Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Blu-ray Review

"Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" is presented on Blu-ray by Lionsgate Films and CBS Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1. Utilizing Arri Alexa cameras, likely with a 2K DI finish, this transfer showcases an appealing and meticulous approach to the film’s visual language. The fine detail is consistently maintained even in dimly lit sequences, aided by the use of practical effects and prosthetics, which bolster the texture and tangible appearance of the creatures. The color grading is particularly notable, offering a distinctive palette that is dominated by autumnal, cool shades until the narrative shifts into more intense scenarios in the Bellows mansion. Here, deep reds and oranges come to life, enhancing the eerie warmth of the scenes.

The film’s stylistic choices include a significant blue-green tone palette, reminiscent of teal but not entirely within that spectrum, which becomes more prominent in the 4K UHD version. One highlight is the sequence in Chuck's red room, where the frame is completely awash in vibrant red hues, managing to retain superb detail with the Pale Lady. Nighttime scenes are rendered with exceptional depth, featuring profound blacks and shadows that enhance the three-dimensional effect. This precision in color grading elevates specific hues to create striking moments, though it occasionally impacts finer detail, especially in richly colored scenes. Nevertheless, "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" delivers a robust and immersive video presentation on Blu-ray, staying true to its horror roots with a visually arresting and carefully executed transfer.

The audio presentation of "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" on Blu Ray features a commendable Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix, maximizing its potential to create an engaging auditory experience. The mix skillfully utilizes startle effects, with sudden, impactful bursts of low-frequency effects (LFE) that elevate the tension at key moments. The soundtrack demonstrates a nuanced approach, with effective use of side and surround channels to deploy sound effects discretely. Notable examples include the atmospheric Halloween scenes and the eerie exploration of the Bellows mansion, where spatial audio enhances the sense of immersion. Dialogue clarity is pristine throughout the film, ensuring that spoken elements are never lost amidst the atmospheric soundscapes.

A particularly striking aspect of this mix is its ability to balance quiet, ambient sounds with intense, dynamic audio sequences. The surround presence is often subtle, featuring elements like rustling leaves and gusts of wind that build an understated tension. When the horror escalates—as seen when Harold comes to life or during the climactic screams of Sarah Bellows—the surround channels and LFE come into full effect, delivering a visceral auditory punch. This intelligent layering means the soundtrack doesn’t rely solely on loud jump scares; instead, it utilizes creature movements and environmental sounds to naturally increase the scare factor. Overall, this Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track provides a compelling, well-crafted audio experience that enhances the film's horror narrative.

The Blu-ray extras for "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" offer a range of insightful and engaging content, showcasing both the creative process and the inspiration behind the film. The features include interviews with renowned director Guillermo del Toro, recounts of formative horror experiences, and detailed explorations of production design and practical effects. Among the highlights is "Creatures from the Shadows," which delves into the crafting of the film’s monstrous entities. Although some extras employ a more formulaic electronic press kit format, they collectively enrich the viewing experience by providing a deeper look into the film's creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Dark Tales: Guillermo del Toro discusses the Schwartz books and this adaptation.
• Retro Horror: Discusses formative horror experiences.
• The Bellows Construct: Addresses aspects of production design related to the central location.
• Creatures from the Shadows: Documents the crafting of practical monster effects.
• Mood Reels: Weekly recaps assembled during the shoot featuring unused trims and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Behind the Scenes: Set Visits: Candid footage from the set.

"Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" on Blu-ray offers a chilling trip down memory lane, especially for those familiar with the original book series by Arthur Schwartz. The film endeavors to blend several of Schwartz's eerie tales into a cohesive narrative set against the backdrop of 1968, a choice explained by co-producer Guillermo del Toro as an era when the printed word was paramount. The decision to weave in elements such as the Vietnam War and the Nixon administration may feel tangential and, at times, irrelevant but serves as an attempt to ground the supernatural in a specific historical context.

Director André Øvredal spends considerable time on character development before introducing the central plot device—a book of terrifying and magically animated stories by Sarah Bellows. This gradual build-up helps to establish an emotional connection with characters like Stella Nicholls (Zoe Colletti) and Ramon (Michael Garza), enhancing the impact of the ensuing horror. The film effectively creates a palpable mood of angst reminiscent of del Toro’s other works, even if some subplots and period details are clumsily handled, such as Ramon's unnecessary Vietnam-related storyline.

While purists may find the integration of Schwartz's stories somewhat forced, casual viewers will appreciate the uniquely creepy atmosphere. Despite several narrative missteps and occasional historical inaccuracies, "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" succeeds in crafting a series of genuinely unsettling moments. Its pacing and character focus provide a refreshing change from more straightforward horror films, allowing the story’s eerie folklore origins to shine through.

"Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" on Blu-ray delivers a chilling yet nostalgic experience, bringing the eerie tales many grew up with to the screen. The film effectively spins a narrative that, while at times hampered by the necessity of a cohesive plot, still manages to evoke notable frights suitable for a PG-13 audience. The 1080p A/V presentation is rock-solid, ensuring that the cinematic translation of these tales retains its horror essence while providing a visually pleasing experience. Supplementary features included in the package add value, making it a comprehensive set for both new viewers and longtime fans of the book series.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray excels with an impressive audio-visual setup, providing clear and immersive viewing. The adaptation’s strengths lie not just in its visuals, but also in how it preserves the spirit of the original stories. While it may not induce the same level of terror as reading the books did in childhood, it offers a fun way to revisit those literary nightmares with a modern twist. The inclusion of decent bonus features enriches the overall experience, making it a worthwhile addition to any horror enthusiast’s collection.

Overall, "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" on Blu-ray comes highly recommended. Though it may not surpass the fear induced by classic horror films or even reading the original tales, it provides an entertaining journey through some familiar frights. The solid technical merits, coupled with an enjoyable supplementary package, ensure that this adaptation strikes a balance between horror and nostalgia, making it a commendable choice for an evening’s entertainment.