RAWHEAD REX

released OUT NOW! 1987 | 15 | Blu-ray Director George Pavlou Cast david dukes, Kelly Piper, Hugh O’Conor, Niall Tóibín

This cheesy horror could have centred on a giant cock. Instead, its titular beast is a load of balls. Based on a Clive Barker story, it merges folk horror and monster-onthe-rampage carnage as an ancient demon is freed from beneath a standing stone.

Although Barker wrote the screenplay, it’s no surprise that the original tale – replete, as it is, with erections, excrement and ejaculate – has been toned down, though we’re still treated to the sight of a crazed verger kneeling for “baptism” in the piss of his new Lord; Ronan Wilmont’s bug-eyed performance is a delight.

As Rawhead crashes through Irish caravan parks and farmhouses, dramatically sweeping things to the floor wherever he goes, it’s goofily OTT. Shame about the creature. Barker wanted something phallic. Instead, with its pumped-up pectorals, it resembles a mash-up of Kong, a WWE wrestler and Ozzy Osbourne. It’s simply not up to scratch, and it’s front and centre throughout.

Extras Commentaries by the director (moderated) and a load of podcast dudes. There are interviews (105 minutes) with cast, the composer, the artist on an aborted comic (all so-so), and the director – the latter audio only. The highlight is an effects piece with the unfortunates tasked with creating Rawhead (23 minutes). Plus: gallery, trailers, booklet. Ian Berriman