There are certainly film adaptations of Stephen King’s work that the horror master had issues with, most notably The Shining. His thoughts on Pet Sematary were always positive. It also, for me, is one of the scariest page-to-screen efforts in his rich library. Everything’s getting remade these days, so why not 1989’s Pet Sematary? Toss in a twist that rearranges the familial dynamics in the most supreme of ways and we’ve got a reason to remake a classic. That “twisty” Pet Sematary is out now on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital download formats.
The Movie Mensch got the 4K Blu-Ray to review and besides looking and sounding stellar, Kings furry foible still strikes some major moral chords that were fascinating to revisit 30 years removed from the last time this writer went down that rebirth road. As a carefree twenty-something, the idea of losing a child was pure theory and the film could be judged on its merits of raising the hairs on the back of my head instead of its pull on my heart. This time out, with a youngster that consumes my existence, that internal debate as to what would I do about it (if there was a way to bring people back who have perished) has an entirely different perspective—as I think it would for countless folks who made the 1989 film a smash hit.
That’s not the only issue for discussion as the alteration to the King novel and the 1989 movie, for me, works on several levels. First, for what is required of the character in this incarnation, the switcheroo adds a level of emotive power that could not have been achieved via the original tragic turn. Second, a remake should be undertaken if it has something new, fresh or insightful to add or dare I say, “improve” on the original. This is especially true for a cinematic endeavor that was judged by a myriad of standards as a success. What screenwriter Jeff Buhler (with a story contribution by Matt Greenberg) did by making a controversial alteration to the storyline has given the remake its mettle and purpose for even existing.
In the hands of a thespian titans Jason Clarke, who portrays the family patriarch, along with Amy Seimetz (who tackles the role of his wife, Rachel) the alteration of the story does little to their characterization. Yet, the casting of those two has us more engaged in the story than the performance we got from the original’s husband and wife team of Denise Crosby and Dale Midkiff. Both were fine, but producers scored an improvement in the depth of talent of the parental anchors for this highly personal story that will touch everyone who has kids or frankly, has parents.
Now, in the Jud Crandall role, it’s an acting toss-up. Fred Gwynne is a legend. John Lithgow brings something different to the role in the remake and makes it a firmly Lithgow-ian character that makes Pet Sematary all the more heartbreaking when all is said and done.
For those who are completely unaware of the premise of Pet Sematary, a family moves to rural Maine from Boston and thanks to their neighbor Jud, it is discovered that the titular site does a little more than serve as a site for burying one’s furry friends. It brings them back. And to quote Jud, sometimes “dead is better.” When tragedy strikes, it sends Louis (Clarke) into a tailspin that has him making choices that are as terrifying as they are heartbreaking.
Included in the Pet Sematary Blu-Ray release is an alternative ending that is as shocking as they promise. Watch the original conclusion first, because that too will create some discussion in King circles as to how it is handled in 2019 versus three decades prior.
There are over 90 minutes of bonus features that contain scenes and moments never before revealed to audiences.
Leading the charge of awesomeness is Beyond the Deadfall, a four-part featurette that arrives in a quartet of chapters. Each, more fascinating and intriguing than the previous. Chapter One: Resurrection features the cast and crew reading the horror auteur’s works that is enhanced by a visual chronicle of how the book was brought (back) to life for a whole new generation. It is here that a nice (albeit quick) discussion arises about the changes made to the original and how all involved feel they have crafted a horror flick that is timely for today—much more so than the original.
Chapter Two: The Final Resting Place is a nice feature on the location shoot. Directors Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer shot the flick in Montreal and this featurette takes us to the set and it is revealed why certain locales where chosen, along with a look at the costuming choices and a stunning look at how the Pet Sematary itself was created.
Chapter Three: The Road to Sorrow is an almost 14-minute look at how the movie magicians that are pet trainers work their magic with the most elusive of the home pets—cats! They’re not like dogs and do not take to instruction as well. It is also revealed how filmmakers shot both sides of life, post Sematary and pre-Sematary. Oh, and this is the featurette to turn to if you’re curious how that “truck” scene was achieved. That’s all I’ll say about that!
The final piece of this puzzle, Chapter Four: Death Comes Home is an enlightening discussion on the idea of death and how it plays into the overall narrative of Pet Sematary. Also given a spotlight in this featurette is how makeup artists achieved their “undead” look and some great insight into Jeté Laurence’s performance as Ellie.
There are some deleted and extended scenes that are somewhat interesting, but what is truly compelling is a little featurette called Night Terrors which shows scenes of three different characters coming face-to-face with their deepest fears—Louis, Rachel and of course, Ellie.
I also enjoyed (as a huge fan of Lithgow) The Tale of Timmy Baterman, which delves into a turning point moment in the film when Lithgow’s character recites that old tale about the boy killed in a war and brought back to life in that Micmac burying ground.
Film Grade: B+
Bonus Features: B