The 80s late night horror classic The Gate is finally getting the deluxe Blu-ray treatment it deserves.
Vestron Video is shaping up to be the new premier distribution company of lost and found horror. Already we have seen them release excellent collector’s series editions of cult classics like Chopping Mall, Waxwork and Waxwork II, Return of the Living Dead 3 and Ken Russell’s insane Scottish folktale Lair of the White Worm. Vestron is building a great library of forgotten horror gems, and they just announced their newest addition.
Tibor Takács’ The Gate is lightning in a bottle for 80s horror fans. The story concerns a boy and his best friend who unleash demons from deep within the bowels of the earth. The two unwittingly cause a chain of events to occur that mirrors an ancient occult ceremony, and soon they discover the fate of the world is in their hands. It’s dark, fun, cheesy and filled with tropes that are effectively scary and entertaining even if they are incredibly dated.
This movie is one of those middle of the night horror flicks an entire generation of cable tv and video store junkies loved. I used to watch this one every time it aired on HBO and Cinemax as a kid, and the VHS tape was one I always looked out for while browsing the aisles for a weekend rental. Apparently, Vestron knows exactly who their audience is because any kid or young adult growing up in the early 90s will remember almost every movie in their collection.
Is it a must own?
The Gate on Blu-ray is a big win. Until now the film was only available for home viewing thanks to Lionsgate, but now it’s getting the platinum treatment. Interviews with the cast and crew, creator commentaries, and making-of featurettes will all be included, and now for the first time ever the film will be presented with an isolated score. The music of The Gate is an excellent mix of dark ambiance and the kind of soundtrack you would hear in a children’s film. It’s an exciting special feature for fans that will add an entirely new layer to the viewing experience.
Demons, undead creatures, shapeshifters, occult phenomena and heavy metal music played backward are all parts of this amazing and underloved horror classic. The movie is parts Poltergeist meets The Goonies with a little bit of The Neverending Story thrown in, but that’s barely scratching the surface. It’s an influential and fantastic cult favorite that should hold a place in every 80s horror fans heart. The Gate will be released February 28. Mark your calendar.
