Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		3.0

Nightbreed 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 7, 2023

Released in 1990 to low box office and critical disinterest, Clive Barker’s “Nightbreed” (an adaptation of his novel “Cabal”) went on to achieve a modest cult following, tempting those used to the helmer’s passions for violent imagery and fantastical storytelling. However, Barker was outspoken in his distaste for the theatrical cut of the movie, which underwent editorial butchery and extensive reshoots to turn a sophisticated monster mythology into a run-of-the-mill slasher film, though one that retained a great deal of Barker’s personality due to intricate creature design and gothic overtones. The Theatrical Cut of the picture was the public’s first taste of “Nightbreed,” but in 2014, creative forces pulled together a “Director’s Cut,” building on the success of the “Cabal Cut,” which was a crude but effective organization of a 1989 VHS workprint, finally exposing Barker’s original intent for the endeavor. However, for its debut on UHD, “Nightbreed” only offers a 4K version of the Theatrical Cut, which is not the optimal way to experience this epic effort.

After a long bout with visions of a land called Midian, a refuge for monsters known as the Nightbreed, Boone (Craig Sheffer) enjoys a relationship with his lover, Lori (Anne Bobby). Boone maintains appointments with psychologist Dr. Decker (David Cronenberg) to make sense of his mind, with the medical professional secretly obsessed with locating Midian, powerless to the urges of his masked alter ego -- a maniac looking to end humanity. Pinning a string of murders on Boone, hoping to coax him back into madness, Decker watches as his patient slips out of his grasp, with the confused man led to Midian with help from lunatic Narcisse (Hugh Ross), who’s also looking to be transformed into one of the Nightbreed. At first distrustful of this newcomer, leader Lylesberg (Doug Bradley) soon understands Boone’s place in a prophecy, making him a permanent resident. With Decker struggling to infiltrate Midian, teaming up with Captain Eigerman (Charles Haid) and his militia buddies to wipe out the unearthly enemy, Lori finds a connection to the Nightbreed while searching for Boone, navigating the dangers ahead as war is declared between the humans and the monsters.

It's difficult to go back to the Theatrical Cut after years spent with the Director’s Cut and even the Cabal Cut. While the central idea of “Nightbreed” remains, the Theatrical Cut is a different viewing experience, with studio tampering evident throughout the viewing experience, especially with editing, which is clumsy at times as sections of the story and characterization (Lori and Boone have more of a sibling dynamic here) are removed to streamline the story. It’s not all rough, with the low-budget sweep of the movie appreciable, especially when Boone finds Midian and Barker explores his monster neighborhood to the best of his ability, with the production delivering excellent makeup effects and a feel for the mystery of the location. Emphasis on Decker isn’t necessary, but the Theatrical Cut prioritizes the masked ghoul/mad doctor, which takes time away from the development of Midian and its strange inhabitants.

For additional information and analysis, please read Jeffrey Kauffman’s 2014 Blu-ray review.

There are two versions of “Nightbreed” on this release: a Theatrical Cut (101:37) and the Director’s Cut (120:48).

Nightbreed 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Nightbreed" was originally released on Blu-ray in 2014, with Shout Factory offering the Theatrical Cut and a new Director's Cut for fans, with the latter the big selling point of the package, presenting a new version of the movie with clarity the Cabal Cut couldn't deliver. The company returns to the title in 2023 for a UHD release, but, curiously, only the Theatrical Cut is presented in 4K, listed here as new scan "of the best surviving elements." It's debatable if admirers of the film even want to revisit the inferior Theatrical Cut anymore, but what's here appears to be an improvement on the older Blu-ray, with the Dolby Vision presentation certainly offering a richer sense of color with the worlds of man and monster. The firelit world of Midian retains a warm orange presence, while greenery is distinct. Monster makeup is vivid, with subtle shades emerging on the creatures. Primaries are powerful, with sharp reds throughout. Human skin tones are natural. Fine detail is generally quite strong, exploring the textured appearances of the monsters and their tattered costuming. Exteriors deliver depth, and interiors inspect business decoration and the layers of Midian. Delineation is satisfactory, with deep blacks securing evening activity and the dimly lit halls of Midian. Highlights run somewhat hotter, but not distractingly so. Grain is decently resolved. Source has a few rough moments of age and quality.

Nightbreed 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Default audio on the UHD is a 2.0 DTS-HD MA track, joining a 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound option. Of the two, the 2.0 is a fresher listen, with a crisper sense of scoring, delivering defined position for Danny Elman's musical offerings. Dialogue is also defined, managing performances captured on-set and in post-production, including manipulated monster voices. However, distracting distortion is detected throughout the listening experience. The 5.1 is obviously a wider track, with plenty of surround engagement with atmospherics and battle scenes, also pushing out musical moods. Low-end retains punch with explosive encounters, but the mix isn't quite as powerful as expected, with a slight dullness.

