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Review

Makeup effects artist Kevin Yagher originally conceived and directed this fourth installment in the Hellraiser series as a three-part anthology film, showing the various problems that people throughout the ages have gotten into when they irresponsibly play with a Lament Configuration (the infamous puzzle box of the inventor Lemarchand). Studio executives, however, decided to re-edit the film into a linear narrative with flashbacks. Primarily set in the future, the film is now about the current Lemarchand's attempt to destroy Pinhead forever. While undoubtedly better in its original form, the studio version has its moments of interest and terror--it is still fascinating to see Hellraiser stories set in 19th century France and in a space station in the future. Mildly atmospheric and definitely better than the third installment of the series (Hellraiser 3: Hell on Earth), Bloodline is worth a die-hard horror fan's passing glance, but no more.