H.P. Lovecraft, the well-known horror writer, is looking for the book ‘Necronomicon’. He finds it guarded by monks in an old library. He then copies some stories from it, which unfold for our eyes – and his…

Lovecraft’s work has been a huge inspiration for film makers for many years.

With this film it uses that Lovecraft inspiration as a foundation and branches out from it. I mean the influence is plainly there for all of us to see but it doesn’t shy away from that which I thought was great, it’s good that they weren’t afraid to wear that influence on their sleeves.

The film is an anthology style which really works as it manages to tell the stories it wants without trying to stretch it out too long and the stories themselves are really entertaining. There’s only 3 (4 with the wraparound) but each one gets the time and attention it deserves.

The film flows really well and where sometimes there can be a ‘too many cooks’ thing going on it seems to work here and everyone seems to be on the same page with the end product of the feature. It blends so well that you forget there was three directors involved.

The film has obviously aged and unfortunately I don’t see it as a feature that will grab many of today’s audiences. Also, it sadly seems to have been forgotten by some over the years but it’s one feature that I still find really entertaining and still watch regularly.

“Necronomicon: Book Of Dead” is a film I highly recommend, obviously for fans of H. P. Lovecraft, but also for someone who is after something a bit different than the norm. Even over 30 years after its release it’s still such a fun watch.

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If you want to see the “Necronomicon: Book Of Dead ” trailer then just click on the video below:

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Miscellaneous facts about the film:

The character Dr. Joseph Lewis, is in reference to the director of “My Name Is Julia Ross” (1945), Joseph H. Lewis.

One of the film’s co-writers, Mark Malone, also has a small role as Katie McGovern’s brother, Roland.

Mary Steenburgen’s character (of an actress hired to replace another actress) Julie Rose – is in reference to the title character of the film (My Name Is Julia Ross (1945)), upon which this film’s based.

Klaus Kinski was offered the part of Dr. Lewis.

This film reunites Mary Steenburgen, Jan Rubes and Wayne Robson from Disney’s “One Magic Christmas” (1985).

Director Arthur Penn replaced writer/producer, Marc Shmuger.

Malcolm McDowell cameos as the celebrity whose photograph Dr. Lewis is “autographing” to add to his display. At the time of filming, McDowell was married to star Mary Steenburgen.

Jeffrey Combs was hesitant about portraying Lovecraft on film. “I don’t look like Lovecraft” he commented, but makeup made him look like Lovecraft as best as they could. He also wasn’t particularly fond of the direction they went with his rendition. There are shots where the makeup worn by Combs greatly resembles actor Bruce Campbell, right down to the scar on his chin.

At approximately the 37:30 minute mark (during “The Cold”) some violin/synth cords are played as a part of the score. This tune is identical to the closing credits music of the TV show Dexter. Daniel Licht composed both scores. Dexter was released 13 years after Necronomicon.

Melinda Clarke was originally offered the role of Sarah.

Director Shûsuke Kaneko did not speak any English at the time of filming his segment with an all American cast.