Halloween

The Blu-ray presentation of "Halloween" prances through the night with a solid 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that beautifully crosses the 2.35:1 and 2.40:1 aspect ratio territory. Despite not reaching the pinnacle of high definition excellence—primarily due to its somewhat subdued and darker visual tone characteristic of the latter part of the film—this offering projects strength in picture quality throughout. Notably, the film navigates between vibrant daylight scenes eschewed in the early parts, to the dimly lit interiors and ominous exteriors of nighttime Haddonfield. The video presentation adeptly handles these transitions, providing a visual narrative that is both compelling and haunting. Early scenes, such as those in Michael Myers' home, display a certain dullness with ghastly flesh tones and modest detail, whereas brighter, more detailed scenes emerge as the film progresses, such as the meticulous depiction of Michael's sanitarium cell adorned with numerous handmade masks, showcasing the disc's resolution capabilities.

Rob Zombie’s directorial choices, complemented by Phil Parmet’s cinematography, achieve a visual balance of grittiness and aesthetics that translate impressively into high definition. The film manages to present a pristine look amidst intentional graininess and slightly out-of-focus backgrounds, ensuring that blacks are well-rendered and contrast varies stylistically—adding depth to the visual experience. Color rendition swings from the cold open to richer, deeper tones during Michael Myer’s nocturnal terror, with flesh tones remaining consistently natural. Detailed scenes are sharp and possess a three-dimensional quality that is particularly pleasing, enhanced by an encode free from noticeable artifacts. This combination delivers a visual treat that, while occasionally inconsistent in stylistic choices—ranging from blown-out early scenes to the meticulously darker tones of later sequences—nevertheless respects and amplifies the source material's atmospheric horror.

Combining observations from both segments of reviews, it's clear that "Halloween" on Blu-ray offers viewers a well-above-average high-definition experience marred only slightly by stylistic inconsistencies and a leaning towards darker visuals which may impair the richness of detail in certain sections. Nevertheless, scenes that are brightly lit or require intricate detail—such as close-ups of characters or Michael’s creatively adorned cell—stand out with exceptional clarity and depth. The disc achieves a visual storytelling that resonates well with both fans of the horror genre and purveyors of high-quality video presentations, making it a commendable addition to any Blu-ray collection.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Halloween" offers a robust Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that pairs excellently with its visual counterpart, providing an audio experience that is consistently high-quality though not without its limitations. The dialogue, a central element throughout the film, especially in scenes featuring a younger Michael Myers, is clear and well-reproduced. The iconic Halloween theme by John Carpenter, innovatively reimagined by Tyler Bates and Rob Zombie with additional guitar and bass elements, maintains its classic '70s synth essence, adding a rich layer of nostalgia and tension. This, coupled with a selection of '70s rock music, ensures the soundtrack offers a full-bodied atmospheric experience. The music and environmental sounds, such as the eerily rustling leaves of Haddonfield, predominantly occupy the front and centre channels, with some musical elements and minor directional effects gently flowing into the rear channels.

Despite the adequate employment of surround sound that enhances both the subtle atmospheric noises and more pronounced discrete effects, the soundtrack's true dynamism emerges in the film's climactic final 30 minutes. Here, the audio track intensifies with screams, a more frequent play of the chilling theme, and impactful sound effects that significantly leverage the low bass, adding depth with a deep, lumbering subwoofer presence. However, this aggressive use of surround sound and low bass highlights an inconsistency, as much of the film's potentially atmospheric moments, like ambient wind sounds, lack a strong presence in the rear channels.

Overall, the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack delivers a moody and inventive audio experience that significantly contributes to the film's atmosphere. While it excels in dialogue clarity, musical rendition, and dynamic range between highs and lows, it occasionally misses opportunities to fully immerse the audience with a consistent atmospheric presence in the surround channels. These minor shortcomings notwithstanding, "Halloween" is presented aurally with great attention to detail, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience that complements its visual presentation well.

The special edition Blu-ray of "Halloween" offers an exhaustive and compelling suite of extras that shed remarkable light on its production. From Rob Zombie's hypnotic audio commentary to the expansive, candid documentary Michael Lives: The Making of 'Halloween', enthusiasts are offered a penetrating look into the creative process. Highlighted by 17 deleted scenes with optional director commentary, a revealing series of actor casting sessions, and intricate examinations of the film's production design, makeup, FX, props, and costume design, this collection is an embarrassment of riches. Particularly noteworthy is the documentary's exploration of the day-to-day challenges of filmmaking, providing a rare, unvarnished glimpse into both the triumphs and tribulations experienced by the cast and crew. With additional features like the in-depth look at The Many Masks of Michael Myers and the featurette Re-Imagining 'Halloween', this edition is invaluable for both fans and students of film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A solo track by Rob Zombie, offering reflections on his work post-completion.
• Deleted Scenes: Over a dozen scenes omitted from various versions of the film, showcasing extended sequences and an alternate ending.
• Featurette: Re-Imagining Halloween: A three-part exploration into the film’s conception, production design, and costume & prop selection.
• Featurette: Meet the Cast: Introductions to the main cast members, including insights into their casting and character development.
• Featurette: The Many Masks Of Michael Myers: Discusses the significance and variety of masks used in the film.
• Casting Sessions: Videotaped screen tests from over a dozen actors, including an extended test for Scout Taylor-Compton.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original theatrical trailers in high definition.
• Michael Lives: The Making of 'Halloween': A comprehensive 4.5-hour documentary detailing every aspect of the making of the film, from pre-production through to final edits.

