The Signal Watch: Hallo-Watch: Re-Animator (1985) - w/ Crampton and Combs at the Paramount Theatre, Austin, TX

Watched: 10/06/2025

Format: Paramount Theatre, Austin, TX

Viewing: unclear

Director: Stuart Gordon

Well, what a spectacular evening.

Last year I watched Re-Animator (1985) for the first time in forever, and was reminded of (a) what a great movie Re-Animator really is, (b) fired up a new appreciation for what the movie is doing, and (c) was reminded that Barbara Crampton is just an excellent idea all around.

She's on socials, and she does not disappoint. And so it was that I learned she and Jeffrey Combs were traveling to some cities to hype up the 4K restoration of Re-Animator on its 40th Anniversary. And, fortunately, they were coming to Austin.

I won't comment too much upon the movie. It ain't for everyone (Mom, you can skip this one), but it's fair to say in 2025 that it's a bonafide classic.

Anyway, not only did SimonUK and I decide to catch the film, but my ol' pal CB - who was a horror kid from small times - was in attendance.

Before the show, I was waiting for Si, and, in this picture, I realized Barbara Crampton and Jeffrey Combs had stepped out to take some PR shots, and I was somewhat nearby and so took a picture of Crampton, not realizing Si was walking right up to her.

that's Si in the black shirt back there not realizing who the blonde lady is

Si passed on by Crampton, thinking I was taking pictures of him, which he found odd. But, nope, we were seeing two favorites we'd paid good money to see. So we stood and watched the photoshoot for a few minutes.

Crampton and Combs doing what we've all done - wandering into Congress Avenue

Unlike me, they remembered to take a picture of the marquee

After this, we went inside. Upstairs, I came within about five feet of Crampton, and because I have nothing smart to say, I left her alone. But I am large and was in motion, so she did look and smile my general direction, and that ain't nothing.

The crowd was *great* during the film. Re-Animator is a weird, gorey, hilarious mess that I think hits all the right notes - just notes you didn't know you ever wanted to hear in that key or in that order. And the movie works not just because of the fun script, over-the-top concepts and effects, but the now legendary performances of the main cast.

Then there was a Q&A. And, look - I was dreading this part. Q&A's have been some of the cringiest moments of my life, but Austin did me proud. There was maybe one or two awkwardly phrased questions, but nothing stupid, no one pitched a movie to them, or told a personal story longer than two sentences. These were *real* fans. And it was fun. All in all, it was really tight and handled well.

Crampton and Combs were funny and warm - exactly what you want in one of these scenarios, sharing anecdotes about the film, about writer/ director Stuart Gordon, and other details. It felt very personable even where I was seated in the Mezzanine.

Moreover, I felt like I learned a lot about this movie and the deal with the sequel, which I'll be watching this Halloween, I think, despite the lack of Crampton. However, I am reminded there are at least three Crampton movies released in the past few years that I intended to watch this year. So, provided they're available, I will be watching them.

Anyway, a great time was had.