The Frighteners Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Frighteners" demonstrates a commendable effort in preserving the film's original visual integrity. The 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer presents an impressive level of clarity, enabling viewers to fully appreciate the intricate details of the village of Fairwater (actually Lyttleton, New Zealand), the elaborate interiors, and the varied facial expressions and wardrobes. Highlights include the antique decor of the Bradley household and the atmospheric settings in the local museum, particularly during the Reaper's memorable scenes. It’s worth noting that while Peter Jackson's direct involvement with this transfer remains unconfirmed, his previous oversight on related projects suggests a stringent quality standard.

The black levels exhibit exceptional performance, crucially maintaining detail during pivotal moments such as Frank's psychic navigation through dimly lit derelict buildings juxtaposed with brightly lit past events. The balance between black and white levels is meticulously handled, which is critical in scenes where supernatural elements such as Stuart, Cyrus, and the ectoplasm-composed Judge appear. Additionally, Dammers' eyes – rendered as seemingly endless black voids due to specialized lenses – showcase the transfer's ability to maintain nuanced shadow details without compromising on depth.

Regarding color fidelity, the transfer adeptly distinguishes between the desaturated textures of Fairwater's present and the vibrant, golden-hued past. The contrast is further exemplified in sequences within opulent settings where Frank attempts a shakedown. There are no detectable compression errors, DNR, or digital artifacts, and transitions involving additional footage are seamlessly branched into the original cut without noticeable interruptions. This meticulous attention to detail ensures an immersive viewing experience that maintains the integrity of Jackson’s envisioned aesthetic.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track for "The Frighteners" is characterized by its loud and active presentation, with Danny Elfman's aggressive score pushing the bass to significant levels. Elfman, who eagerly joined the project due to his admiration for Jackson's previous work, creates a score that deftly balances comedy and horror. However, the mixers have taken substantial liberties with bass extension, so viewers might find it necessary to adjust their volume levels to prevent overload. The bass is not just driven by effects but predominantly by the score itself, making it an aspect to monitor closely.

Regarding the effects, the audio team has embraced the film's supernatural elements, resulting in immersive and exaggerated soundscapes. For instance, one standout sequence involves Frank and Dr. Lucy being attacked by the Reaper while Stuart and Cyrus come to their rescue. The audio in this sequence dynamically shifts around the room, creating an engaging experience with voices and struggles emanating from all directions—including above. This scene perfectly showcases the freedom sound technicians enjoyed in this film as they were not constrained by realism, allowing for a more thrilling and enveloping auditory experience.

Dialogue remains consistently clear and natural, except for moments intentionally altered for artistic reasons, particularly those involving ghostly interactions. Given the story's heavy supernatural elements, there are frequent instances of such deviations, which are executed skillfully to maintain the narrative’s eerie atmosphere without compromising overall clarity. Thus, the audio presentation of "The Frighteners" offers an engaging blend of aggressive scoring and dynamic effects that enhance the film's unique horror-comedy balance.

The Blu-ray release of "The Frighteners" impressively ports over comprehensive extras from the 2005 Director's Cut DVD, originally part of the 1998 Universal Signature Edition laserdisc set. Peter Jackson's 10th Anniversary Intro sets an engaging tone, while his commentary for the director's cut is detailed, lively, and offers unique insights beyond the extensive documentary included. The nearly four-hour-long making-of documentary is an exhaustive deep dive into production, replete with rich behind-the-scenes content and anecdotes, proving invaluable for film enthusiasts and professionals alike. Additional materials such as Storyboarding and Theatrical Trailer further augment the viewing experience, preserving the legacy of the movie's creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Peter Jackson's 10th Anniversary Intro: Recorded in 2005, presented before the director's cut, also available separately.
• Commentary by Director/Writer/Producer Peter Jackson: In-depth commentary recorded during a hiatus in the late Nineties.
• The Making of The Frighteners: Nearly four-hour documentary with comprehensive behind-the-scenes content.
• Storyboarding: Organized storyboard sketches presented as a slide show.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.
• MyScenes
• pocketBLU®
• D-BOX® Motion Enabled
• BD-Live

