Halloween 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 72
from 6 reviewers
Review Date:
Halloween (2018) revamps Meyers and Strode's saga with solid 4K but scant extras.
Disc Release Date
2K Upscale
HDR10
DTS:X
DTS-HD MA
Video: 77
Halloween's 4K UHD release offers an honest, albeit modest upgrade, with richer HDR colors and sharper details, but maintains a restrained, natural aesthetic consistent with its digital cinematography origins.
Audio: 77
Halloween's DTS:X soundtrack shines with its score and immersive atmosphere, though it underuses overhead channels and lacks low-end punch, making for a solid but not groundbreaking audio experience.
Extra: 53
Both UHD and Blu-ray of Halloween include brief extras like making-ofs, insights on Jamie Lee Curtis's evolution, the iconic mask, and the film's score; striking a balance between homage and update.
Movie: 73
40 years post the iconic '78 Halloween, Laurie's ready for Michael's return, igniting a brutal showdown and reviving the slasher essence with homage to the original.
Video: 77
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Halloween" offers a mixed yet overall positive upgrade from its 1080p counterpart, leveraging its source's technical strengths while facing the inherent limitations of its digital-to-digital transfer. Shot using Arri Alexa Mini and SXT cameras at a native resolution of 2.8K and subsequently finished as a 2K Digital Intermediate, the film is presented here in an up-scaled 3840 x 2160p resolution on a BD-66 disc, coupling the added sharpness of 4K with the expanded color palette and dynamic range promised by HDR10 encoding. Despite this being an upscale rather than a native 4K presentation, viewers can expect modest improvements in detail, notably in close-ups where skin textures, fabric weaves, and environmental minutiae—such as the eerie detailing on Michael Myers’ mask—benefit from increased clarity and definition. This uptick in detail is complemented by the Wide Color Gamut (WCG) and High Dynamic Range (HDR), which together enrich the film's color fidelity—rendering deeper and more lifelike skin tones, intensified primary colors, and enhanced night scenes with more nuanced shadow details and robust black levels.
The improvements offered by the UHD version notably extend to color reproduction and contrast. Colors are both more natural in their appearance and more vibrant when necessary, a testament to the enhanced capabilities of HDR. The natural greens of suburban foliage, the vivid oranges of Halloween pumpkins, and the stark reds and blues of emergency vehicle lights are rendered with a richness that far surpasses the Blu-ray edition. The black levels are particularly noteworthy, deep and absorbing without sacrificing detail in darker scenes, though there are minor instances where blacks could verge on grey, slightly detracting from the otherwise consistent depth of field. In tandem with these advancements in color and contrast, the HDR enhances ambient lighting and specular highlights, offering a visually compelling experience despite occasional softness and mild aliasing along sharp edges—a negligible compromise given the marked improvements in overall image quality.
The video transfer remains remarkably clean across its runtime, free from noise or other common artifacts, which speaks to the meticulous care taken in preparing this release. The deliberate stylistic choices in cinematography, paying homage to the film's analog origins while embracing modern digital filmmaking techniques, are well-served by this 4K presentation. The color grading slightly leans towards earthy tones, especially notable during pivotal moments at Laurie's fortress-like home, adding an emotional depth to the visuals that enhances the narrative tension. In conclusion, while not an earth-shattering leap over its Blu-ray counterpart in every aspect, the 4K UHD rendition of "Halloween" stands out for its refined detail, richer colors, and more dynamic contrast—qualities that fans of the franchise and newcomers alike will appreciate for an immersive viewing experience.
Audio: 77
The DTS:X audio mix for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Halloween" provides an intricately balanced and immersive sonic experience, albeit with limitations in fully utilizing its overhead channels and low-frequency effects. Dialogue is pristinely clear, anchored strongly in the frontal soundscape, with nuanced directional efforts adding a layer of realism—various sound effects, from Michael Myers' unnerving footsteps to the revving of engines, distribute well across the left to right spectrum, though the vertical and rear auditory envelopment feels less pronounced. Despite these constraints, ambient sounds and music tracks, particularly John Carpenter's iconic score, benefit from a spaciousness that enhances the film's tension and atmosphere. The score's updated rendition reverberates through the soundstage, utilizing the surround channels effectively to deliver its chilling notes, though its presence is predominantly stronger at the ear level than in the overhead domain.
