Clive Barker wrote the screenplay for "Rawhead Rex", a horror film from PIONEER/ARTISAN.  While its plot, a demon released from hell to torment the Irish countryside, makes for some innovative moments, there aren't enough thrills here to satisfy most Barker fans.  The special effects are uneven in quality, and that's a disappointment for a monster movie. 

The transfer looks fine, with no pixillation or artifacts anywhere.  There's great detail and color values are strong.  The stereo surround is mostly mono, with few directional effects.

We're extremely happy to see PIONEER/ARTISAN go back to the vaults and release even medicore films, allowing for the widest range in dvd material.  Unfortunately, we still have troubles watching anything with O.J.(the murderer)Simpson, and he's actually distracting.  It's hard to get caught up in a film where you're supposed to care about the life of the potential victims when you're praying for one of them to be slaughtered. 

Now, for those viewers who can get over Simpson, the film's not bad.  Director George Pan Cosmatos knows how to move the film along, and the pacing, even at 132 minutes, is fast!

The transfer has great detail, with perfect color values and fleshtones.  The contrast is a little uneven in spots.  The dolby digital sound is mostly mono, but there are some excellent, but short-lived directional effects, and a wonderful score from veteran composer Jerry Goldsmith.