Is it possible to call a slasher movie “quaint” or “endearing”? They may not be words traditionally used to describe murder or mayhem, but when it comes to the 1981 horror flick My Bloody Valentine, it’s hard to think of anything more appropriate. Sure, hearts get ripped out of chest cavities. There’s dismemberment and decapitation. But this vintage horror classic is worthy of love.

And now, thanks to the new collector’s edition Blu-ray from Scream Factory there’s plenty of love to go around.

First things first. Before I watched a review copy of the new collector’s edition Blu-ray, I had never before witnessed My Bloody Valentine, so I know my perception of the movie is going to be different than someone who grew up with it. It must be stated that this movie looks dated. No, not the film quality. The 4K scan of the original negative is impeccable. What’s dated is everything else: the effects, the fashion, the pacing, the dialogue, and the cinematography. And… like SNL‘s Stewart Smalley would say… THAT’S OK.

Let’s just admit it though – the real star of this movie is Hollis’s mustache.

Made in Canada in 1980 following the boom brought on by government-issued filmmaking grants, director George Mihalka’s slasher is almost as Canadian as Strange Brew but with a few less “eh”s. Filmed in an actual run-down mining town and in an actual run-down mine, My Bloody Valentine is a product of the times.

The plot of this movie revolves around a town holding its first Valentine’s Dance in decades. The reason for the hiatus? Why, the murder spree by one Harry Warden who was hellbent on revenge for the townspeople’s neglect that resulted in five deaths, of course! Even though the town has finally recovered and most folks excitedly prep for the dance, there’s one person who is decidedly NOT stoked for the renewed revelry: a murderous miner wielding a pick-axe.

Has Harry Warden escaped to exact even more revenge? Who’s behind the mask? Who will survive?? All will be answered in this short – and dare I say sweet – slasher.

The vibe of this movie just seems like it came from a simpler time. When a dance is the biggest thing in the world to get excited about. When paper decorations adorn buildings in celebration for a made-up holiday and it doesn’t seem hokey. And when there’s a mysterious murderer killing people just because. No supernatural forces at play, no urban legend, no malevolent artificial intelligence. Just good ol’ fashioned who’s-the-killer murder.

Longtime fans and first-time viewers will both appreciate the crisp visuals of the Blu-ray release. Additionally, there are quite a few interviews with cast and crew that have some great BTS tidbits (Star Paul Kelman looks like a gold prospector from the 1800s now!) mixed with some we-get-it-already facts (it was filmed in a real mine!) and nice tributes to fallen costars Keith Knight and Alf Humphreys.

Additionally, the release includes the original cut of the movie with gore that was removed to appease the MPAA along with a side-by-side comparison of the deleted frames for reference. There’s also a nice recording of a 35th anniversary panel from a convention.

If you’re already a fan of the film, then this is a must-have release for you. Similarly, if you’re a fan of classic horror movies, a slasher completist, or you just enjoy a slower-paced movie, then My Bloody Valentine will steal your heart.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of the Blu-ray. All opinions are my own.