The Funhouse Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory's new Scream! Factory label presents "The Funhouse" on Blu-ray with a surprisingly excellent 1080p high definition/AVC MPEG-4 transfer, preserving the film's original widescreen aspect ratio. The presentation boasts sharp, film-like details with a pleasant, natural grain that maintains its cinematic texture. Fine details on costumes, the carnival's exterior, and the dark haunted ride are resilient and well-defined. Natural facial complexions expose the tiniest blemishes, stubble, and pores, asserting the fidelity of the image. Despite occasional softer shots, blurry edges, and smudgy details, the transfer remains faithful to the film’s intent.

Colors are particularly impressive, offering vibrant splashes from bright yellows to vivid blues, which bring the carnival's scenery to life. Reds and blues are richly saturated without appearing exaggerated. The transfer handles the movie's myriad of deep, ominous shadows adeptly, with inky rich blacks throughout. However, there are instances where blacks may appear slightly pale in what is a predominantly dark movie. The contrast is vivid and bright but managed carefully to avoid visible artifacts. Additionally, scattered white speckles and random vertical lines are minimal and do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray transfer of "The Funhouse" stands out as a visually stunning enhancement of a cult horror classic. With pleasing depth of field and a balanced color palette, this edition provides an appreciation for both the film’s visual fidelity and authentic texture, ensuring it looks better than ever for home video enthusiasts.

"The Funhouse" Blu-ray audio presentation provides two listening options: DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless surround and a 2.0 stereo track, each with its own attributes. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 offers an immersive carnival soundscape, fully utilizing the entire soundstage. Notably, the opening title music delivers clarity and an engaging live performance feel, while the carnival's ambiance—with its games, barkers, and crowds—pervasively fills the listening environment. This track features potent sound effects, such as the booming thunder in haunted house scenes and mechanical effects, establishing a crucial surround presence. Bass is deep and aggressive but balanced, and dialogue remains clear, albeit slightly muffled through carnival speakers for authenticity.

In contrast, the 2.0 stereo mix emerges as a superior choice for audio purists. This track provides a better sense of presence and fidelity, ensuring crystal-clear dialogue and a more convincing front soundstage. Notably, John Beal's musical score benefits from sharply-rendered dynamics, offering excellent range and differentiation. While some conversations may be mildly overshadowed by louder sequences, the overall experience remains lively and engaging with discrete background activity. Adequate low bass enriches the soundtrack's depth without overwhelming the listener.

Both audio options bring unique qualities to the film. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track excels in environmental immersion and dynamic sound effects, while the 2.0 stereo mix offers a more focused and clear audio experience suitable for listeners seeking greater fidelity and balance.

The extras packed into the latest Blu-ray release of "The Funhouse" offer a compelling and insightful journey into the making of this horror classic. The inclusion of a new audio commentary with Director Tobe Hooper and Moderator/Filmmaker Tim Sullivan stands out, brimming with information on Hooper's career, the intricacies of the shoot, and his inspirations. Fans will appreciate the engaging interviews with key contributors like actor Kevin Conway, Executive Producer Mark L. Lester, and composer John Beal. These interviews delve into their unique experiences and contributions to the film. Additionally, the disc includes valuable content like deleted scenes added for network television, the original trailer, TV and radio spots, and a brief audio interview with the late actor William Finley. Collectively, these elements enrich the viewing experience, providing fans with a deeper understanding of "The Funhouse."

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An insightful track with Director Tobe Hooper and Moderator Tim Sullivan.
• The Barker Speaks!: Interview with actor Kevin Conway.
• Something Wicked This Way Comes: Interview with Executive Producer Mark L. Lester.
• Carnival Music: Interview with composer John Beal.
• Audio Interview with Actor William Finley: Clip from a 2005 interview.
• Deleted Scenes: Scenes added for network television broadcast.
• TV and Radio Spots: Collection of original promotional content.
• The Funhouse Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Reversible Cover Art

Tobe Hooper’s 1981 cult classic "The Funhouse" is an engaging foray into the fusion of classic monster movies and 1980s slasher elements. The film smartly capitalizes on creating an unsettling carnival atmosphere filled with quirky and creepy background characters, including an eerie vagrant and a cackling old bag lady. The story follows Amy (Elizabeth Berridge), her boyfriend Buzz (Cooper Huckabee), and their friends as they navigate the dark allure of a carnival, only to become unwitting witnesses to a murder. Hooper's direction excels in building tension, particularly in a memorable homage-packed opening scene that nods to the likes of "Halloween" and "Psycho," setting the tone for a grim spiral into a night of terror.

While "The Funhouse" suffers from uninspiring character development and dialogue, it compensates with its atmospheric prowess and unique creature design. The film avoids over-reliance on gore, opting instead to reinforce its horror elements through mood and detailed production design. The deformed boogeyman and the creepy carnival settings are remarkably well-executed, lending the film a dark charm that is both fascinating and terrifying. Hooper's meticulous focus on creating an eerie ambiance rather than indulging in gratuitous violence adds to the movie's lasting appeal. Overall, "The Funhouse" may not reach the heights of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," but it remains a fun, macabre horror experience, bolstered by effective scare tactics and a vividly realized setting.

"The Funhouse" is an exemplary entry in the 1980s horror genre, combining elements of slasher films with the atmospheric tension of a classic monster movie. Directed by Tobe Hooper, it follows the suspenseful journey of teenage victims entangled in a nightmarish scenario. The film is both a nostalgic tribute to earlier horror staples and a creative exhibition of suspense wrapped in a rich, moody ambiance. Despite some dated elements and its relatively tame approach by today's standards, "The Funhouse" excels with its tight runtime and unwavering atmospheric depth. The excellent direction ensures the movie remains compelling from start to finish.

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release of "The Funhouse" underscores the film's enduring appeal with a high-quality video transfer that does justice to Hooper's stylish cinematography. The added clarity sharpens every tense moment and vivid scene, enhancing the overall horror experience. The audio receives significant upgrades, with the 2.0 stereo mix offering a marked improvement over previous releases, ensuring dialogue and sound effects come through crisp and clear. The supplementary material is both informative and engaging, catering well to dedicated fans and collectors alike. This collector’s edition represents an essential viewing experience for both new viewers and longtime enthusiasts of the genre.

In conclusion, "The Funhouse" isn't a traditional 1980s slasher but blends teenage victim tropes with a delightfully eerie, classic monster flick atmosphere. It impresses throughout its runtime, thanks to its great atmosphere and skilled direction. Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release features exceptional video, robust audio, and an array of worthwhile extra content. This package is highly recommended for fans of the genre and stands as a must-own for enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded, enhanced home viewing experience.