Nightmare (in a Damaged Brain) Blu-Ray Review

Nightmare aka Nightmare in a Damaged Brain aka Cauchemars à Daytona Beach aka Blood Splash aka Schizo (amongst many others), or ‘the most repulsive, degrading and horrifying movie ever made’ (NY Daily News), can now be experienced like never before, as Severin Films presents a brand new Special Edition including a never-before-seen restored version and more than five-hours of brand new special features. This must-have set will be available from the 26th of February 2024, alongside a standard edition Blu-ray.

Nightmare (in a Damaged Brain) is the now cult classic horror film originally released in 1981, directed by Romano Scavolini.

In the film Baird Stafford (Dog Tags) gives an enduringly disturbing performance as George Tatum, a deeply disturbed man who experiences violent and horrific nightmares. Upon his release from a psychiatric institution following being involved in some sort of experimental military drug programme. George struggles to differentiate between reality and his nightmares, leading to a series of brutal and gory murders that takes the maniac from the peep shows of 42nd Street to the shores of Florida.

Nightmare (in a Damaged Brain) is a visceral and unsettling horror film that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers. The film is pretty notorious for its graphic violence and gore which starts from the opening frames and continues throughout the film, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable in horror cinema at the time.

Romano Scavolini’s direction effectively creates an atmosphere of dread and tension, keeping audiences on edge throughout the film.

The practical effects work in “Nightmare” is particularly impressive, with gruesome and realistic depictions of violence that will still shock viewers decades later. The climactic bedroom scene is as gory as they come. Tom Savini was incorrectly and controversially credited as Special Effects Director but states he never actually did any of the effects and tried to have his name removed from the film completely.

The cinematography adds to the film’s eerie ambiance, capturing the grittiness of urban landscapes juxtaposed with the surreal horror of George’s nightmares. George’s awakenings are particularly well shot, leaving you feeling like you’re in the mouth of madness.

While “Nightmare (in a Damaged Brain)” received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since gained a cult following among horror aficionados who appreciate its very 80’s grit, grimy setting and unflinching portrayal of psychological terror. The film’s choppy nature and relentless violence may not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy extreme horror, it remains a standout example of the genre.

The film courted controversy upon its release for its graphic violence and gore, especially that involving children. It was heavily censored in many countries and banned in others for its explicit content. In the UK, it was one of the films famously listed as a “video nasty” in the 1980s, where certain horror films were targeted for their perceived harmful effects on society. On the 3rd of February 1984, producer David Grant was imprisoned for distributing Nightmares in a Damaged Brain on video. Grant was sentenced to 6 months in prison for being in “possession of over 200 copies of an obscene article for publication for gain”, he was found guilty under section two of the obscene publications act. After Grant’s imprisonment, World of Video 2000 (and its parent company April Electronics) were placed into liquidation.

Despite the controversy surrounding its release, Nightmare (in a Damaged Brain) has carried its mantle as a cult classic within the schlock horror genre. Its notoriety only adds to its appeal for fans of extreme cinema, cementing its place in the annals of horror history.

This release from Severin Films features a really nice fully restored print so you really get to enjoy the blood splatters in all their gory glory. The 5.1 sound lets you enjoy the full ear piercing octaves in each and every scream.

It has a whole host of special features:

Disc 1: 4K UHD

Audio Commentary with star Baird Stafford and special effects assistant Cleve Hall moderated by Lee Christian and David DeCoteau
Audio Commentary with producer William Paul
Trailers

Disc 2: Blu-ray

Damaged: The Very British Obscenity of David Hamilton-Grant – This isn’t on the standard edition blu-ray that I had for review so I can’t say what it features. However, David Grant certainly sounded like a colourful character.
Audio commentary with Baird Stafford and Cleve Hall moderated by Lee Christian and David DeCoteau – This is a great commentary, answering some of the questions you may ask during your time watching the movie. They all chat candidly and ask questions of each other. I was most pleased that they couldn’t really answer why the last words spoken in the film where there, and if they made any sense.
Audio commentary with producer William Paul – Anoher interesting commentary, giving insight into the film in a slightly dryer manner than the other commentary, but still worthy of a listen.
Kill Thy Father and Thy Mother – Interview with director Romano Scavolini (71 mins) – A rather long interview with Italian director Romano Scavolini, shot in a fairly static talking head style, there’s a lot of information here but it’s fairly boring due to the nature of the way it’s shot. I feel it would have benefited from having more graphics/animated images to make it seem faster paced.
Dreaming Up A Nightmare – Featuring former president of 21st century distribution Arthur Schweitzer, actor/unit productionmanager Mik Cribben, Production Supervisor Simon Nuchtern, Florida producer/special effects artist William Milling, uncreditededitor Jim Markovic and archival interviews with actor Baird Stafford and special effects artists Edward French and Cleve Hall – a more interesting short doc with VASTLY varying qualities of audio and video talking head interviews.
The Nightmare Of Nightmare – interview with erroneously credited special effects director Tom Savini – Tom Savini acting like he’s never seen the scene he was in the room for one minute, then discussing how they shot the scene he says he never shot. Doesn’t put to bed the controversy of if he ever actually worked on the film. He credits Lester Larraine (actually “Les” Leslie Larraine) with all the good special effects work. This all feels like a WWE style “work“.
Legendary Loser – Music Video by R.A. The Rugged Man Thorburn
Deleted scenes – A couple of happily deleted scenes as they’re not very good. One of them is a slightly extended version of the scene in which CJ’s little mate gets murdered, but it’s hardly watchable due to the terrible quality.
Image Gallery – publicity pics, behind-the-scenes shots, video covers and death pix – that’s it really.
Trailers

Hailed as ‘brutally effective’ (Screen Rant), ‘a forgotten classic’ (Horror News) and ‘graphic and unapologetic’ (Sex Gore Mutants), Nightmare(s) (in a Damaged Brain) can now be experienced like never before, as Severin Films presents a brand new Special Edition, which comprises of two-discs, including a never-before-seen restored version and more than five-hours of brand new special features.

This must-have set will be available from the 26th of February 2024, alongside a standard edition Blu-ray.