Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street" employs an AVC encoded 1080p image, maintaining the original 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The visual experience offers satisfactory levels of detail, particularly in the interview segments where skin textures and clothing exhibit ample detailing and realism. Nonetheless, certain interviews, notably those involving writer David Chaskin, suffer from dark settings that obscure finer details. Colors are vibrant, with a commendable reproduction of primaries such as reds and blues, contributing to an engaging visual narrative.

Shot primarily on HD video by a team including Julian Bernstein and co-director Tyler Jensen, the film skillfully integrates mixed-media elements, encompassing archival clips and fan footage. While the result is generally sharp and clean, aficionados will note a natural disparity in quality between contemporary footage and older archival material, which appears rougher. Despite this variation, colors consistently appear natural, and the overall contrast remains adequate given the limitations intrinsic to the original cinematography.

The filmmakers’ decision to predominantly use handheld cameras for convention scenes occasionally introduces a jarring effect; however, it serves to enhance the authentic documentary feel. As ETR Media brings this film to Blu-ray, viewers can appreciate a balanced presentation that honors the mixed-media approach while highlighting engaging hues and satisfactory delineation amidst the varied footage types. The occasional banding is present but doesn’t detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix of "Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street" offers an expertly crafted auditory experience that leans towards the frontal spectrum, ensuring that dialogue is delivered with precision and clarity. Interview segments prominently occupy the center and front channels, allowing the participants' voices to convey both crisp articulation and a nuanced emotional depth. This approach ensures that the focus remains on the engaging narrative, without overshadowing the overall auditory ambience of the documentary.

Supplementing the dialogue, the mix introduces a modest level of immersion through strategic use of the surround channels and LFE. The soundtrack selections and scoring cues are distinct, adding a dynamic layer to the film's atmosphere. These elements make subtle use of the surround sound capabilities, enhancing viewer engagement by providing a mild thump from the low-end, which complements the emotional and narrative beats of the film. For horror enthusiasts, this audio presentation effectively captures the eerie yet nostalgic essence of the genre while maintaining a balanced and inviting soundscape.

The Blu-Ray release of "Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street" boasts a comprehensive and varied suite of extras that provide rich insight into both the documentary’s production and broader horror film discourse. The standout is the audio commentary featuring co-directors Roman Chimienti, Tyler Jensen, and Mark Patton, which elucidates the project's evolution and underscores its deeply personal narrative. The extras collectively cater to both casual audiences and avid fans interested in deeper horror analysis. Engaging features like the "Fireside Chat" offer extended reflections from the original film's cast, while discussions such as "Femininity in the Horror Film" bring academic scrutiny to genre themes. These extras not only extend the film’s narrative but also provide a platform for critical considerations of queer representation and fandom within horror.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Co-directors Roman Chimienti and Tyler Jensen with Mark Patton.
• Backstage with Scream, Queen!: Behind-the-scenes moments with the crew.
• Bedtime Story: Mark Patton's tribute to Wes Craven.
• Fireside Chat: Discussion with director Jack Sholder and key actors.
• Split Second: Music video by Skeleton Head.
• Femininity in the Horror Film: Panel discussion on gender in horror.
• The Monster is Queer: Exploration of horror studies.
• The Psychic: Alternate opening scene.
• Commercial: Advertisement for the film’s soundtrack.
• Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Booklet: Essay by BJ Colangelo.

"Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street" is a captivating documentary by Roman Chimienti and Tyler Jensen that delves into the harrowing journey of Mark Patton, the star of "A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge." This film transcends typical horror retrospectives, narrowing its focus on Patton's life as he grapples with the repercussions of being typecast and ostracized due to his role in a film infamous for its gay overtones. The directors leverage Patton’s 2015 horror convention tour to deeply explore how his portrayal of Jesse became a source of mockery in the '80s Hollywood scene riddled with homophobia, ultimately leading him to vanish from the public eye and seek solace in Mexico.

Chimienti and Jensen use a documentary style that enables the audience to immerse themselves in Patton's personal evolution, highlighting his journey from a promising Broadway actor alongside Cher, through the period of concealment during the AIDS crisis, to his re-emergence in the horror community. Through exclusive interviews with fans, critics, and colleagues, as well as reflections on LGBTQ struggles within the entertainment industry, Patton becomes a poignant vessel of discovery and redemption, deeply connecting with individuals who now view "Freddy's Revenge" as a pivotal queer milestone.

The narrative is elevated through its examination of unresolved tensions, particularly between Patton and screenwriter David Chaskin, peeling back layers of Hollywood’s historical discomfort with queer narratives. Elements such as Patton’s unfaltering resolve and his establishment as an icon of queer horror resonate powerfully throughout, emphasizing not just the conflict but also the embrace Patton has received from modern audiences. "Scream, Queen!" meticulously captures this emotional complexity while advocating for a broader conversation about inclusivity and acceptance within genre filmmaking.

"Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street" is an insightful documentary that skillfully revisits the 1985 film "Freddy's Revenge," dissecting its evolution from an often overlooked sequel to a cult classic revered by gay audiences for its camp allure. The narrative is anchored in Mark Patton's personal and emotional odyssey, eloquently capturing his journey towards reconciling with the movie's legacy. The tension between Patton and screenwriter David Chaskin, who historically deflected blame onto Patton for the film’s muddled subtext, serves as a pivotal theme. The documentary utilizes this conflict to explore deeper themes of identity, culpability, and redemption, drawing viewers into an engaging and sometimes poignant confrontation.

The Blu-ray presentation offers a solid audiovisual experience, matched with a comprehensive set of bonus features, catering particularly to aficionados of horror and aficionados of the "Elm Street" franchise. This enhances the educational and entertainment value of the offering, making it not just a retelling but also a critical exploration of horror cinema's intersection with social issues. By paralleling "Scream, Queen!" with "Never Sleep Again," audiences receive a well-rounded perspective on Patton’s transformative journey, enriching their understanding of both the actor and his iconic yet controversial role.

In conclusion, "Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street" provides significant insights into horror cinema through the lens of representation and personal struggle. It stands as essential viewing for both fervent fans of the genre and those interested in queer cinema. This documentary not only underscores the importance of representation in media but also celebrates the resilience and voice of Mark Patton, offering closure and enlightening perspectives on past controversies.