Halloween Ends Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Halloween Ends" offers a commendable 1080p video presentation that, while not as striking as its 4K UHD counterpart, still provides a satisfying viewing experience. Colors remain warm and inviting, enhanced by slightly boosted contrast in outdoor scenes. Despite the overall high quality, there is a noticeable presence of color banding, particularly common in dark-lit sequences on Blu-rays. However, blacks are rendered deep and inky during night scenes, adding an atmospheric depth that complements the film's tone.

The transfer, though not the sharpest, maintains stability and clarity across various lighting conditions. The pervasive low-light scenes do exhibit some source noise, particularly in the film's opening, yet they do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The Blu-ray presents detailed images, allowing viewers to discern textures such as the wear on Myers' mask and the interiors of the Strode home. The gore is vividly presented, despite the subdued light in which much of it is showcased, with a particularly grotesque scene set in a radio station standing out.

While black levels display good depth and balance, naturally superior on the 4K edition, they remain more than adequate here, providing critical visual detail in the film's darker moments. The daylight sequences are a refreshing contrast, offering clear visuals with natural greenery and healthy skin tones. Overall, this Blu-ray edition presents a robust, detailed image without notable compression anomalies, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize visual quality in high-definition.

The audio presentation of the "Halloween Ends" Blu-ray is a commendable effort, highlighted by its impressive Dolby Atmos soundtrack. From the outset, the audio design meticulously crafts an engaging and immersive auditory experience that places you at the center of the suspense. The opening sequences, featuring Corey navigating through a house, leverage multichannel surround sound to draw listeners into the unfolding tension. The use of discrete audio elements is effective, intricately scattered across both the laterally positioned and surround-back speakers to enrich viewer engagement. Although the height channels are not fully utilized throughout, the overall spatial dynamics remain robust and compelling.

The film's score is seamlessly integrated into the Atmos mix, delivering a fluid and detailed musical backdrop that enhances the cinematic atmosphere. Bass performance in this presentation is noteworthy; it is substantial and powerful without overwhelming clarity. Dialogues remain consistently crisp, intelligible, and precisely positioned at the center channel, ensuring they are a focal point amid the dynamic soundscape. This well-balanced audio mix from Universal and Dolby contributes significantly to the film’s narrative tension and emotional depth, making it an exemplary audio experience that complements the film's visual intensity.

Detail-oriented professionals will appreciate the technical craftsmanship in this sound profile, which successfully captures the essence of horror through strategic sound immersion. Whether addressing atmospheric creaks, powerful slams, or meticulous scoring, each audio element works cohesively to maintain high engagement levels. This comprehensive approach to sound design underscores the film's commitment to providing an atmospheric and thrilling auditory experience, befitting its place in the storied "Halloween" franchise.

This Blu-ray release of "Halloween Ends" presents a robust collection of extras that will appeal to both die-hard fans and newcomers. The disc enriches the viewing experience with an array of deleted and extended scenes, exploring various narrative facets such as Michael’s ventures and community tensions in Haddonfield. Additionally, features like "Final Girl" provide an insightful retrospective on Jamie Lee Curtis' iconic role, while "Ending Halloween" serves as an analysis of the franchise's thematic culmination. Humorous interludes are offered via the gag reel, contrasting significantly with insightful pieces like "The Visions of Terror," delving into the film's aesthetic design. Technical insights are further provided through audio commentary from key members of the production team, enhancing the understanding of both narrative and technical executions within the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted and Extended Scenes: A series of cut scenes providing additional context.
• Final Girl: Reflecting on Jamie Lee Curtis' legacy and character arc.
• No Place Like Haddonfield: Investigating the film's setting and community influence.
• Gag Reel: Light-hearted moments from filming.
• Ending Halloween: Discussion on the franchise’s conclusion.
• A Different Threat: Examination of the new antagonist, Corey.
• The Visions of Terror: Insights into the trilogy’s visual design.
• Twisted Deaths: Behind-the-scenes on key kill scenes.
• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion with the director and cast members.

David Gordon Green's "Halloween Ends" presents a unique blend of homage and innovation as it attempts to wrap up a long-standing horror saga. This installment aims to revitalize Michael Myers's chilling presence by integrating a complex subplot with a new character, Corey Cunningham, who becomes entangled in Myers's legacy. Green explores the thematic elements of cyclical violence and societal scapegoating through Corey's inadvertent transformation into a figure resembling Myers himself. While this new narrative trajectory has garnered mixed reactions, it adds an intriguing layer of psychological horror, though some critics argue that the narrative fails to significantly evolve the franchise's universe. Jamie Lee Curtis returns as Laurie Strode, her final confrontation with Myers providing an engaging climactic sequence.

Set four years post-"Halloween Kills," the film delves predominantly into Corey's descent, sidestepping the franchise's traditional focus on Myers until the film's latter half. This shift has sparked controversy among viewers accustomed to the franchise's established formula. Corey's internal struggle and eventual alliance with Laurie’s granddaughter Allyson offer a fresh dynamic but may seem derivative to some, mirroring familiar fall-from-grace archetypes. The methodical pacing dedicates significant time to character development, which might detract from the immediacy typically expected in slasher films. Despite this, the film excels at moments of tension, particularly in scenes depicting Myers’s resurgence, which cleverly hint at a supernatural undertone without over-exposition.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation stands out with vibrant color grading and deep contrast levels, though it exhibits some minor color banding typical of the format. While not as visually striking as its 4K counterpart, it remains an impressive display for standard high-definition. With solid direction and a conclusion that ambitiously ties up loose narrative threads while leaving room for interpretation, "Halloween Ends" mixes tradition with novelty in a manner that is both contentious and commendable. Whether it signifies a definitive finale for Michael Myers or merely a pause remains to be seen, yet it concludes this trilogy on a note of tentative finality.

"Halloween Ends" represents a divisive culmination of the trilogy that will either enchant or irritate its audience. With a focus shift away from Michael Myers, the film offers a refreshing change, supported by a standout cast and engaging narrative twists. The kills are creatively executed, and the conclusion, while not as groundbreaking as the preceding film's ending, provides a satisfying wrap to this chapter. Universal’s Blu-ray delivers commendable clarity and detail in its video presentation, though the 4K UHD version eclipses it in terms of visual fidelity. Nonetheless, the standard Blu-ray remains a rewarding experience.

On the technical front, the disc features a professionally mastered 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio, along with immersive audio options including Dolby Atmos and Dolby TrueHD 7.1. The additional Spanish DD Plus 7.1 and French DD 5.1 audio tracks enhance accessibility, complemented by comprehensive subtitle options in English, Spanish, and French. Directed by David Gordon Green, with notable performances from Jamie Lee Curtis and Andi Matichak, the film sustains its viewers' interest throughout its 107-minute runtime.

In conclusion, "Halloween Ends" is a movie characterized by its polarized reception but remains a worthwhile watch, especially for enthusiasts of the franchise. Its technical execution on Blu-ray is impressive, featuring high-quality audio and video performance that enhances the cinematic experience. While it possesses elements of unfulfilled potential, it is ultimately an entertaining endeavor that fans might appreciate for closing this particular narrative arc. Recommended for those seeking an engaging yet contemplative thriller experience.