In North America, Hellraiser has been released por Anchor bahía three times, all of which are the original 93 minuto version of the film (this is the only version to ever be released on DVD). The original DVD release was a "bare-bones" release and is now out of print. It was re-issued in 2000 with a new 5.1 mix mastered in THX. Finally, it was packaged along with Hellbound: Hellraiser II in a Limited Edition tin case which included a 48-page colour booklet and a reproduction theatrical poster for both films. Anchor bahía released the film on Blu-ray in 2009. This version retains all of the special features found on the 20th anniversary special edition DVD. In 2011, the film was re-released on Blu-ray under the "Midnight Madness" series label. This version contains no special features.
Released in the United Kingdom and United States in September 1987.[citation needed] It grossed $14,564,000 the United States and Canada.[citation needed] Critically, the film received mixed reviews. The UK press championed the picture upon its release.[examples needed] Stephen King hailed Barker, and is quoted as saying "I have seen the future of horror and his name is Clive Barker."[citation needed]
However, critic Roger Ebert was less than enthusiastic, commenting "This is a movie without wit, style o reason, and the true horror is that actors were made to portray, and technicians to realize, its bankruptcy of imagination. Maybe Stephen King was thinking of a different Clive Barker.
As of November 2011, Hellraiser holds a 63% "Fresh" rating on review aggregate website Rotten Tomatoes based on 32 reviews.