Just in time for Shocktober and Halloween, Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment is thrilled to be releasing Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story. The film will premiere exclusively on the Icon Film Channel from 2nd October, with Special Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and TVOD/EST available from 6th November. We got the chance to preview this fascinating look at Robert Englund’s life in film for our review.
Many of you may have seen my review of Pennywise: The Story of IT, this new documentary is by the same makers and it celebrates the legacy and career of one of our generation’s most beloved horror icons, the legendary Robert Englund.
Robert Englund is a legendary figure in the horror genre, known for his iconic portrayal of Freddy Krueger in the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise. With his groundbreaking performance, Englund solidified himself as a horror movie icon. Beyond his terrifying role as Freddy, he has demonstrated his versatility as a character actor in various other projects. Englund’s compelling career and captivating on-screen presence have earned him a special place in the hearts of horror fans around the world. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences, cementing his status as a true legend in the industry.
This two-hour-plus documentary had me glued from the very start, I have to say that I’ve always been a fan of Englund since I first saw Nightmare on Elm Street on VHS back in the 80s. So this documentary was something that I had been really looking forward to watching as it takes on an interesting look at his work and I wasn’t disappointed from start to finish.
Not only is it packed with interviews it also includes plenty of clips from the many movies that Englund has been part of during his career and there may be some that you haven’t seen before, so make a not of those to check them out when you can.
The documentary features a host of horror icons including Robert Englund himself (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Freddy vs. Jason), as well as Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Eli Roth (Cabin Fever, Inglorious Bastards, Hostel), Lance Henriksen (Aliens, Alien vs. Predator), Lin Shaye (Insidious), Tony Todd (Candyman, The Crow), and Miko Hughes (Pet Sematary). With further exclusive interviews with many of the star’s co-workers from projects including Urban Legend, 2001 Maniacs, 976-EVIL, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon, Wishmaster, V, Dead and Buried, Phantom of the Opera, and, of course, the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, this unique and captivating portrait captures the full story of the man behind the glove, exploring not only his most iconic role but the depths of England’s true power as a character actor in the years since Freddy’s cinematic birth.
If you are a horror fan and a fan of Englund then this is a great film for you to watch, there is certainly so much more to Englund and his career than just Freddie, after watching The Robert Englund Story I will be going back to some of his movies for a re-watch and with Shocktober just around the corner it’s an ideal time for a binge watch.
The Special Collector’s Edition Blu-ray includes the following bonus features:
Horror Icons
Nightmare Café with Jack Coleman
A Conversation with the Directors
Robert Englund: Chatterbox
A Peek Behind the Curtain: Dance Macabre
Also included: x4 UK-exclusive art cards
Special Collector’s Edition Reversible Sleeve
Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story will be available on the Icon Film Channel from 2nd October and then available on Blu-ray and Digital Download from 6th November.
A fascinating look at Robert Englund's Life in Film
Movie title: Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares - The Robert Englund Story
Movie description: From the makers of Pennywise: The Story of IT and the upcoming widely-anticipated movie RoboDoc: The Creation of RoboCop comes an all-new special edition Blu-Ray, celebrating the legacy and career of one our generation's most beloved horror icons, the legendary Robert Englund.
Date published: September 28, 2023
Country: UK
Duration: 130 mins
Director(s): Gary Smart, Christopher Griffiths
Actor(s): Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, Eli Roth, Lance Henriksen, Lin Shaye, Tony Todd, Miko Hughes
Genre: Documentary
Summary
This is the perfect documentary for horror fans especially those that love Robert Englund’s work. It’s a fascinating documentary that will have you gripped from start to finish.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
