Writer/director Romano Scavolini’s 1981 film Nightmare, a.k.a. Nightmares in a Damaged Brain, stirred up a lot of controversy when it was released. It was given an X rating in the US, banned as a video nasty in the UK, and a couple distribution executives did prison time for putting the film out in the UK. Plus special effects legend Tom Savini, who is credited on the film, denied having any involvement with it. And now Severin Films is honoring the movie with a three disc 4K UHD release! Copies will be available for pre-order on the Severin webstore when their summer sale launches this Friday.
Rue Morgue reports that Nightmares in a Damaged Brain “will be presented in a never-before-seen 4K 1.85:1 scan of the most complete version ever assembled. The region-free discs will come packaged in a limited-edition slipcover with reversible wrap, plus a booklet written by Mondo Digital’s Nathaniel Thompson.” Here’s the list of special features:
Disc 1: UHD
Audio commentary by star Baird Stafford and special effects assistant Cleve Hall, moderated by Lee Christian and David DeCoteau
Audio commentary by producer William Paul
Trailers
Disc 2: Blu-ray
Audio commentary by star Baird Stafford and special effects assistant Cleve Hall, moderated by Lee Christian and David DeCoteau
Audio commentary by producer William Paul
“Kill Thy Father and Thy Mother”: Interview with director Romano Scavolini
“Dreaming Up a Nightmare”: Cast and crew interviews
“The Nightmare of NIGHTMARE”: Interview with erroneously credited special effects director Tom Savini
“The Stuff That Nightmares Are Made Of”: Interview with makeup artist Robin Stevens
“A Nightmare On Many Streets”: Locations tour with RUE MORGUE writer Michael Gingold
Open matte peep show sequence
Deleted scenes
Still gallery
Trailers
Disc 3: Blu-ray
DAMAGED: THE VERY BRITISH OBSCENITY OF DAVID HAMILTON-GRANT (71 mins.)
Rare David Hamilton-Grant Productions short film: THE OFFICE PARTY (55 mins.)
Rare David Hamilton-Grant Productions short film: UNDER THE BED (53 mins.)
Rare David Hamilton-Grant Productions short film: YOU’RE DRIVING ME CRAZY (53 mins.)
Rare David Hamilton-Grant Productions short film: ESCAPE TO ENTEBBE (9 mins.)
Rue Morgue notes that Severin Films has also commissioned a novelization of Nightmares in a Damaged Brain that’s being written by journalist Michael Gingold, who writes for Rue Morgue, has published multiple books, and is best known for the years he spent working at Fangoria.
I watched Nightmare / Nightmares in a Damaged Brain for the first time on Tubi not long ago, and I can’t say I became a fan of it. But for those who do love this movie, Severin Films is putting together an awesome special edition release.
Are you a fan of Nightmare / Nightmares in a Damaged Brain, and will you be buying this 4K and Blu-ray release? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
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