Children of the Corn Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Children of the Corn" by Arrow Video showcases a significant enhancement in visual presentation, made possible by an AVC encoded 1080p transfer framed in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Despite some confusion regarding the restoration process, stating both 2K and 4K scans, it is clear that the film underwent a meticulous restoration process. The original 35mm camera negative was scanned in 4K resolution at EFilm in Burbank, and further graded and restored at R3store Studios in London using the Nucoda grading system. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and other film deterioration were extensively repaired. While some optical and animated special effects could only be partially restored to avoid digital artifacts, the overall restoration is quite commendable.

Comparatively, this Arrow Video release stands out impressively from its predecessors released by Starz/Anchor Bay and Image Entertainment. Notably, this edition ups the ante in terms of detail and fine detail, especially during brightly lit outdoor scenes where the improved contrast enhances the overall film texture. The grain structure is tighter, contributing to a sharper and more defined visual experience. The palette is vibrant and consistently pleasing throughout, despite a general darker presentation which makes the grain field more apparent—a detail that may vary in appeal among viewers. Although some issues with clarity, saturation, and density, as well as occasional chunky grain, are present, these are relatively minor and do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, Arrow Video's restoration elevates "Children of the Corn" to a new level of fidelity, providing a much-needed upgrade for videophiles. This Blu-ray edition ensures that this classic horror film looks its best on modern screens, offering impressive definition and texture while retaining its original cinematic essence.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Children of the Corn" offers both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 tracks. While the surround mix isn't the most immersive experience, it does provide effective placement of Jonathan Elias' score and selective ambient environmental sounds in key scenes such as those set in the cornfield. The film's finale benefits from robust low-end activity, delivering a well-rounded auditory experience. Dialogue is consistently centered in the 5.1 mix, rendered cleanly and prioritizing clarity without any issues of distortion. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, albeit not significantly different in overall tone or scope from the 2.0 PCM stereo track, still presents an appreciably full sound with commendable bass.

The 4-track stereo mix, transferred from original Dolby mag reels and remastered to 5.1 by Lakeshore at Deluxe Audio Services, highlights composer Jonathan Elias' score, which draws parallels to Jerry Goldsmith’s work for The Omen. This score is nicely distributed across the surround field, compensating for the otherwise minimal surround design which is limited by the film's original production budget. Specific audio effects deliver slight channel separation, providing a basic but satisfactory surround experience. English SDH subtitles are available in a white font, ensuring accessibility for all viewers. The LPCM 2.0 stereo track stands out with its clear dialogue reproduction and unobstructed score, delivering an equally engaging auditory experience sans any distortion or hiss-related issues.

Overall, Arrow Video’s Blu-ray of "Children of the Corn" succeeds in offering a solid audio mix that highlights essential elements such as dialogue clarity and score distribution, both maintaining a high quality without significant discrepancies between the various available tracks.

Arrow Video has delivered an exemplary Blu-ray release with their edition of "Children of the Corn", meticulously curating a mix of previously released and newly produced supplements. This collection offers comprehensive insights, blending thoughtful retrospectives, engaging cast and crew interviews, and detailed production discussions. The package includes dual commentaries, with one featuring the film's director and key actors, and another offering a historian's perspective. Additionally, featurettes such as "Harvesting Horror" and "It Was the Eighties!" provide valuable context. The supplementary materials are rounded out by in-depth location tours, storyboard galleries, and early adaptations of the King story.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Fritz Kiersch, producer Terrence Kirby, actors John Franklin and Courtney Gains.
• Audio Commentary: Horror journalist Justin Beahm and Children of the Corn historian John Sullivan (*).
• Harvesting Horror: Retrospective with cast and crew interviews.
• It Was the Eighties!: Interview with Linda Hamilton discussing her experience.
• ...And a Child Shall Lead Them: Interviews with Julie Maddalena and John Philbin (*).
• Field of Nightmares: Interview with writer George Goldsmith (*).
• Stephen King on a Shoestring: Interview with producer Donald P. Borchers.
• Welcome to Gatlin: Interviews with production designer Craig Stearns and composer Jonathan Elias.
• Return to Gatlin: Tour of filming locations with John Sullivan (*).
• Cut from the Cornfield: Actor Rich Kleinberg discusses a lost scene (*).
• Storyboard Gallery
• Trailer
• Disciples of the Crow: First film adaptation of the King story (*).

Children of the Corn, adapted from Stephen King's short story included in his "Night Shift" collection, remains a notable entry in the horror genre despite its dated elements. The film efficiently turns the serene cornfields of Gatlin, Nebraska into a sinister backdrop where children, under the influence of a child preacher named Isaac (John Franklin) and his enforcer Malachi (Courtney Gains), commit heinous acts. The unsettling inversion of religious rituals and the rural setting add layers to the film's eerie atmosphere. King's narrative cleverly touches upon fears of isolated communities and twisted religious fervor, reminiscent of classics like "The Wicker Man".

Linda Hamilton and Peter Horton anchor the film as Burt and Vicky, a couple whose road trip takes a horrific turn when they encounter Gatlin's corruption. Their mature and established dynamic is a refreshing break from the genre's typical young, naive protagonists, though modern viewers might find the plot's reliance on pre-1990s technology a bit cumbersome. Notably, John Franklin’s portrayal of Isaac stands out for its unnerving conviction, despite Gains' overacted performance which somewhat detracts from the tension.

Despite its budgetary constraints and less-than-stellar effects by today’s standards, "Children of the Corn" succeeds in delivering a chilling narrative that has influenced numerous sequels and remakes. The palpable sense of paranoia and dread it evokes makes it a resilient piece in the horror pantheon, even if it falls short of being a timeless classic. Its exploration of sinister themes within an ostensibly tranquil setting continues to resonate, maintaining its legacy as a compelling adaptation of Stephen King’s dark tale.

Arrow Video’s Blu-ray release of "Children of the Corn" is an impressive and comprehensive package that stands out as a major upgrade over previous editions. The film, an adaptation of Stephen King's work, retains its place as a seminal piece of 1980s horror cinema, and this release does a commendable job of enhancing its original charm. The transfer quality is impeccable, offering the best visual and audio fidelity yet for fans of the movie. Arrow Video includes an array of extras that cater to both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers, setting this edition apart from more basic releases.

Such improvements are not merely superficial; they contribute significantly to the viewer’s experience, making the creepy, lingering atmosphere of Gatlin, Nebraska, remarkably vivid and arresting. John Franklin’s and Courtney Gains’ performances, though occasionally hyperbolic, add layers of unsettling eeriness that are amplified by the high-definition transfer. The additional content, including interviews and behind-the-scenes features, enriches our understanding and appreciation of the film's production and its lasting influence in the horror genre.

I'm actually quite fond of "Children of the Corn," despite its hyperbolic tendencies. I've always been fascinated by the performances of John Franklin and Courtney Gains, even if they, too, tip into hyperbolism more than a time or two, and there's a palpably creepy mood once Burt and Vicky wander into the supposedly friendliest little town in Nebraska. Arrow has once again provided a really handsome and abundantly stuffed package for genre fans, one with generally fine technical merits that improve upon previous releases. While the film has issues, this Blu-ray release of "Children of the Corn" comes Recommended.