Peter Jackson's The Frighteners, released in 1996, stands out as a pioneering piece of cinema, notable for its groundbreaking special effects and unique blend of horror and comedy. Shot entirely in New Zealand, the film was one of the early projects by Jackson’s now-renowned WETA Digital, which grew its digital toolkit from a single computer to dozens over the course of production. This jumpstarted WETA Digital's evolution into a major CGI provider in the film industry. The visual style is distinct, generating an unsettling, other-worldly ambiance as the New Zealand backdrop doubles for a fictional California town, Fairwater, amidst gothic architecture and ominous skies reminiscent of Stephen King's works.

The Frighteners is Jackson and co-writer Fran Walsh's last original screenplay prior to their string of high-profile adaptations such as Lord of the Rings and King Kong. Its script exudes an unrestrained creativity and whimsical quality, a testament to Jackson’s early filmmaking style. With a budget supported by executive producer Robert Zemeckis, Jackson brought on Michael J. Fox for his final pre-retirement role due to Parkinson’s disease. The narrative follows Fox's Frank Bannister, an ex-architect turned paranormal investigator gripped by personal tragedy and suspicion around mysterious deaths in Fairwater. Utilizing CGI-created ghostly companions, Frank dupes residents into hiring his services, introducing an inventive twist that later anticipates elements seen in Ghostbusters.

The storyline intertwines with multiple elements: Bartlett’s 1958 massacre led by Jake Busey’s chilling character, Patricia Bradley’s sinister arc played by Dee Wallace Stone, and Jeffrey Combs' portrayal of FBI agent Dammers, each adding layers to the complex horror-comedy tapestry. The spectral antagonist manifests as The Reaper, leading to intricate sequences that blend astral projection battles with physical confrontations. Jackson deftly navigates between dimensions and time frames, crafting scenes that merge ethereal and tangible realms fluidly. For newcomers, the original theatrical cut is recommended for its brisk pacing, while repeat viewers may enjoy the director's cut for additional ghostly details seamlessly integrated into the narrative.

Upon watching "The Frighteners" Blu-ray, it is evident that the release is a significant upgrade from previous versions. The film boasts an exceptional transfer, delivering crisp and clear image quality that remains faithful to the original 1996 theatrical presentation. The high-definition visuals enhance the eerie and comedic elements of Peter Jackson's direction, spotlighting both the technical prowess and creative flair evident throughout the film.

The audio track is similarly impressive, offering a balanced and immersive experience. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix ensures that dialogue remains clear and that Danny Elfman's haunting score resonates effectively through each scene. Furthermore, the sound effects—crucial in a film that blends supernatural horror with humor—are presented with remarkable clarity and depth, ensuring an engaging auditory experience from start to finish.

This Blu-ray release triumphs not just in technical aspects, but also in its extensive collection of special features. The inclusion of Jackson's director's cut, along with behind-the-scenes footage, commentary, and other extras provide valuable insights into the film's production process. The content was once only available in the costly and cumbersome laserdisc Signature Edition set. Now, for a fraction of the prior cost and with added convenience, fans can deeply delve into the making of this cult classic without the interruptions of disc changes.

Once upon a time, not so very long ago, rare and treasured copies of The Frighteners Signature Edition laserdisc set with the director's cut and these fabulous extras fetched as high as $500 on eBay. For that princely sum, you still had to change discs twice and wait for two additional side breaks. Today you have all that material (and more) for a list price of $26.98 and a street price of less. You won't have to change discs, and the image will trounce the laserdisc and match, or even improve on, the image and sound that we happy few who bought tickets in 1996 saw in theaters. Now that's progress. Both the film and the disc are highly recommended.