Lance Henriksen is creepier
than usual in 'Pumpkinhead'For years, fans of the cult-classic horror flick "Pumpkinhead" have settled for a weak DVD release.

Since 2000, the only DVD version of this film available in the U.S. has been a fullscreen edition with nothing more than a theatrical trailer included as an extra.

Now, just in time for its 20th anniversary, MGM has announced it will give "Pumpkinhead" the deluxe treatment it deserves.

The "Pumpkinhead" Collector's Edition DVD will hit shelves Sept. 9 and will feature a widescreen, Dolby-surround sound presentation. A commentary track will include crew members such as Tom Woodruff Jr. and Alec Gillis, who helped create the film's titular villain, as well as the bad guys in the "Aliens" series. The DVD will also include seven featurettes, behind-the-scenes footage and more.

"Pumpkinhead" was directed by the late Stan Winston, a special effects guru whose credits included "Aliens," "Jurassic Park," "The Terminator," "Iron Man" and "Edward Scissorhands."

It stars Lance Henriksen as Ed Harley, a rural shopkeeper and single dad. His only son, Billy is killed by a group of raucous city kids in a hit-and-run accident. Harley visits a backwoods witch, who cannot revive his son, but can unleash a curse on those who took his life. Harley and the witch summon Pumpkinhead, a local boogeyman of legend, to exact deadly revenge.

The special effects are above-par for a low-budget, B-horror flick. Cinematographer Bojan Bazelli — who’d later move on to big-budget features like “The Ring” — creates an artfully spooky atmosphere.

As a bonus, the film boasts a hilarious quote about trusting in both God and heavy firepower.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)