The low-frequency channel operates satisfactorily, supporting key moments like the powerful roar of an engine or the ominous thud of footsteps, yet lacks the robust impact during gunshots or more explosive scenes that could have further elevated the intensity. Musical elements and sound design are the stars of this audio presentation, weaving Carpenter's foreboding themes with strategic silence and ambient noise to ratchet up suspense or provide relief. This careful balance creates a sound field that is both engaging and reflective of the film’s darker tone. Surround channels are energetically employed during sequences of heightened activity—trick-or-treating children, tense confrontations, and the climactic finale—drawing the listener into a more enveloping experience. However, opportunities to leverage this immersion through atmospheric uses of the overhead channels are sparingly executed, with notable occasions like shadows passing or environmental noises adding some depth but leaving one wanting more.
Though it doesn’t push the boundaries of object-based sonic landscapes as aggressively as other titles in the genre, "Halloween's" audio mix offers a rich detail and clarity that respectably complements the visual terror unfolding on screen. The design meticulously prioritizes vocal clarity without sacrificing the surrounding acoustic environment, creating a wide and expansive image that excels in translating the movie’s suspenseful and eerie atmosphere. The score's integration is particularly commendable, lightly extending into the overhead space for an almost tangible experience of Carpenter's haunting melodies. Nevertheless, while delivering an adequately forceful impact during action-heavy scenes, the bass presence could benefit from greater potency to match the onscreen horror more closely. The overall soundfield effectively immerses viewers in Michael Myers’ haunting return, relying heavily on well-executed surround sound performance rather than fully exploiting the vertical dimension or achieving a thunderous low-end response.
Extras: 53
The 4K UHD release of "Halloween" enriches the home cinema experience not only with its main feature presentation but also through a comprehensive suite of extras, ensuring no fan feels shortchanged. Harnessing both the UHD and the Blu-ray discs, the collection brings forward a satisfying blend of behind-the-scenes insights and extended content, albeit with a shared sentiment about the brevity of the special features. The inclusion of deleted and extended scenes totaling over twelve minutes adds depth to the narrative, offering glimpses into what could have been. Among the more notable inclusions are the succinct yet impactful insights into the making of the film, John Carpenter's musical genius, the evolution of Jamie Lee Curtis's iconic character, and the visual and thematic significance of the mask's design. However, despite these rich inclusions, the overall conciseness of the featurettes leaves a lingering hunger for more expansive coverage on the movie's craft and legacy. The collection does manage to weave a narrative thread that connects new interpretations with cherished original elements, cementing "Halloween's" legacy for both new audiences and diehard fans, while also providing a digital copy to accommodate modern viewing habits.
Extras included in this disc:
- Deleted/Extended Scenes: Diverse scenes adding depth to the plot.
- Back in Haddonfield: Making Halloween: Insight into the film's creation and respect for the original.
- The Original Scream Queen: Spotlight on Jamie Lee Curtis's evolution.
- The Sound of Fear: A dive into the film's score guided by Carpenter and company.
- Journey of the Mask: Exploring the iconic mask's design and impact.
- The Legacy of Halloween: Roundtable discussion with key figures on the film's significance.
Movie: 73
David Gordon Green's 2018 rendition of "Halloween" revisits the terror that gripped Haddonfield forty years ago, with a clarity and intensity befitting the advancements in cinematic technology since John Carpenter's original. By directly linking to the 1978 classic while discarding the narrative convolutions of subsequent entries, Green's film achieves a purity of suspense and horror. Its 4K UHD presentation on Blu-ray not only elevates the visual and auditory experience but emphasizes the thematic depth of Laurie Strode’s decades-long ordeal.
The movie reinstates Michael Myers as an emblem of pure evil, unburdened by the tangled lore that later sequels attempted to construct around him. This approach, backed by Jamie Lee Curtis's powerful reprisal as Laurie, allows for a study in contrast: a killer devoid of motive against a survivor braced for vengeance. Their dynamic, enriched by generational trauma affecting Laurie's family, injects a profound layer to this bloody chess match. Laurie's transformation from victim to vigilante is depicted with grit and realism, highlighting her psychological resilience and preparedness for the inevitable confrontation with her tormentor. The movie's deliberate pacing and tension-building are remarkable, guiding us through a Haddonfield that is at once familiar and freshly menacing.
