Hellraiser: Bloodline workprint vs. theatrical cut

Earlier this year, we caught word that Arrow Video’s 4K box set release of the first four Hellraiser movies (get it HERE) would include a workprint cut of the 1996 installment, Hellraiser: Bloodline (watch that one HERE), allowing fans the chance to see what the movie was going to be like before Dimension Films started tinkering with it. Now that the Arrow Video box set is available, JoBlo’s own Lance Vlcek has a copy of the Hellraiser: Bloodline workprint – and in the video embedded above, he offers his review of this cut of the film, comparing it to the theatrical version we’ve been watching for over twenty-five years. To hear all about this Hellraiser: Bloodline workprint vs. theatrical cut match-up, hit play on the video!

Hellraiser: Bloodline was a famously troubled production, with director Kevin Yagher leaving the project when distributor Miramax / Dimension demanded substantial reshoots. Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers director Joe Chappelle ended up taking the helm for the reshoots, the movie was recut, and Yagher took his name off of it. Such troubles weren’t rare during that era of Dimension Films. Chappelle himself dealt with plenty of problems while making his Halloween movie.

Scripted by Peter Atkins, Hellraiser: Bloodline has the following synopsis: Three generations of the same family deal with the consequences of unleashing the forces of hell. In 18th-century France, Paul L’Merchant works as a toymaker until he’s coerced into creating a box that serves as a portal between hell and Earth. The box summons demonic Angelique and Pinhead, who — 200 years later — hunt down John Merchant. Then, centuries later, Phillip Merchant prepares for a final confrontation.

Bruce Ramsay, Valentina Vargas, Kim Myers, Adam Scott, Courtland Mead, and Christine Harnos star, with Doug Bradley as horror icon Pinhead.

Atkins also published his original script for Hellraiser: Bloodline, and paperback and Kindle editions of the script available for purchase at THIS LINK.

What do you think of the differences between the Hellraiser: Bloodline workprint and the theatrical cut? Do you think Dimension Films should have left the film alone and released the Yagher cut to begin with? Let us know by leaving a comment below.