Trick or Treats Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Trick or Treats" presents an AVC encoded image in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio derived from a Hi-def master of the original camera negative. While this release marks an improvement over previous home video versions, it still falls short of excellence. The film's inherently dark aesthetic poses a challenge, with shadowy encounters and limited lighting yielding only satisfactory delineation. Although skin tones appear natural in close-ups, they acquire a reddish tint in medium shots, and the overall image displays a pervasive softness reminiscent of a TV-movie. The dark scenes, and particularly the later sequences in the attic, remain problematic due to the film’s inherent low lighting levels.

Despite these limitations, there are worthwhile visual elements. The film includes colorful costumes and Halloween-themed lighting that add a festive touch. Detail reproduction is fair, capturing an acceptable level of texture in facial features, clothing, and interior decor. However, grain tends to be thick and chunky, with frequent occurrences of scratches and speckling that disrupt the viewing experience. Focus inconsistencies during motion and spontaneous camera movements further mar the image quality.

The color palette exhibits discernible primaries, but their impact is dulled by saturation issues, contributing to a washed-out appearance in dimly lit scenes. While exterior shots are plagued with high grain levels and noise, interior scenes maintain solid black levels complemented by a film-like grain structure. Code Red’s transfer has made an effort to brighten up the image slightly compared to past versions while enhancing detail levels noticeably. Despite its shortcomings, this Blu-ray release provides a substantial upgrade over inferior bootlegs, offering fans a higher-quality viewing experience overall.

The audio presentation on the Blu-Ray release of "Trick or Treats" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track that excels in delivering a vibrant and satisfying auditory experience. Dialogue is prominently featured, managing to remain clear and robust without any noticeable hiss or pops, even during more intense scenes. The sound mix sets the chiller tone effectively with excitable performance levels that successfully build an unsettling atmosphere, emphasizing the film’s eerie ambiance.

Despite the strengths in dialogue clarity and defined effects, the audio track shows some limitations. Scoring cues tend to fluctuate randomly and are relatively basic, making them feel less cohesive with the overall sound design. Notable is a synchronization issue occurring at the 11:51 mark, likely due to source damage, which might briefly detract from the immersion. Unfortunately, subtitles are not provided on this release, which may impact accessibility for some viewers.

Though not highly sophisticated, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track holds up as a solid companion to the visual enhancements on the Blu-Ray, maintaining a well-balanced audio landscape throughout "Trick or Treats".

The Blu-ray extras for "Trick or Treats" offer a mixture of entertaining and insightful content for fans. While the Katarina Leigh Waters-hosted segments provide light-hearted recaps and industry tidbits, they cater more to those familiar with her horror-host sensibilities. The standout feature here is the Audio Commentary, which engages listeners with in-depth discussions featuring Jackie Giroux, Peter Jason, Chris Graver, and cameraman R. Michael Stringer, moderated by Sean Graver. This commentary is rich with detailed insights into the film-making process and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Additionally, the Audio Interview with Steve Railsback offers an emotionally charged reflection on his relationship with director Gary Graver, celebrating their friendship and collaborations.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion with the cast and crew moderated by Sean Graver.
• Audio Interview with Actor Steve Railsback: Brief interview discussing his collaboration with director Gary Graver.
• Watch in “Katarina’s Bucketlist” Mode: Horror hostess Katarina Waters provides a plot recap and additional insights.

Gary Graver’s 1982 film "Trick or Treats" offers an intriguing mix of horror and satire, yet ultimately falters under the weight of its minimal budget. With a $55,000 budget, Graver's attempt to capitalize on the slasher trend is evident, particularly through the film’s simple premise centered around Linda (Jacqueline Giroux), a babysitter tormented by a mischievous child, Christopher (Chris Graver), while his deranged father, Malcolm (Peter Jason), escapes from a mental institution. Despite a potentially engaging setup, the narrative lacks depth and fails to leverage its limited resources effectively, leading to a stagnation in suspense and an overreliance on uninspired hijinks.

The film opens with an intriguing sequence featuring Malcolm's chaotic arrest, but quickly devolves into a repetitive cycle of escapades between Malcolm, Linda, and Christopher. The storytelling is sporadic, and the incorporation of film editors critiquing the very genre they’re contributing to hints at self-awareness but doesn’t develop into a cohesive subtext. Notably, Graver's earlier associations with Orson Welles seep through in aspects of camera work and lighting; however, the execution of scenes remains clumsy and lacking in finesse, marked by awkward performances and gaps in dialogue presumably due to forgotten lines or unused cuts.

Performances are generally uneven, with Giroux delivering a performance that oscillates between sincerity and camp. Chris Graver's role as the devious child provides some levity despite the character's intent, showcasing potential through his resemblance to his grandfather’s renowned dramatic flair. Meanwhile, notable cameos from David Carradine and John Blyth Barrymore inject brief moments of interest but ultimately do not compensate for the film’s lackluster pacing and narrative incoherence. The production design and practicality of using Carrie Snodgrass’ actual home add an element of authenticity, yet without substantial storytelling innovation or dramatic progression, "Trick or Treats" struggles to solidify its position as more than a curious cult oddity within horror cinema aficionados.

"Trick or Treats," directed by Gary Graver, is a film that treads the line between horror and comedy, yet it struggles to fully commit to either genre. Graver seems uncertain in embracing the comedic elements meant to satirize horror as he attempts to build suspense through Malcolm's return home. The film often feels confused and tedious, with a narrative populated by unlikable characters tangled in outlandish situations. It includes a smattering of self-referential commentary aimed at elevating itself above typical genre fare, but ultimately feels like an attempt at profiting from the horror scene rather than a passionate embrace of it.

Despite this, "Trick or Treats" finds its niche as a Halloween oddity, replete with cult cameos and dialogue that vacillates between groan-worthy and chuckle-inducing. While it distinctly fails as a traditional slasher film, it offers an unexpected form of entertainment as a parody-like commentary on the genre. For those willing to appreciate its quirks, it reveals itself as a somewhat charming spoof that has amassed a dedicated following over time.

The recent Blu-ray release by Code Red compensates for the film's narrative shortcomings with a commendable audio/visual presentation and a generous compilation of special features, enough to satisfy ardent fans. Although not a must-see for casual viewers, it is certainly 'Worth A Look' for enthusiasts of cult cinema and those interested in the genre's evolution. Overall, "Trick or Treats" offers an experience that remains compelling only to specific audiences, but remains a unique footnote in the annals of horror-comedy cinema.