Dimension Pictures cranks out another sequel only this time wisely decided to start fresh by bringing in new writers and director to breathe some life into the series admittedly flagging popularity. Well they did it (for the most part).

Craig Sheffer plays a sleazy detective (he loves the smack, thievery and whores) who finds the puzzle box and gets caught up with the cenobites, murder and a mysterious crimelord they call "The Engineer".

Agreeable sequel will disappoint those expecting tons of Pinhead (since he's only in it about three minutes in total) but those looking for an intriguingly written and well-done follow-up then you'll dig the plentyful nightmarish imagery (the first cenobite appearance with the freaky lizard tongued twins and chattering teeth man is effective and sort of unnerving), twisty plotting (despite the bit confusing finale) and neat effects. And what other Hellraiser movie actually attempts to teach morallity? Director/co-writer Derrickson does fine.

Followed by Hellraiser: Hellseeker.

Directed By: Scott Derrickson.
Written By: Paul Harris Boardman, Scott Derrickson.

Starring: Craig Sheffer, Nicholas Turturro, Nicholas Sadler, Matt George.

Picture Ratio: 1.78:1 Widescreen.

Picture Quality: Whereas Hellraiser: Bloodline had some flaws this is a much better transfer and is pretty clear with solid colours. I didn't notice any real glaring flaws.

Extras: A crappy handful of "fluff" extras with a trailers for Hellraiser: Bloodline and the Scream trilogy, a brief interview with Doug Bradley about being Pinhead and a junky "Secrets Of Hellraiser Revealed" segment which is basically effects man Gary J. Tunnicliffe answering four dumb questions ("how many pins does Pinhead have?", etc.).