Rob Zombie's venture into the revered territory of John Carpenter's original "Halloween" presents an audacious yet polarizing remake that has stirred the pot of horror aficionados and cinephiles alike. Venturing beyond the iconic slasher façade, Zombie embarks on an extensive exploration of Michael Myers' genesis, diving deep into the dysfunctional roots that purportedly spawned Haddonfield's nightmare. This reimagining, or rather expansion, notably diverges from Carpenter's blueprint by embedding a comprehensive backstory for Myers, framing him within a tumultuous family dynamic marred by abuse and neglect. While this narrative choice introduces a new dimension to the infamous character, lending a semblance of sympathy or understanding towards his descent into monstrosity, it paradoxically dilutes the mystique that Carpenter so masterfully enshrouded him in. The essence of Myers, as an inscrutable embodiment of evil, is somewhat eclipsed by Zombie's inclination towards explicit violence and a lurid portrayal of Myers' upbringing.

The film's bifurcation into a detailed preamble followed by a rehash of the original's notorious killing spree reveals a stark imbalance in storytelling. The first act, though ambitious in its intent to humanize and develop Myers, is mired in its execution, resorting to clichés of serial killer psychology without offering novel insights. Conversely, the latter half stumbles in its attempt to recapture the suspenseful brilliance of Carpenter’s work, instead manifesting as a disjointed homage that oscillates uncertainly between tribute and reinvention. Noteworthy elements such as the use of sound and the inclusion of Carpenter’s iconic theme are commendable efforts in preserving the sensory experience associated with "Halloween," yet they are overshadowed by the overarching narrative and stylistic missteps.

Moreover, the remake's endeavor to flesh out character arcs and relationships often comes across as superficial, relegating Haddonfield's residents to caricatures rather than compelling figures. Laurie Strode and her cohorts, pivotal to the fabric of the "Halloween" legacy, are regrettably underdeveloped and mired in dialogue and scenarios that starkly contrast with the original’s portrayal of innocuous suburban terror. The portrayal of Dr. Loomis, despite Malcolm McDowell’s capable acting prowess, suffers from a similar fate, his character's gravitas diminished by lackluster scripting. Ultimately, while Zombie’s "Halloween" might resonate with fans appreciative of a more explicit and backstory-driven interpretation, it struggles to reconcile its ambitious vision with the subtlety and nuance that characterizes its predecessor, invoking a sense of missed opportunity in revitalizing a horror milestone.

The Blu-ray release of Rob Zombie's "Halloween" offers a conundrum, swirling with contentious opinions and perhaps unfairly high expectations. Fans of the horror genre and admirers of Zombie’s distinctive directorial flair appear divided, especially when dissecting this remake against the sanctified backdrop of Carpenter’s untouchable original. There is commendation for Zombie’s passion for horror, underscored by his adeptness in integrating dialogue, characterization, and a distinctive filmmaking style that teeters on the brink of capturing horror’s raw essence. Despite these strengths, criticisms hover: the narrative arc struggles with its legacy, particularly in the second half where the challenge of eclipsing or even reaching parity with the original becomes evident. Nonetheless, the remake does find some ground with solid performances and a strong replay value, albeit the anticipated gore quotient leaves something to be desired.

The technical presentation of the Blu-ray itself is almost universally praised, offering respite for those left wanting by the film's content. The Weinstein Company's release boasts commendable video and audio quality, making it a feasible addition for Blu-ray aficionados or those enamored by the art of filmmaking. More laudable are the comprehensive supplemental materials provided; a notably exhaustive making-of documentary is highlighted, which runs significantly longer than the film itself, alongside a captivating commentary track. These features add layers to the release, offering insight and perhaps a modicum of redemption for those disappointed by the film's perceived shortcomings.

In conclusion, while Rob Zombie’s "Halloween" might polarize fans of the franchise and critics alike with its divergent take on a classic horror narrative, the Blu-ray release stands as an emblem of quality home entertainment production. The stellar technical presentation and enriching bonus content craft a compelling case for purchase, especially for completists, diehard fans of Zombie’s work, or individuals intrigued by the film’s production intricacies. However, for those yet swayed by either the film's artistic merit or narrative execution, the Blu-ray's supplementary package alone could warrant a closer look, if not a definite acquisition.