Which ‘My Bloody Valentine’ Reigns Supreme?

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  • ‘My Bloody Valentine 3D’ Digs Deeper Into the Backstory of the Town
  • The Characters in ‘My Bloody Valentine 3D’ Have More Depth

Valentine’s Day is a day meant for love and romance, but horror movie fans have also turned it into a tradition of terror and mayhem. To get into the spirit of the lover’s holiday with a horror twist, it felt like the perfect time to compare one of the genre’s best Valentine’s Day mainstays, My Bloody Valentine (1981), and its 2009 remake, My Bloody Valentine 3D. They share many similarities and a few differences that make them appealing in their own right, but which one deserves your heart on Valentine’s Day? Let’s dive in!

George Mihalka, under the screenplay by John Beaird, directs the Canadian slasher movie My Bloody Valentine. This film revolves around a group of young adults, who, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, choose to hold a party. However, they are unaware that a deranged murderer in mining attire has chosen this day of love as the ideal moment to commence his brutal rampage.

As a fan, I can’t help but share my excitement for “My Bloody Valentine 3D,” a thrilling film directed by Patrick Lussier from a screenplay by Todd Farmer and Zane Smith. This chilling tale revolves around me, living in a small town that finds itself under siege on the romantic holiday of Valentine’s Day. The stalker wears mining gear, and there’s a lingering suspicion that this menacing figure could be none other than the murderer who was presumed dead 10 years ago.

The original movie featured Paul Kelman, Lori Hallier, and Neil Affleck, but the remake boasts an impressive cast with Jensen Ackles, Jaime King, Kerr Smith, Kevin Tighe, Edi Gathegi, and Tom Atkins gracing our screens.

‘My Bloody Valentine’ Wears Its ’80s Slasher Sensibilities on Its Sleeve

1981’s “My Bloody Valentine” benefits from the characteristic horror style of ’80s slasher films. Coming after movies like “Halloween” and “Friday the 13th”, it attracted a lot of attention, even inspiring numerous copies. The appeal was in creating a slasher movie tied to an event or holiday, and Valentine’s Day turned out to be an ideal choice for this film.

This movie is fantastic because it’s quintessentially ’80s, capturing the essence of the genre as it rapidly evolved. The very first scene itself sets the tone for your journey, with its blend of sexuality and a chilling depiction of one character receiving a gruesome pickaxe through her heart tattoo – a symbolism that’s strikingly on point. If you’re a fan of ’80s horror, especially slasher films, this 1981 production will certainly live up to your expectations.

Back in 2009, I had the chance to witness a movie remake in 3D, a throwback to the ’80s when this technology was used as a box office booster, especially for horror films like “Friday the 13th: Part 3” and “Jaws 3-D”. In the theater, I can attest that the 3D in this remake elevated the experience, making it an exhilarating, bloody good time that only added to its appeal.

The three-dimensional element enhances both the thrills and chills without relying excessively on it. There’s more to appreciate in the remake beyond just the 3D, but it serves as an enjoyable extra. However, there’s a drawback. If you possess the DVD or Blu-Ray, it includes 3D glasses for its 3D version, but it doesn’t quite match the impact of the theater experience when watched at home, thus diminishing some of its potency.

In both films, the towns’ histories are explored in captivating manners. The initial movie revolves around Valentine Bluffs, where they are attempting to initiate Valentine’s Day celebrations despite a 20-year-long town secret. A terrible explosion occurred at the last Valentine’s Day dance within the town, tearing through the mines and trapping six miners for six weeks. Harry Warden (portrayed by Peter Cowper) was the lone survivor of this event as he resorted to cannibalism to sustain himself following his fellow miners.

The incident pushed him over the edge, leading to his admission at a state mental institution for treatment. However, their efforts seemed futile as he emerged a year later to avenge himself on those believed responsible for the explosion (it was discovered that they opted to attend a dance rather than monitor the methane levels, which caused the blast). After murdering these individuals, he issued a warning to the town, threatening them not to hold another Valentine’s Day dance or face his wrath! Over the years, Harry Warden has become a local legend, leaving many to question whether he truly exists or if he continues to haunt the mines where his insanity originated.

‘My Bloody Valentine 3D’ Digs Deeper Into the Backstory of the Town

My Bloody Valentine 3D begins by delving into the town’s history, offering viewers an immediate insight into the mine disaster and explosion. Although the opening scene may not match the intensity of the original, it offers valuable background information. The narrative deviates slightly to infuse a personal touch; the negligent individual is revealed to be Tom Hanniger (Ackles), the mine owner’s son, instead of two unnamed supervisors. Harry Warden (Richard John Walters) reappears as the sole survivor of the mine accident and slips into a coma.

A year after being enraged by the incident, he ventures to the mines and slaughteres most people he encounters, attempting to kill Tom before the authorities intervene. Harry then flees into the mines, thereby earning his own urban legend. The following part of the movie unfolds a decade later, offering unexpected twists that transform it from a typical slasher film into a mystery thriller with slasher undertones. This twist adds depth to the remake since the ‘who did it’ aspect is skillfully executed and serves as an intriguing plot twist, at least upon initial viewing.

In the original ’80s version, there was more emphasis on violence and gore, which might explain why the characters seemed less developed compared to the remake. However, both films share a love triangle plot that enhances the Valentine’s Day theme. Previously, Tom and Sarah (played by Jaime King) were in a relationship, but the mine incident altered their dynamics significantly.

The Characters in ‘My Bloody Valentine 3D’ Have More Depth

10 years on, Sarah finds herself with Sheriff Axel Palmer (Kerr Smith), having developed a connection after past events. However, there’s a complication: Axel is involved with Sarah’s colleague Megan (Megan Boone). Yet, Smith manages to portray Axel in an appealing way, unlike the original character played by Affleck. In the initial version, the triangle doesn’t hold up because Axel is so unappealing, but here, even with his faults, Axel appears as a decent character compared to Tom, who remains likeable.

In both movies, the representation of the miner character is commendable, and his costume stands out as an iconic element for horror enthusiasts. The updated version gives the appearance a touch of contemporary flair, yet it remains faithful to the original design. Regarding the killer’s identity, although both films suggest Harry Warden wears the miner’s mask, neither fully confirm this, and it comes down to which movie handles this revelation more effectively.

In the 1981 movie, Harry’s death is revealed late, while the remake reveals it early on. This unexpected twist in the remake enhances its mystery and suspense, as opposed to the original where one can guess who the killer might be with closer observation. The original film remains enjoyable, but the remake does a more effective job of concealing the identity of the culprit amidst the apparent clues.

Between the two films, “My Bloody Valentine” (1981) and “My Bloody Valentine 3D”, fans of ’80s horror will find delight in the former, but the latter makes a compelling case for why sometimes remakes are worthwhile. It cleverly pays tribute to the original while enhancing certain plot points. Both films offer a satisfying amount of gore, so viewers can’t go wrong either way. However, “My Bloody Valentine 3D” has won my preference, while “My Bloody Valentine” (1981) serves as an enjoyable supplement. As for streaming options, you can find “My Bloody Valentine” on AMC+, and “My Bloody Valentine 3D” is available on Tubi.

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2025-02-13 02:03