town decides to have a Valentine's Day dance hoping to put the past to rest. The town seems ready to move on, until the Mayor receives a box of chocolates with a bloody surprise inside.-summary

When I think of the great 80's, two things pop up: The Transformers and the insanely overflow of horrors sub genre, the slasher film. Black Christmas(1974) directed by Bob Clark, planted the seed for the holiday slasher, John Carpenter's Halloween(1978) would later borrow from the aforementioned film, which would later give birth to many holiday themed slashers. My Bloody Valentine(1981) directed by George Mihalka is another slasher film taking place on a holiday that sets the stage for young adults(mostly) to add to the body count.

My Bloody Valentine follows the usual slasher formula, but unlike many of its kind it's not completely mindless, and does tell a decent story utilizing a subplot, and handling the characters well. The subplot taking place is in the form of a love triangle involving T.J.(Paul Kelman), Axel(Neil Affleck), & Sarah(Lori Hallier). T.J. at one point was involved with Sarah. He took off attempting to make his life outside of Valentines Bluff, but when things got hard he lost contact with her. He returned to find her involved with his friend Axel. This immediately turns their friendship sour.

The writing for the film is pretty good for the most part. The setting brings out the personalities of the characters. Valentine's Bluff appears as a small "all work, no play" type of environment. It's very easy to relate to the characters plight, in wanting to forget the town legend and throw a party, because it really seems as if they deserve it. This made it very easy for me to like every last one of them. Even though, most are completely undeveloped.

Things pick up at times when the deaths start to build up. The killer is definitely an intimidating individual, who is completely dressed in miners garment and armed with a pick axe. His terrifying presence is enhanced a great deal when he's confronted in the mining caves. As tough as I am, I wouldn't want to be trapped in a mining cave with this guy. This particular setting is by far the most atmospheric, as it perfectly fits the killers image. But I do feel the below average soundtrack does a rather bland job building tension.

This special edition of My Bloody Valentine is pretty sick and well detailed with the gore effects. The death scenes really are something else, and will appeal to gore hounds. There are several standout death scenes that I won't spoil. I feel anyone who is planning on watching this version for the first time, should come into this not knowing exactly what to expect. I hit the rewind on at least three scenes when I first saw this version.

The film isn't too big on suspense in my view. I'll go so far to say it's very predictable, and you can see the death scenes coming minutes before they happen. The thing is after the second death scene especially, you'll just be dying to find out how someone is going to eat it next. The ending was well played with a nice twist, and I know a lot of people who didn't see it coming.

This was always a slasher film that I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn't know until recently there was an uncut edition. So I was very curious when I unknowingly stumbled upon it. Even in slasher films, I mainly prefer at least a decent story with characters I can relate to before excessive gore. However, the added gore scenes added to my overall enjoyment. My only problem with the additional footage is, the film tends to fade a bit and you can tell it was added. The scenes appear softer than others. I'm not sure if I explained that clear enough, it just has to be seen to be fully understood.

Overall, I do recommend My Bloody Valentine to die hard slasher fans. I definitely recommend it to those who either enjoyed the theatrical version, or didn't enjoy it because the gore effects were weak. I own the original as well, and I don't consider my money wasted at all due to the added gore effects. The film is 131 minutes.

Pros:
-Extended cut... Extended Mayhem

Cons:
-Formulaic, predictable, poor tension build up

What did you think of this review?

Helpful

Thought-Provoking

Fun to Read

Well-Organized