Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" on Blu-ray delivers a satisfactory yet underwhelming 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode, maintaining its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. It stands as an improvement over its standard-def counterpart, offering better overall definition and clarity. Daylight scenes exhibit decent sharpness and pleasing textures, most notably in the detailed pavements and brickwork glimpses during the ambulance crash scene. However, the bulk of the film occurs in darker settings where the image falls flat, revealing limited texture and detail. Faces appear somewhat pasty and unnatural, failing to offer more than general complexity.

The film retains a thinly-layered grain structure, imparting a film-like quality, though this doesn’t enhance details significantly. Colors are generally dull, with occasional brighter scenes providing fair but not vibrant hues. Black levels fluctuate, at times appearing slightly washed out, while contrast is mediocre with noticeable blooming in highlights and some noise in the whites. Despite these issues, the color palette remains bold and accurately rendered in many instances. However, scattered pops and scratches along with fluctuating flesh tones – appearing from natural to noticeably pink – detract from an otherwise serviceable upgrade from DVD.

Ultimately, while "Halloween 4" benefits from an increment in stability and resolution in daytime exteriors, its darker segments struggle to provide satisfactory depth and detail. The presentation's general boost in stability is evident but ultimately does not exceed beyond what one might expect from a respectable DVD release. This Blu-ray iteration presents a merely passable if competent improvement for fans hungry for an upgrade in visual fidelity.

The audio presentation of "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" on Blu-ray, featuring a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, leaves much to be desired. Although the iconic theme music manages to offer some spatial distribution with decently crisp highs and a fair low-end accompaniment, the remainder of the track is underwhelming. Ambient effects, such as the wind and initial haunting sounds, set an appropriate mood but suffer from a lack of vitality and clear spacing. Early scenes, including the moving ambulance, pass through the soundstage with minimal impact. Subsequent scenes at the sanitarium show potential with some immersive moments from drifting screams and moans, but these are rare highlights.

Dynamic range in this audio mix is notably weak, resulting in an overall flat sound quality that lacks movement between frequencies. Gunshots and explosions, crucial for tension building in a horror film, fall short with scant acoustical detail in the upper ranges and are devoid of a satisfying low-end punch. Unfortunately, this also detracts from the potency of the film's signature music score. The lossless mix remains predominantly front-focused, which provides a broad auditory image and ensures dialogue remains centered and clear. However, this focused sound design also contributes to an overall sterile and bland auditory experience.

In summary, the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track for "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" might align with basic expectations but will likely disappoint both audiophiles and casual viewers alike due to its lack of dynamic range, energy, and immersive quality. The soundtrack's few strengths are overshadowed by its pervasive shortcomings, making it a rather forgettable offering in the Blu-ray presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" includes a substantial supplemental package primarily highlighted by two audio commentary tracks and supplemented by a discussion panel and the original theatrical trailer. The first commentary, featuring Director Dwight H. Little and Author Justin Beahm, expertly navigates through various facets of the film, encompassing plot intricacies, casting choices, filming locations, character development, and script variations, offering an engaging and informative experience for fans. The second commentary involves actors Ellie Cornell and Danielle Harris, delivering a lighter, anecdotal commentary filled with behind-the-scenes stories and reflections on the broader "Halloween" universe. Both tracks cater to different interests, making this disc a versatile addition to any fan's collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Dwight H. Little and Author Justin Beahm provide a detailed and engaging discussion on various aspects of the film.
• Audio Commentary: Actors Ellie Cornell and Danielle Harris offer a lighthearted, anecdotal commentary about their experiences.
• Halloween 4/5 Discussion Panel: Discussion featuring Danielle Harris, Kathleen Kinmont, Sasha Jenson, and Jeffrey Landman from the H25 Convention answering audience questions.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original theatrical preview of "Halloween 4."

Halloween 4: A Return to Form with Familiar Faces

Bold it, highlight it, paint it in letters three-foot-high: Michael Myers is back. Producer Moustapha Akkad smartly reintroduced the topic of Halloween to its core roots following the disappointing reception of Halloween III. The story resumes with Michael Myers' escape from the Ridgemont Federal Sanitarium and his inevitable bloodlust reigniting on a dark Halloween night in Haddonfield. The film centers around Jamie Lloyd (Danielle Harris), his niece, terrorized by Myers' hallucinations. Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) returns as the disfigured yet determined psychiatrist, fueling a nostalgic runtime that reconnects fans to the original scare fest. Dwight H. Little directs with a nod to Carpenter's eerie atmosphere, showcasing Myers' menacing presence and sinister slow-paced pursuit.

While Halloween 4 does not reinvent the slasher genre, it effectively harks back to the formula that made the original a classic. The movie diligently follows the Halloween horror tradition with its "hunt and hack" premise but introduces new elements: Jamie Lloyd's involvement and the small-town camaraderie against the threat. Danielle Harris convincingly portrays a frightened child, while Pleasence seamlessly revives his frantic quest to vanquish Myers. However, the secondary characters lack depth, leading to emotionally detached kill scenes. Despite some slow pacing issues, especially in the initial acts, the final sequences deliver electrifying suspense.

Technically, the film holds up well with good photography and maintains Carpenter's iconic theme music. The plot cleverly bridges parts two and four, tactically ignoring the third film. While some narrative gaps exist, particularly around Jamie’s backstory, Halloween 4 stakes its claim as a competent sequel in its straightforward approach and atmospheric homage to its predecessor. It paves the way for subsequent films in the franchise, cementing Michael Myers' fearful legacy while delighting fans with familiar chills and thrills.

"Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" marks a pivotal return to form after the series' departure towards odd narratives with 'Halloween III.' This installment, featuring Danielle Harris as Michael Myer's niece and the reliable presence of Dr. Loomis, re-establishes the core Halloween mythos. The film's narrative—Michael stalking victims in Haddonfield on Halloween night—is both fresh and familiar, introducing new characters while staying true to the franchise's roots. Despite being less grisly and containing some superfluous elements, it stands as a solid entry and a worthy continuation of the franchise's legacy.

The Blu-ray release of Halloween 4 by Anchor Bay is a mixed bag. While the audio and video quality boasts improvements over previous editions, the transfer is still somewhat underwhelming by today's high-definition standards. Fans will find the re-mastered visuals and sound passable but not exceptional. The bonus material remains largely unchanged from prior releases, with only a single new addition, limiting its appeal for those seeking comprehensive behind-the-scenes content or new insights.

In conclusion, "Halloween 4" may not be the pinnacle of the series, but it represents a commendable effort to recapture the essence of Michael Myers. The film's blend of fresh elements and familiar themes makes it both engaging and nostalgic for fans. However, the Blu-ray’s so-so transfer and relatively unchanged extras make it a tentative recommendation. Devoted fans and completists might find it worth purchasing, especially at a reduced price, while others might prefer renting or keeping their existing DVDs.