Curious thing about The Exorcist is that it wasn't technically "banned" on video (as in the BBFC never rejected it for certification) but following the Video Recordings Act in 1984 (which required films released on home video to be classified by the BBFC) simply never submitted for video classification by Warners until 1998 (the film's 25th anniversary). This was presumably because of the BBFC's prior documented "issues" with the film. (At one point the BBFC reviewed the film following the 1978 Protection of Children Act, to see if the film contravened any aspects of that new piece of legislation.) We had a pre-Video Recordings Act VHS release at home, and I remember importing the US LaserDisc release in the mid-90s. Such a good film too. But it's hard to imagine how impactful Hellraiser was in terms of reviving and modernising British horror cinema at the time. I distinctly remember reading The Hellbound Heart, Cabal and The Damnation Game during a family holiday to my aunt's house in Cornwall c.1990. All three books drew me in. (I was "graduating" from Richard Laymon and Shaun Hutson at the time.) Never quite gelled with Barker's more long-winded later novels. Wish he'd written more of these shorter, punchy novellas during his career.
I'm rather pleased to say that my paperback of Night Visions 3 is signed by all three of them. I just wish I had the Dark Harvest hardcover edition. We actually sold an amazing model of Frank's rather spectacular death scene, made by a guy called John Dewer. We sold for John it at a Fantasycon, and Clive very nearly missed buying it himself.
Much as I love the film, what doesn't come across is the idea that the Cenobites are not evil, they just operate in ways that humans are not built to cope with.
I saw the film before reading the book and I think it was a long time afterwards, probably after many viewings of the film (and the sequels) when I did read the book and I remember being quite surprised - particularly by the way that Kirsty fitted into the story and her relationship to the other characters.
@GentleReader01 yeah I'll read Volume 3 in December. I'll buy Volumes 4-6 next year and I think I'll have to get The Hellbound Heart. Quite frankly mate there's too many books and not enough time!! 😭
I've still got the slightly tattered copies of this and 'Cabal' that I swapped for my 'Throwback' by Guy N. Smith and 'Spawn' by Shaun Hutson with a lad in maths class at school. I don't think it was meant to be permanent.
Right after I watched your video I started binge watching the Hellraiser series. I've read The Hellbound Heart and have my copy of it around here somewhere. Pinhead is an awesome horror villain.
Thanks Ollie! your video is so timely as I was looking for something short to read and just downloaded this on my Kindle yesterday because I remember the Hellraiser movies from when I was a kid
@@CriminOllyBlog I get you HAVE to keep it neutral, Olly. But half of us are crushed that someone would set our city on fire. The other half, these mini-Neros, are dancing as the flames start to grow.
I was lucky enough to discover Barker - through Stephen King - just after the Books Of Blood came out in 1985 and it was a tremendous breath of fresh air! I loved his work and did so until he shifted towards fantasy.
Hello again Olly, Another great review, as you indeed stated, fantastic book that draws you in, then you think oooh I'm finished great story, and to be fair I enjoyed the book more than the film which is good. I'd also recommend the "Scarlet Gospels".... A great follow up of sorts👍 All best Jrnyman
I read _The Hellbound Heart_ earlier this year, during GarbAugust, actually, and was surprised at how much more I enjoyed it than the film. And I like the film a lot! But I thought the interiority (especially Frank's interiority) and those complex character dynamics were explored far better in the novella.
"Rawhead Rex"! Clive Barker's best ever story. His novels are nowhere near as good as his short stories. The movie version of Rawhead Rex has to seen to be disbelieved.
@ it’s not my sensibilities or my culture. I admittedly enjoyed “In the Hills, the Cities” but I felt the homosexual scenes detracted from the horror and brilliance.
The Books of Blood is the greatest collection of short horror fiction I've ever read. Fantastic stuff.
Agreed!
Curious thing about The Exorcist is that it wasn't technically "banned" on video (as in the BBFC never rejected it for certification) but following the Video Recordings Act in 1984 (which required films released on home video to be classified by the BBFC) simply never submitted for video classification by Warners until 1998 (the film's 25th anniversary). This was presumably because of the BBFC's prior documented "issues" with the film. (At one point the BBFC reviewed the film following the 1978 Protection of Children Act, to see if the film contravened any aspects of that new piece of legislation.) We had a pre-Video Recordings Act VHS release at home, and I remember importing the US LaserDisc release in the mid-90s. Such a good film too.
But it's hard to imagine how impactful Hellraiser was in terms of reviving and modernising British horror cinema at the time. I distinctly remember reading The Hellbound Heart, Cabal and The Damnation Game during a family holiday to my aunt's house in Cornwall c.1990. All three books drew me in. (I was "graduating" from Richard Laymon and Shaun Hutson at the time.) Never quite gelled with Barker's more long-winded later novels. Wish he'd written more of these shorter, punchy novellas during his career.