Technically, the film dazzles in 4K, with its autumnal hues and shadow-draped shots of suburban dread rendered with sterling clarity. Carpenter's updated score resonates more deeply in this format, intertwining nostalgia with a renewed sense of foreboding. Despite some narrative missteps—like the underdeveloped subplot involving Dr. Sartain—the cinematography and carefully orchestrated scares pay homage to the original while carving out its own identity. In essence, Green’s "Halloween" serves both as a potent sequel and a technological showcase, reminding viewers why this franchise remains a pillar of the horror genre.
Total: 72
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Halloween" (2018) stands as a commemorative addition for fans, presenting a significant upgrade over its Blu-ray counterpart, mainly through its enhanced visual and auditory experiences. The film, ambitiously directed by David Gordon Green, marks a revered return to the roots of the franchise by effectively ignoring the convoluted storylines that followed the original 1978 classic. In this direct sequel, Green revives not only the terrifying presence of Michael Myers but also amplifies Laurie Strode’s character, portrayed once again by Jamie Lee Curtis, into a survivalist figure still haunted by the events of the past. The narrative, while innovative in its attempt to redefine the iconic feud and pay tribute to John Carpenter's creation, treads cautiously around altering the franchise's foundational elements – a decision that lends safety but at the expense of groundbreaking evolution.
The technical presentation of this Ultra HD release has been noted for its excellent 4K HDR10 visuals, providing a noticeable improvement over standard Blu-ray through enriched color dynamics and heightened detail, courtesy of WGC and HDR enhancements. The audio experience is complemented by an invigorating DTS:X track that excels in immersing viewers into the eerie ambiance of Haddonfield, albeit with slight limitations in bass and the underuse of overhead channels. However, one consistent critique among enthusiasts pertains to the relatively meager array of bonus content, which lacks depth and fails to substantially contribute to the disc's overall value.
In conclusion, while the "Halloween" 4K UHD Blu-ray succeeds in rejuvenating an esteemed horror saga with commendable audiovisual upgrades, it falls short in delivering a comprehensive package that extends beyond the main feature. The film itself is celebrated for its homage to Carpenter's original and for providing a solid, though somewhat reserved, advancement of Laurie Strode’s and Michael Myers' legacy. Despite these achievements and the tangible improvements in video and audio quality, the sparse and uninspiring selection of extras leaves a coveted opportunity for deeper engagement with the franchise’s revival unfulfilled. Enthusiasts eager to experience the sheer visual and auditory enhancements will find this release worthwhile, yet may yearn for a more robust commemoration of Michael Myer's latest return.
avforums review by Simon CrustRead review here
Video: 80
A clean, bright but not an exceptional upgrade The WGC and HDR are an improvement over the Blu-ray, though, with a far richer yet more natural pallet; so that lawns and bushes are a denser green, the oranges...
Audio: 80
Bass is ok, and used to fill out much of the score, and some of the effects, but not to the extent you might expect, gunshots for example seem a tad weak, though engines and stabbings do have a satisfying...
Extras: 40
Back in Haddonfield: Making Halloween – Ridiculously short 6 minute feature on this new interpretation of the original film, covers characters new and old, and updating for a new audience....
Movie: 80
Instead, tonight’s feature ignores everything that has gone before, to be a standalone sequel to the original film, released 40 years later, and the result is sometimes great, sometimes contrived and sometimes...
Total: 80
The DTS: X surround track is organic and well detailed even if the effects are rather kept all on one plane, with the overhead channels being used somewhat sparingly to enhance the surround field....
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 80
Clarity and fine details enjoy a small boost over the Blu-ray, leaving environments, faces, and objects with a little more definition than the 1080p image can produce....
Audio: 90
The front left and right channels carry the bulk while the back channels, and the overheads, for that matter, offer a complimentary fill that does not absolutely immerse the listener into the score but...
Extras: 80
The Legacy of Halloween (2160p, SDR, 4:24): Jamie Lee Curtis, John Carpenter, David Gordon Green, and Jason Blum sit down for a brief chat about making the film, the original film's staying power, returning...
Movie: 70
Green chooses to ultimately ignore it, to tease, and settle for snapping the film and the audience back into routine, which includes a plodding and methodical middle stretch as Michael randomly kills a...
Total: 50
Instead, Director David Gordon Green is content to build a movie that is well made and a worthy successor to the original but one that doesn't allow the apple to fall too far from the tree....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
That gives Halloween an eerie, softer appearance, along with a vintage aesthetic from the digital source....
