Skip to main content
Horror Cult Classic

Revenge gets a mad-science twist on a remote New Zealand island.

DEATH WARMED UP

YOU HAVE ONLY ONE LIFE TO LIVE... BUT THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO DIE...

1985 · 1h 18m · R · Horror / Science Fiction · IMDB TMDB

A kid is hypnotized by a scientist to kill his parents and ends in a mental institution. As a grown up he returns to seek revenge over the scientist.

Quick Answer

What is Death Warmed Up about?

Death Warmed Up is a 1985 New Zealand horror and science fiction film directed by David Blyth about a man seeking revenge on the scientist who manipulated him into killing his own parents as a child.

Programmer's Pick

Death Warmed Up delivers a fusion of mad science, mind control, and cult horror, all wrapped in a distinctly New Zealand package. If you like your revenge stories laced with brain surgery and a retro Ford Fairlane, this one’s got your name on it.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Death Warmed Up opens with Michael Tucker, who as a child was used as an experimental subject by the villainous Dr. Howell. Under the influence of Howell's mind control drugs, Michael committed a horrific act that haunts him into adulthood. After serving seven years in a mental institution, Michael emerges determined to confront his tormentor. Joined by his girlfriend Sandy and two friends, he takes a road trip in his black 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 to the isolated island housing Howell’s clinic. The film sets up a blend of psychological horror and science fiction, as Michael’s quest for vengeance leads him straight into the lair of the scientist responsible for his nightmares.

Details & Specs

Director
David Blyth
Writers
David Blyth, Michael Heath
Release
1985
Runtime
1h 18m
Country
New Zealand
Language
English
Also Known As
Death Warmed Over, El cerebro del año 2000

Why This Matters

This New Zealand zombie film showcases director David Blyth and features Michael Hurst in a revenge-driven plot involving mad science and the undead, reflecting the country's contributions to 1980s genre cinema.
— SassyFlix Curator

Why Cult

Kiwi Cult Horror

A rare example of 1980s New Zealand horror that blends local flavor with international genre tropes.

Mad Scientist Experiments

Dr. Howell’s mind control drugs and brain surgery set the stage for a uniquely twisted antagonist.

Revenge-Driven Plot

Michael’s journey from child victim to vengeance-seeker gives this horror flick its relentless momentum.

Island Clinic Setting

The remote island location and sinister clinic inject an atmospheric, isolated tension into the story.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Dr. Howell's mind control experiments

Threat

Mind-controlled zombies and the scientist himself

Effect

Victims become killers or are manipulated against their will

Setting

Remote island clinic

Questions from the Vault

When was Death Warmed Up released? +

Death Warmed Up was released in 1985.

Who directed Death Warmed Up? +

Death Warmed Up was directed by David Blyth.

How long is Death Warmed Up? +

Death Warmed Up has a runtime of 78 minutes.

What genre is Death Warmed Up? +

Death Warmed Up is a horror and science fiction film.

Where can I watch Death Warmed Up? +

You can watch Death Warmed Up on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

Death Warmed Up trailer
Official Trailer
Sign in to play