Nightbreed 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Theatrical Cut

• Commentary features critics Adrian J. Smith and David Flint.

• "Memories of Midian" (30:34, HD) is an interview with actor Nicholas Vince, who traces his working relationship with writer/director Clive Barker, initially serving as a model for artwork featured on the author's books. Vince went on to work on "Hellraiser" and its sequel, eventually cast in "Nightbreed. The interviewee shares anecdotes about the shoot, including makeup demands and set atmosphere.

• "Walking the Line Between Heaven and Hell" (23:31, HD) is an appreciation piece from writer Kat Ellinger.

• "Speaking Up for the Monsters" (18:17, HD) is an appreciation piece from critic Kim Newman.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:06, HD) is included.

Director's Cut

• Intro (5:30, HD) is a brief explanation of "Nightbreed" and its release and restoration journey with producer Mark Alan Miller and writer/director Clive Barker.

• Commentary features writer/director Clive Barker and restoration producer Mark Alan Miller.

• "Tribes of the Moon" (72:17, HD) is a making-of for "Nightbreed," featuring interviews with actors Doug Bradley, Craig Sheffer, Hugh Ross, Simon Bamford, Anne Bobby, and Christine McCorkindale. Personal connections to writer/director Clive Barker are shared with European cast members, eventually finding their positions in his creative endeavors. The Americans share their casting experiences, with Sheffer immediately hired for the part due to his intensity. Character work is inspected, with the interviewees going deep when discussing motivations and personalities, also sharing on-set camaraderie. Makeup work is recalled, with exhausting hours maintained to transform into monsters. Time at Pinewood Studios is shared, marveling over large sets and dealing stunt and animal demands. A discussion of "enhancement shoots" is offered, with Morgan Creek slowly taking over the production, resulting in a lackluster release and, for Bradley, a complete removal of his voice from the theatrical cut.

• "Making Monsters" (42:11, HD) is an interview with special makeup designer Bob Keen, creative technician Martin Mercer, and creature artist Paul Jones. The interviewees provide a deep dive into their respective careers and their time on "Nightbreed," which provided a major creative challenge as monster designs and makeup were required, allowing them to follow their imagination when it came time to deliver unusual looking characters.

• "Fire! Fights! Stunts!" (20:20) is an interview with second unit director Andy Armstrong, who details the technical side of "Nightbreed," working with Barker (after doing some time on "Hellraiser II"), and dealing with the intended epic scale of the endeavor. Crew members are fondly recalled, and tales from the shoot are shared.

• A Theatrical Trailer (1:06, HD) is included.

Bonus Disc

• Deleted Scenes (22:48, HD) are provided.

• "Monster Prosthetics Master Class" (11:11, HD) is an interview with special makeup designer Bob Keen, who provides a more specific examination of the monster visuals found in "Nightbreed."

• "Cutting Compromise" (13:55, HD) is an interview with editor Mark Goldblatt, who was brought into the production of "Nightbreed" when the film ran into "issues." Hired to work with writer/director Clive Barker, Goldblatt is honest about his time on the movie, noting that the picture had some problems that honestly needed addressing, including a tightening of pace. He's also quick to note that this is all part of the process on some features.

• "The Painted Landscape" (5:08, HD) collects concept art created by Ralph McQuarrie.

• Matte Painting Tests (8:57, HD) explores various technical achievements used to expand to world of "Nightbreed."

• Makeup Tests (4:52, HD) displays work on facial movement and designs on the monster characters.

• Stop Motion Lost Footage (7:01, HD) returns to special makeup designer Bob Keen, who provides an examination of animation prepared for "Nightbreed" that was ultimately abandoned.

• Extended Torture Scene (3:29, HD) supplies a lengthier look at a graphic event.

• Rehearsal Test (2:56, HD) offers a glimpse of the actors without makeup, working on physical acting moves for the camera.

• Image Galleries include "Early Sketches," "Deleted Scene," "Poster and Pre-Production Art," "On the Set," and "The Cast and Crew."

Nightbreed 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There are superior versions of "Nightbreed" out there for fans, but perhaps the Theatrical Cut is a reasonable starting point for newcomers, giving them a taste of Barker's monster obsessions and love of grisly behavior. There's a lot to love about "Nightbreed," but its wonderful moments are limited in the Theatrical Cut, which is a butchered take on the material and, for now at least, the only version available in 4K.