Audio: 80
Surrounds fill in the soundstage with screeching kids, piling on the energy around a stationary Meyers....
Extras: 60
The Sound of Fear is the best of this lot, looking into the score’s composition with John Carpenter and his son....
Movie: 80
It’s more important for this Halloween to use Michael for his irrational instability, and his stalking, composed method....
Total: 75
A smart and necessary follow-up to the 1978 original, Halloween reestablishes Michael Meyers but more importantly, Laurie Strode....
High-Def Digest review by M. Enois DuarteRead review here
Video: 80
However, there is the occasional instance of softness and some very mild aliasing along the sharpest edges....
Audio: 80
Without a doubt, the design's greatest and most thrilling aspect is the franchise's memorable score, which lightly bleeds into the front heights for a wholly satisfying and highly-engaging half-dome wall...
Extras: 20
Back in Haddonfield (HD, 6 min): An EPK-like piece on the making of the production with cast & crew interviews on the characters, the action and various other aspects....
Movie: 80
Hearing the franchise's signature music playing in the background once again, which included the involvement of Carpenter, is enough to make loyal fans giddy with excitement, but the plot about a past...
Total: 70
David Gordon Green's Halloween successfully reignites a renewed interest in a tired franchise by not only returning the series back to its roots but also retconning the mythos surrounding the iconic killing...
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 94
Halloween generally adheres to relatively cooler chromatic schemes, with the exception of sequences that call for richer color to provide thematic emphasis, which doesn't make for especially eye-catching...
Audio: 90
There are many instances that show off the track’s thematic blend of music, weapon fire and smaller object sounds that create a wonderfully involving listening experience, that broadens the soundstage....
Extras: 80
Along • Back in Haddonfield: Making Halloween • The Original Scream Queen • The Sound of Fear • Journey of the Mask • The Legacy of Halloween Digital Copy...
Movie: 60
“Forty years after the events of 1978’s Halloween, Laurie Strode (Curtis) now lives in a heavily guarded home on the edge of Haddonfield, where she’s spent decades preparing for Michael’s potential return....
Total: 81
It comes to Blu-ray from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment in this Ultra HD Combo Pack that features excellent overall image quality, terrific lossless surround sound, including an invigorating DTS:X...
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 90
There is some terrific spacing here and the camera movements come across quite confident and move with a real smoothness to them....
Audio: 80
John Carpenter’s score really feel free to move around more than anything else in this mix and is loving balanced and displayed, really adding to a lot of the film....
Extras: 40
The Sound Of Fear (HD, 3:19) – Probably the best and most in-depth any of the featurettes get, this shows Carpenter, his son Cody and Daniel Davies working on the score for the film....
Movie: 70
As a longtime fanatic of the series, the amount of referencing almost becomes a bit of a distraction when watching the film, and suddenly one’s mind is wondering its Halloween mental file catalog to put...
Total: 70
The bonus materials here are where the release lets you down, though, as they are pretty weak and very “promo-esque” in their quick keyword hits and adding only generic thoughts to the making of the film....
Director: David Gordon Green
Actors: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak
PlotForty years after a Halloween night massacre in Haddonfield, Illinois, the lone survivor of the killing spree, Laurie Strode, is living a life of isolation and vigilance, preparing for the potential escape of the masked murderer, Michael Myers, from his confinement in a mental institution. Haunted by the trauma, Laurie has alienated her daughter, Karen, who struggles with her mother's obsession and has attempted to live a normal life with her own daughter, Allyson. As Haddonfield prepares for another Halloween, two investigative journalists visit Myers in the institution, hoping to understand the silent killer before his imminent transfer to a maximum-security prison.
On the eve of his transfer, Myers escapes when the prison bus crashes, prompting an intense manhunt. The obsessed Laurie, whose warnings have been ignored by the community, takes action to protect herself and her family. Her fears are realized as Myers returns to Haddonfield, leaving a trail of terror in his hunt for new victims. Amidst the chaos of Halloween festivities, Laurie must confront her lifelong nemesis in a final struggle to end the nightmare that has consumed her life, while her estranged daughter Karen and granddaughter Allyson are drawn into the horrifying ordeal as they try to survive the relentless threat.
Writers: John Carpenter, Debra Hill, Jeff Fradley
Release Date: 19 Oct 2018
Runtime: 106 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English