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

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[msw7]

Interesting... I have the UK Hellraiser Box. While it is impressive visually, this one looks much better. The UK box is cardboard. The top lifts off (like a giftbox), and the four sides fold down. It's ok, but the sides have no support on their edges, so don't line up very well when the box is closed.

On the plus side, it includes Hellraiser 3 (meh), and a bonus disk, but frankly I did not need to see Clive Barker dancing around nude on those "special" features

(That may have been the scariest part of the set! ...shudder....)

[dave13]

beauty of a box, but i hate the concept of buying two copies of the same movie, be it the much hated (by me at least) digital copy, or hddvd dual format discs, or now these new sets that have blu and dvd versions together. its just a waste of money as far as i'm concerned. in a perfect world they would have released two versions of this, both with only 2 discs. each would have the dvd of hellbound and there would be one with the blu ray of hellraiser and one with the dvd. they could knock an appropriate amount of money off the tag (not too much, but a reasonable amount) and i'd be a LOT happier. as it is, im gonna have to pick up the individual release of hellraiser on blu and then wait for them to release hellbound on the new format as well. I would just feel like too much of a fucking sucker if i paid extra for the same shit twice. doesn't matter how much i want a lament box.

[Workshed]

Good-looking set, for sure. But the content...uh.

[Katatonia]

Sure, it looks neat....but I already have a Lament Configuration prop replica. And already owning the old DVD's is another reason for me not to buy this. I can't wait for the Blu-ray though!!!

Originally Posted by Workshed

Good-looking set, for sure. But the content...uh.

I would have to agree. I already got the fine special edition DVDs from Anchor Bay. Owning that would be cool if we all chould win it for free, but it's over kill. I would just rather have the same fine sized toy replica then that over-priced thing. I doubt very seriously, even as a big Anchor Bay collector nut, that I'll ever get it (unless the price in the future at some places online, REALLY drop).

If I were to get this box I would take the discs and put them in separate cases and never mess with the box again to avoid damaging it and the discs.

[bwana the clown]

I agree with Workshed's comment re content, and including the first movie on both DVD and Blu-Ray just seems downright silly to me.

[buck135]

Pass. Give us special edition blu-ray's.

[DVD-fanatic-9]

Absolutely 100% retarded. Packaging a Blu-Ray in the same box as the non Blu-Ray... Always thinking with the ass end rather than the head end.

[X-human]

They keep making these types of things so I guess enough people are buying them, but I'm only interested in an all Blu-ray set. I'm pretty much done with SD.

[gunner]

Kinda cool!! I'll probably just get the stand alone blu-ray though.

[Spit]

The box looks pretty sweet, but the lack of extras is kind of a turn off. I'm with Bwana I don't get why they including a blu-ray copy of the first film. If I had a blu-ray player I would just play the blu-ray verison and let the dvd collect dust, but I just have a dvd player so the extra disk is useless. I think I'll be saving my 60 bucks...I do need a nice copy of hellraiser though, all i got is a tape :x

[KGBRadioMoskow]

Same sentiments as everyone else - the DVD content is nothing new, you're paying for the box. And frankly that isn't anything special - Neca did a nice prop replica a while back, and some really nice home brew ones have been made (if you're willing to pony up a few C notes). The Anchor Bay one basically looks like a slight upgrade to the old Reel Toys kit - and while its cool enough and I wouldn't expect any better for something that has to serve as a DVD container, on its own its not quite enough.

Pic of the limited edition Neca box (got this one myself, the standard edition is the same without the glass display jar - not too tough to get a glass jar anyway):

[vampyr789]

this is almost like the Halloween Box set they released a while back. it had 1,4,5, 25 years of terror, and the first film on Blu-ray. but there was nothing new there (except the mask). same with this...nothing new except the box