First Look: HELLRAISER BOX SET

[rhett]

We've got the PHANTASM sphere set, the HALLOWEEN Michael Myers bust set, the MASTERS OF HORROR skull set...it was only a matter of time before HELLRAISER would finally get a set featuring its most iconic of hellish props. This "Lament Configuration Box Set" gives extra meaning to the term box as the discs are all housed inside this disassembling cube. It comes all packed inside the exact same plastic outer shell that housed the skull in the MASTERS OF HORROR set, along with a small paper backing that lists the contents on the back and the title on the front. So open it up, junk 'em, and proudly display the cube without any plastic glare.





So what's inside? Wouldn't it be cool if Anchor Bay and Dimension could strike up some kind of deal for a be-all, end-all set that would do the box proud? This cube here is certainly big enough to house discs for each film in the series, but unfortunately all we get here are the two recent special edition DVDs for the original Clive Barker film, HELLRAISER and the much vaunted sequel, HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II. The third and final disc included in the set is the new HELLRAISER Blu-ray which I haven't yet checked. If Anchor Bay's previous Blu-ray upgrades are any indication, this should be a quality improvement over the DVD.





The discs are housed securely inside the box on three little sliver mounts. While this is helpful since it's tough to know which side is right side up with the sphere, the problem is that there is tight physical contact with the discs, which means the edges get little nicks in them when you secure the discs. The box opens up thanks to little grooves on the top and bottom that you can pull apart. The two halves are lined to replicate the way the cube disassembles in the films. The actual casing is a fairly thin plastic that could crack if you aren't careful. But we're all collectors though, right?

Overall, it's cool to have yet another novelty box set from Anchor Bay, but again the same complaint applies...where's the new content? To Anchor Bay's credit, at least they are releasing the box day and date with the new Blu-ray, so those looking to upgrade to Blu should enjoy this sleek new set. By comparison, when last year's HALLOWEEN box set rolled around, the Blu-ray for the first film was already a year old. Still, like Anchor Bay UK did with there PHANTASM sphere set, it would be nice to have a bonus disc of extras for those willing to pay the higher premium for the box.

This set will appeal to those who care about showpieces on the tops of their collection libraries or those looking to finally get the films on digital for the first time. If you've already got the special edition DVDs though, you'd probably just be better off springing for the separate Blu-ray release.

The box set retails for an MSRP of $59.97 and is slated for release April 21st. It includes the following discs:

• Hellraiser - 20th Anniversary Edition DVD
• Hellbound: Hellraiser II - 20th Anniversary Edition dVD
• Hellraiser - Blu-ray

Here are past reviews of Hellraiser films currently on the site:

Hellbound: Hellraiser II 20th Anniversary Edition DVD (Included in this box)
Hellraiser DVD

.