Plot: What’s it about?
When it comes to horror films (and novels), no one has done it better than Stephen King. King’s works have become synonymous with terror and the range is unimaginable. Coming in at the tail end of the 80’s was one of his most personal projects – Pet Sematary. King actually thought he went “too far” with his novel, but audiences didn’t seem to mind. The novel was turned into a film back in 1989 starring Denise Crosby (who left her role in Star Trek: The Next Generation) and even inspired a 1992 sequel. However all that is a moot point since this film was rebooted in 2019 under the same name. Pet Sematary: Bloodlines follows this “new” film and acts as a prequel.
Jud Crandell (Jackson White) wants to spread his wings and move away from his hometown of Ludlow, Maine. It’s not something that sits well with his parents (Henry Thomas and Samantha Mathis). He and buxom blonde girlfriend, Norma (Natalie Alyn Lind) start to head off but not before she’s mauled by a dog. The canine belongs to Jud’s childhood friend, Timmy (Jack Mulhearn). Timmy’s suffering from PTSD from his stint in Vietnam (the film is set against the backdrop of the war). Timmy’s dad, Bill (David Duchovny) resents Jud and his father as he was able to keep him out of the draft. However there’s more here than meets the eye and it’s not long before things start happening and, well, people start dying.
Something kept sticking in my mind while watching this. Obviously had anyone seen any other of the Pet Sematary films, we know the catch: bury something in the ground and it comes back to life only…different. This isn’t really well explained here. I have to assume that the filmmakers went on the assumption that we already knew this, but when a movie is a prequel – it might make sense to create a 5 minute montage and educate the viewer. Or not. I’m no genius. About the best thing I can say for this film is that it does have a rather seasoned cast. Henry Thomas (from E.T. fame), Foxy Brown herself (Pam Grier), Samantha Mathis and David Duchovny. There are some fresh faces in there as well. Don’t get me wrong, the movie wasn’t a total waste of time I just didn’t see the need for it. I could be in the minority, but given the rather lackluster reception and poor box office – I think not.
Video: How’s it look?
Call me kooky, but when I think of a movie with the word “cemetery” in the title (regardless of how it’s spelled), I tend to think “dark.” And that’s certainly the case here. Paramount’s 2.39:1 AVC HD image is nothing short of astounding, but there’s a little to be desired. I found the ever so thin layer of grain a bit of a welcome change from the usual offerings. Colors are a bit drab, muted and reflective of the film’s tone. Detail is, as expected, about as good as it comes with the dense forest showcasing every leaf in razor fine detail. It’s a satisfying image.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The included Dolby Atmos soundtrack has a few sequences to showcase the atmospheric mix, but they’re few and far between. Vocals are pure, sharp and crisp and leave little to be desired. I’m at a loss for words, though, as it seems that a majority of this film is dialogue-driven and the only thing that really strikes me is the sound of the 18 wheeler (this was present in the 1989 version as well) as it stormed down the road. Still, if you’ve ever wanted to hear the sound of a dead cat come back to life – look no further.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Origins—Explore sinister origins and haunting secrets alongside David Duchovny and the cast of Pet Sematary.
- Fresh Blood— Watch as new talent embraces the Pet Sematary legacy.
- Death’s Design— Unearth the chilling secrets and hidden Easter eggs that breathe life into Pet Sematary’s terrifying designs.
- Method to the Madness— Go behind the scenes with Jack Mulhern and Isabella LeBlanc, who share how they prepped for their roles, including bonding with four-legged co-stars.
- War Comes Home— Enter the chilling realm of Pet Sematary as filmmakers and cast dissect the final scene, revealing the innovative technology behind its terrifying realization.
The Bottom Line
I don’t really think there was a need for this movie. It doesn’t really shed any new light on the Pet Sematary universe and while not a total waste of time, I just found myself scratching my head asking “why?” Paramount’s disc looks and sounds great and sports nearly an hour of supplements, so if this movie is your thing – it’s a decent package.