Yeah agree, I have always struggled with his longer work too. Thanks for the clarification on The Exorcist.
I loved this!! I've been a huge Clive Barker fan since the 90s. His books are amazing.
He's great!
I'm rather pleased to say that my paperback of Night Visions 3 is signed by all three of them. I just wish I had the Dark Harvest hardcover edition.
We actually sold an amazing model of Frank's rather spectacular death scene, made by a guy called John Dewer. We sold for John it at a Fantasycon, and Clive very nearly missed buying it himself.
Wow, both those things are very cool!
Much as I love the film, what doesn't come across is the idea that the Cenobites are not evil, they just operate in ways that humans are not built to cope with.
The fact that in the movie, they try to get Kirsty after they reunite with Frank is the most nonsensical thing ever.
I saw the film before reading the book and I think it was a long time afterwards, probably after many viewings of the film (and the sequels) when I did read the book and I remember being quite surprised - particularly by the way that Kirsty fitted into the story and her relationship to the other characters.
Barker really is an expert craftsman. One of my favorite books. Great review Olly!
Thank you!
It's one of my favorites. I read it every few years. Beautifully written too.
It really is great
Re-read the Hellbound Heart recently as well. Then went on to read the Scarlet Gospels. Loved both.
I've read Volume 1 & 2 of Books of Blood and what a load of weird and wonderful short stories.
You should read the rest. There’s some great work in each one; volume 6 is my favorite of the series.
@GentleReader01 yeah I'll read Volume 3 in December. I'll buy Volumes 4-6 next year and I think I'll have to get The Hellbound Heart. Quite frankly mate there's too many books and not enough time!! 😭
@ It is known, for sure.
Read this last week, It's a fantastic read, really atmospheric and great pace
I've still got the slightly tattered copies of this and 'Cabal' that I swapped for my 'Throwback' by Guy N. Smith and 'Spawn' by Shaun Hutson with a lad in maths class at school. I don't think it was meant to be permanent.
Ha! Brilliant
Right after I watched your video I started binge watching the Hellraiser series. I've read The Hellbound Heart and have my copy of it around here somewhere. Pinhead is an awesome horror villain.
Thanks Ollie! your video is so timely as I was looking for something short to read and just downloaded this on my Kindle yesterday because I remember the Hellraiser movies from when I was a kid
Thanks for this. As an open minded, empathetic American, I need all the distraction I can get😢
It’s been a strange week
Amen. I'm right there with you. Stay strong.
🙂 I hear ya
@@CriminOllyBlog I get you HAVE to keep it neutral, Olly. But half of us are crushed that someone would set our city on fire. The other half, these mini-Neros, are dancing as the flames start to grow.
We know what is right. We will endure. Take care of yourselves . ❤
Big Clive Barker fan since _Books of Blood_ came.out in the '80s, too 😱
Such a great series of books
I've never seen the film, but this is definitely making me intrigued to try the book!
You should check them both out!
I was lucky enough to discover Barker - through Stephen King - just after the Books Of Blood came out in 1985 and it was a tremendous breath of fresh air! I loved his work and did so until he shifted towards fantasy.
Yeah I don’t enjoy his fantasy as much either
I love to read horror books, but I'm too afraid to watch horror films. I need to be in control of the visuals in my head I guess
Hello again Olly,
Another great review, as you indeed stated, fantastic book that draws you in, then you think oooh I'm finished great story, and to be fair I enjoyed the book more than the film which is good.
I'd also recommend the "Scarlet Gospels"....
A great follow up of sorts👍
All best Jrnyman
I do need to try Scarlet Gospels!
I always enjoy Barker when I read him but at the same time he isn't one of those writers I seek out. Thanks for the review!
I'd definitely recommend this one
I read _The Hellbound Heart_ earlier this year, during GarbAugust, actually, and was surprised at how much more I enjoyed it than the film. And I like the film a lot! But I thought the interiority (especially Frank's interiority) and those complex character dynamics were explored far better in the novella.
"Rawhead Rex"! Clive Barker's best ever story. His novels are nowhere near as good as his short stories. The movie version of Rawhead Rex has to seen to be disbelieved.
I do need to watch that movie! I never got round to it back in the 80s
Hmmm 🤔
Which took longer to read, The Hellbound Heart or Shogun?
LOL
Story problem time! How many Hellbound Hearts go into a Shogun? :)
@@GentleReader01 Hellbound Hearts is actually a TARDIS of books. The real question is how many Shoguns fit INTO Hellbound Hearts? 🧐
Great little review all and all.
But you look quite exhausted, what happened?
Do I? Just a busy weekend I think. And I’m old
50 . That's young 😊😊
My real issue with Clive barker is his overly sexual and homosexual themes.
Why is that an issue?
@ it’s not my sensibilities or my culture. I admittedly enjoyed “In the Hills, the Cities” but I felt the homosexual scenes detracted from the horror and brilliance.