A Nightmare on Elm Street – 4K UHD | LIMITED EDITION SEVEN FILM COLLECTION

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Alongside the “Friday the 13th” series, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” became another incredibly popular horror franchise. Created by horror director Wes Craven, who had previously gained recognition in the 1970s with films like “Last House on the Left” and “The Hills Have Eyes,” the early 1980s proved challenging. He initially worked on a sequel to “The Hills Have Eyes,” but it didn’t resonate with audiences. However, the same year, he released the film that launched him to success. “A Nightmare on Elm Street” introduced Freddy Krueger, a horribly scarred child molester who was burned alive and now terrorizes the dreams of the children whose parents killed him, wielding a glove with metal blades. The truly innovative concept was that the only way to escape Krueger was to stay awake – an impossible feat that led to a series of gruesome and shocking deaths. One particularly memorable scene featured Johnny Depp, in his film debut, being pulled into his mattress and erupting in a geyser of blood. The film was a massive hit, earning $25 million and saving New Line Studios from financial ruin, while also cementing Krueger as a modern horror icon.

Following the success of the original, sequels came quickly. Freddy’s Revenge arrived the next year, earning $30 million, but this time Wes Craven only wrote the script instead of directing. While less popular, Dream Warriors was released two years later with Chuck Russell as director, and this film marked a shift towards darker humor. The franchise then truly entered pop culture, with Freddy Krueger merchandise – dolls, gloves, hats, and striped sweaters – appearing before Halloween. This was boosted by the rap group The Fat Boys’ hit song, ‘Are You Ready for Freddy?’, with Craven directing the music video. Although a risk to move away from the intense horror of the first film, it proved successful, earning $44 million. The fourth film, directed by Renny Harlin, followed the next year and became the highest-grossing in the series with $49 million.

After this point, the film series began to lose steam. The fifth movie earned a disappointing $22 million, and the sixth, released in 1991, only slightly improved, likely due to the novelty of its 3D presentation – a time before 3D became common. This prompted original director Wes Craven to return for what would become the final strong entry in the series, titled ‘Wes Craven’s New Nightmare.’ This film cleverly reimagined the premise, with Freddy Krueger breaking out of the movies and targeting actress Heather Langencamp, who starred in the original. While inventive, audiences had lost interest by its 1994 release, and it earned a series low of $19 million, effectively ending the film series. Though a TV series and a crossover film, ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ (which earned $116 million on a $30 million budget), followed, neither could revive the franchise. A reboot attempt in 2010 also failed to relaunch the series.

Wes Craven tried to create a new horror villain with his 1989 film, Shocker, but it didn’t become as popular as Freddy Krueger. Fans particularly appreciate Robert Englund’s portrayal of Krueger and continue to love it.

Now available in a seven-film 4K UHD collection, these movies look fantastic thanks to a beautifully remastered picture with sharper details and richer colors. Each film also includes a great selection of bonus features.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET

This release includes several special features, such as ‘Ready Freddy Focus Points.’ You’ll also find commentary tracks with the film’s creators and stars, including Wes Craven, Robert Englund, and Heather Langenkamp. Plus, there are alternate endings – a scary version, a happy version, and one focused on Freddy. Rounding out the extras are documentaries about the making of the film, the history of New Line Horror, and the inspirations behind Wes Craven’s nightmares.

– Plus a theatrical and uncut version of the film

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY’S REVENGE

Special Features:
Freddy on 8th Street
Heroes and Villains
The Male Witch
Psychosexual Circus

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS

This collection includes behind-the-scenes features on various topics, such as the making of ‘Burnout,’ responses to fan mail, the history behind ‘The House that Freddy Built,’ and explorations of ‘Onward Christian Soldiers,’ ‘Snakes and Ladders,’ ‘That’s Showbiz,’ and ‘Trading 8’s.’ It also features the music video for Dokken’s ‘Dream Warriors’.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4: THE DREAM MASTER

Special Features:
The Finnish Line
Krueger, Freddy Krueger
Hopeless Chest
Let’s Makeup

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5: THE DREAM CHILD

Explore the making of the film with these behind-the-scenes features: ‘Womb Raiders,’ ‘The Sticky Floor,’ ‘Take the Stairs,’ ‘Hopkins Directs,’ and ‘A Slight Miscalculation’.

Includes an uncut version of the film plus 3D glasses

FREDDY’S DEAD: THE FINAL NIGHTMARE

Special Features:
86’D
Hellraiser
Rachel’s Dream
3D Demise

WES CRAVEN’S NEW NIGHTMARE

This release includes insightful commentary from director Wes Craven, plus several new features. These include ‘Boiler Room Confessional’ and ‘Freddy’s Footnotes.’ You’ll also find a fascinating look at the making of the film with pieces like ‘Becoming a Filmmaker,’ ‘An Insane Troupe,’ and ‘The Problem with Sequels.’ A series of segments titled ‘Welcome to Prime Time’ explore various aspects of production, from early concepts to the creation of Freddy’s glove and the iconic revolving room. The release also features a collection of concluding thoughts covering topics like the origins of gothic horror, why we enjoy it, the film’s themes, and the lasting impact of Freddy Krueger as a horror icon, even including a playful comparison to Pinhead and a discussion of campfire storytelling.

The bonus content from the first and last movies (both directed by Wes Craven) is the highlight of this horror series, which has some ups and downs. This box set is a great collection for fans, and with the holidays approaching, it makes a perfect gift for anyone who enjoys scary movies.

Here’s the trailer for the original A Nightmare on Elm Street….

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2025-11-29 07:24