The comedy-horror classic Re-Animator celebrates its 40th anniversary next year. Based on a novelette by H.P. Lovecraft, the 1985 film is inspired by “Herbert West – Reanimator” published in 1922.
Herbert West (portrayed by Jeffrey Combs), the main protagonist, is a medical student who invents a serum with the power to bring dead people back to life. Obviously there are some dire consequences because otherwise there wouldn’t be any story from which to produce a film.
Surprisingly, Re-Animator received mostly positive reviews from film critics, but due to its X rating it just barely made its budget back at the box office.
When released on video, the film was edited in order to receive an R rating. This version had much of its gore replaced with scenes deleted from the theatrical release.
Re-Animator wouldn’t be a true horror film without some sequels – there are (currently) three films in the Re-Animator franchise. Bride of Re-Animator was released in 1990, followed by Beyond Re-Animator in 2003.
Compared to other horror films from the ’80s, Re-Animator is one which is rarely mentioned, however it does have a cult following. There were several comic book adaptations and even a 2011 musical in New York.
24 gallons (90 litres!) of fake blood were used during the film’s production – you might bleed a little while getting tattooed, but it definitely won’t be anything compared to that. You can make your Re-Animator tattoo as sinister, as gory, or as fun as you please. Just like Herbert West, your chosen tattoo artist will inject you with a serum (ink) to bring your vision to life.
The Tattooed Archivist 
1 Comment