"Nightbreed" Japanese Theatrical Poster
I don’t know about you but I have a thing for the late 80’s, early 90’s film work of author Clive Barker. His 1990 effort Nightbreed is one of those movies that should have been a horror classic. It had Barker working at the peak of his creative powers; Danny Elfman, fresh off the success of his 1989 Batman soundtrack, handling score duties; and even starred David Cronenberg as a homicidal psychologist in a Scarecrow-like mask.
Yet when you watch the film itself, Nightbreed somehow feels like less than the sum of its parts. Not surprisingly, this is due to the fact that the studio nipped and tucked Clive Barker’s true creative vision.
Currently, studio Morgan Creek holds the rights to the lost Nightbreed footage, the missing reels that should make the story feel more cohesive.
For years, fans have been desperate to catch a glimpse of this elusive Director’s Cut. Now a movement, called Occupy Midian, has mobilized online in order to petition Morgan Creek for a Blu-ray/DVD release of Nightbreed in its complete form. Join the movement on Facebook and perhaps we fans can make a difference. Also, thanks to Todd Rigney of Beyond Hollywood for helping to publicize Occupy Midian.
Update: The Occupy Midian movement has been a resounding success. At this year’s Comic Con, distributor Scream Factory announced they will be releasing the ‘Cabal Cut’ of Nightbreed on Blu-ray. This uncut version of the movie runs for a staggering 165 minutes in comparison to the theatrical edition’s 108 minutes. Stay tuned for future details on the release date and more.
Classic flick! Brings back good old memories. I would love to see a Director’s cut on blu-ray!