On this day, February 11, 1981, the cult classic slasher film My Bloody Valentine premiered in theaters. Directed by George Mihalka, the Canadian horror film starred Paul Kelman, Lori Hallier, and Neil Affleck, bringing a gruesome and suspenseful Valentine’s Day massacre to the big screen.
With a budget of $2.3 million, My Bloody Valentine earned $5.7 million at the box office and became a staple of 80s slasher horror. The film follows a group of young adults in a small mining town who throw a Valentine’s Day party, unaware that a masked killer, dressed as a miner, is lurking in the shadows. Featuring brutal kills, eerie underground settings, and a chilling urban legend, the film gained a cult following despite its initial release being heavily censored due to violent content.
Over time, My Bloody Valentine has been reappraised as one of the best slasher films of the early 80s, and its influence on horror remains strong. In 2009, it received a 3D remake, introducing the film to a new generation of horror fans.
80s insight: Due to the backlash against violent horror films at the time, My Bloody Valentine had over 9 minutes of gore removed before release. Many of these scenes have since been restored in special editions.
With a budget of $2.3 million, My Bloody Valentine earned $5.7 million at the box office and became a staple of 80s slasher horror. The film follows a group of young adults in a small mining town who throw a Valentine’s Day party, unaware that a masked killer, dressed as a miner, is lurking in the shadows. Featuring brutal kills, eerie underground settings, and a chilling urban legend, the film gained a cult following despite its initial release being heavily censored due to violent content.
Over time, My Bloody Valentine has been reappraised as one of the best slasher films of the early 80s, and its influence on horror remains strong. In 2009, it received a 3D remake, introducing the film to a new generation of horror fans.
80s insight: Due to the backlash against violent horror films at the time, My Bloody Valentine had over 9 minutes of gore removed before release. Many of these scenes have since been restored in special editions.
