4 star remastering of a beloved eighties cult classic film.
Pet Sematary is based on the horror novel of the same name written by Stephen King (The Dark Tower, Under the Dome) who also wrote the screenplay. It was originally released in 1989 and has enjoyed a 4K Ultra HD restoration for its 30th anniversary release. It is directed by Mary Lambert (The In Crowd, The Blacklist).
“It’s that damn road. Uses up a lot of animals. Dogs and cats mostly.”
It tells the story of the ill fated Creed family who have moved to Maine from Chicago after Louis (Dale Midkiff – Love Comes Softly, Time Trax) is offered a job as a Doctor at the University. With him are his wife Rachel (Denise Crosby – Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Impact) and two children, Ellie (Blaze Berdahl – Ghostwriter) and Gage (Miko Hughes – Mercury Rising, Kindergarten Cop).
Soon after arriving they are introduced to their new neighbour Jud (Fred Gwynne – The Munsters, My Cousin Vinny), a friendly type who takes the young family under his wing. He warns them of the perils of the road which runs directly past their house, and explains how it is to blame for the deaths of many local household pets.
Because of this, a graveyard has been set up in the woods behind the Creed house, crudely labelled the ‘Pet Sematary’, where all the animals killed on the road are buried. However, when the family cat Church is killed, he introduces Louis to a different burial site, once belonging to American Indians. This burial ground has a dark secret, it can bring back the dead.
In no time Church returns, very grumpy and smelling terrible but seemingly alive and well. When tragedy strikes the family, Louis has to decide whether to heed the warnings he has been given, or ignore them and face the terrible consequences of doing so.
This is a brilliantly remastered release, with excellent quality images and really good sound, looking and sounding much better than ever before.
Pet Sematary is a very gory and quite disturbing film. It was always unsettling and atmospheric and that is even more the case now. The special effects still look good today and there are plenty of moments to make you wince. The acting is also excellent from all concerned and carries the story beautifully.
With plenty of added extras and some new special features, this is a must own for any fans of horror and/or Stephen King.
“How can you call it a good thing? A graveyard for pets killed on the road, buried by heartbroken children.”
Pet Sematary is available to buy now in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray.
| Director | Mary Lambert |
| Author | Stephen King |
| Genre | Horror |
| Starring | Dale Midkiff, Fred Gwynne, Denise Crosby, Brad Greenquist, Michael Lombard |
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