The Film (3/5)

Cynthia (Jennifer Rubin) is the only survivor of a attempted mass suicide. She was a member of a love cult called “Unity”. Led by a overly happy man named Harris (Richard Lynch), who ended it all in a fire. Thirteen years later Cynthia wakes up from the coma and finds out that her unity friends haven’t quite left her alone. Matters get worse when some of the fellow patients in the hospital start turning up dead. All the while Harris haunts Cynthia's waking life.

BAD DREAMS (1988) was marketed and viewed by many fans as a cash-in on the highly popular NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET franchise. In some ways this is understandable and overall it's not a bad way to be remembered.

First time director Andrew Fleming (THE CRAFT, HAMLET 2) brings the movie to life in a confident way with plenty of useful touches. He also makes the cast likable and quickly relatable. Something that would aid with his later comic work. As for the connection to NOES films, Richard Lynch makes a menacing villain as Harris. In some ways just as effective as Freddy, and more so then the post ELM STREET 4 films.

In terms of cast Jennifer Rubin (A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS) makes a likable and quiet lead. Charming yet holding a quiet intensity behind her big eyes. Truly a lovely actress that needs more praise. Bruce Abbott (REANIMATOR) brings his A game to  this nothing role on paper into something colorful and fun. And of course the biggest stand out in the cast is the bonkers Lynch (PUPPET MASTER 3, Cannon’s INVASION USA). Instead of his loud outburst we get a slow and insidious turn. Harry Yulin (GHOSTBUSTERS 2, SCARFACE) also shines in a small role as one of the doctors. Not going to spoil much, but let’s say his character gets to have a nice homage to Dr. Mabuse. It’s a shame the film didn’t get picked up for a series like a originally planned.

Audio/Video (4.5/5)

88 Films brings BAD DREAMS to vivid life with this new handsome video transfer and sound mix. The English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix is spotless with no sudden drop offs in volume or hiss. The soundtrack and FX noise has especially held up. It also shows how polished films from the late 80’s could look. English Subtitles are included.

The 1080p HD picture is clear with a natural layer of film grain. There is no messy digital touch ups or noise. The focus is sharp and the level of detail is strong.

Extras (4.5/5)

The main extra is a audio commentary by Film historians Nathaniel Thompson and Tim Greer. Like Thompson’s other commentaries BAD DREAMS gets the full in depth treatment. The highlight being some fun stories about Richard Lynch’s career and some of the legends he helped to spread.

“Living The Dream” is a interview with Director Fleming, who discusses how this film was a kind of graduation piece. “Dream Woman” is a interview with actress Jennifer Rubin who is as charming as ever. She talks about her career is viewed differently in a post-#MeToo world. At a solid 40 minutes, I should've listened to her for hours. “Derivative Dreams” is a interview with Academic and curator Spencer Murphy. Murphy talks about how the movie is more than a “Cash-in” and how audiences have come around to start enjoying it un-ironically. Finishing up the disc is the original theatrical trailer.

In the case itself we get a booklet of liner notes by Calum Madell. The feature article is called 30 Essential Slashers, which serves as a good introduction to the genre and a shopping guide. It also comes with a cool reversible sleeve cover.

Overall (3.5/5)

BAD DREAMS was a welcomed surprise. The hospital setting and villainous performance of Richard Lynch made this a new favorite. Lacking some of the punch of A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, it still manages to stand out on its own. 88 Films releases the film with a handsome package. Like I’ve said before a good commentary can make a release turn into a essential purchase, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.