Child's Play Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Child's Play" from Scream Factory boasts an impressive 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode, derived from a 2K resolution scan of the interpositive, presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This transfer marks a substantial upgrade over the prior 2009 MGM release. The video quality is much improved, offering remarkable detail, especially in textures and fabric, such as the stitching on the Good Guy doll's outfit and the stone bricks of the Barclay's apartment building. The improved detail and vibrant palette make for a visually engaging presentation.

The color saturation has notably benefitted from this remaster, with primary colors appearing particularly vivid and richly saturated. While the image tends to be brighter than its predecessor, it achieves a good balance without sacrificing brightness for detail. However, the black levels show some inconsistency, appearing occasionally flat and murky, though objects in darker scenes still maintain visibility with reasonably good depth in nighttime exteriors. The variances in grain structure and clarity noted in previous releases are less pronounced here, offering a more uniform film-like quality.

Despite some moments of softness and resolution dips due to the optical photography inherent in the original film, this new transfer provides a much more stable and compelling viewing experience. The overall presentation is slightly darker and warmer compared to the MGM version, which lends a more cohesive appearance to flesh tones and other nuanced details, even if occasional cooler variances are observed. These enhancements make this Blu-ray release a definite upgrade, highlighting Scream Factory's commitment to better compression and superior video quality.

The Scream Factory’s Collector’s Edition release of "Child's Play" impresses with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that brings a chillingly immersive audio experience to home viewers. The sound design effectively utilizes the surround channels, particularly during sequences featuring Chucky's menacing footsteps, enhancing the film's tension with subtle, anxiety-inducing effects. Low-frequency effects are judiciously employed, providing impactful booms and startle effects without overwhelming the soundstage. Dialogue remains clean and well-prioritized throughout, ensuring clarity even when gunshots or other sudden noises punctuate scenes.

The 5.1 track predominantly operates through the front speakers but includes notable ambient activity and effective directionality that support an enveloping audio environment. Instances such as thunder and bullet ricochets enhance the film’s atmospheric immersion, reinforcing the eerie tone without overpowering the central action. While dynamics do not stretch to extreme levels, they maintain a clean, well-defined delivery, ensuring that low-end activity enriches the viewing experience without overshadowing the crucial dialogue.

Complementing this is a stereo 2.0 DTS-HD track which stays true to the original sound design, offering a more compact but equally clear presentation. Although more purists might prefer this track for its faithfulness, the 5.1 mix edges out due to its enveloping ambience and the additional creepy dimension it lends to Chucky’s movements. Both tracks ensure that "Child's Play" sounds better than ever before, with subtitles in English SDH available to assist those in need of textual support. This release clearly sets a new benchmark for the film’s audiovisual presentation on home video.

The Blu Ray Extras for "Child's Play" provide an extensive and engaging deep dive into the making of this classic horror film. The three robust audio commentaries offer diverse insights, from director Tom Holland's anecdotes and technical observations to producer David Kirschner and screenwriter Don Mancini's candid discussions on creative decisions, including grappling with the film's more fantastical elements. Notably, the "Chucky Commentaries on Select Scenes" delivers a unique perspective, featuring Brad Dourif in character as Chucky dissecting his notorious kills. The second disc is loaded with valuable material, including behind-the-scenes footage showcasing the creation of Chucky from VHS-sourced recordings, in-depth interviews with special effects maestro Howard Berger and actor Ed Gale. Comprehensive featurettes like "Evil Comes in Small Packages" provide a layered exploration of the film's conception, production, and iconic status.

Extras included in this disc:

• New Audio Commentary with Director Tom Holland: Anecdotes about the shoot.
• Audio Commentary with Actors Alex Vincent and Catherine Hicks and Chucky Designer Kevin Yagher
• Audio Commentary with Producer David Kirschner and Screenwriter Don Mancini
• Chucky Commentaries on Select Scenes
• Making Chucky
• Behind the Scenes Special Effects Footage: Fabrication of Chucky and SFX elements.
• Howard Berger: Your Special Effects Friend til the End: Interview with Berger about molds for the dolls and Chucky's gait.
• Life Behind the Mask: Being Chucky: Interview with Ed Gale, performer behind Chucky.
• Featurettes
  • Evil Comes in Small Packages: Archival look at production history.
  • Chucky: Building a Nightmare: Design and animatronics insights.
  • A Monster Convention: Panel discussion from Monster Mania 2007.
  • Introducing Chucky: The Making of Child's Play: Look at puppet animation techniques.
  • Vintage Featurette: Production snippets and behind-the-scenes looks.
• More Child's Play
  • TV Spot
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery
  • Posters and Lobby Cards Photo Gallery

"Child's Play" (1988) introduced the world to Chucky, a doll uniquely animated by the soul of serial killer Charles Lee Ray, portrayed with memorable fervor by Brad Dourif. Its eerie premise, while undeniably outlandish, sets it apart from earlier killer doll narratives such as "Trilogy of Terror" and "Twilight Zone’s Living Doll," by explicitly explaining the supernatural mechanism behind the doll's malevolent actions. The film, directed by Tom Holland, effectively harnesses suspense and dark shadows, producing a palpable creepiness even if the premise sometimes skews towards silliness.

The cast performances elevate the absurdity to a disturbing level of believability. Dourif’s voice work injects Chucky with a sinister charisma, balancing horror and morbid humor that has become iconic within the genre. Catherine Hicks, playing the unwitting mother Karen Barclay, delivers a convincingly emotive performance, while Chris Sarandon, as detective Mike Norris, and young Alex Vincent ensure sustained audience investment through their credible portrayals.

Technically, "Child's Play" still impresses with realistic animatronics, credited to Kevin Yagher's innovative special effects. The meticulous movements and transformative facial expressions of Chucky highlight the striking effects that distinguish this film from its contemporaries. Yagher’s craftsmanship not only amazed audiences at the time but continues to be a source of the film's lasting appeal. This combination of ingenious effects and unsettling plot make "Child's Play" an enduring piece in horror cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Child's Play" by Scream Factory delivers a robust viewing experience that aptly enhances the notorious 1988 horror classic. The upgraded 2K scan of the interpositive delivers a markedly improved video quality, seamlessly supporting the film’s dark and eerie atmosphere. While some practical effects show their age, the remarkable efforts of Kevin Yagher and his team in animating Chucky remain largely impressive. The audio presentation is equally commendable, preserving the tension and thrill inherent to the film’s original sound design.

Scream Factory has further cemented its reputation by coupling these technical upgrades with an extensive supplemental package that should thrill fans of the genre. The Blu-ray carries over all the features from the previous 2009 release and supplements them with a fresh assortment of special features. This edition thoroughly examines the film’s production, providing deeper insight through behind-the-scenes content, making it a valuable item for both casual viewers and die-hard aficionados.

In conclusion, Child's Play is an effective little thriller, one that plays upon its preposterous premise rather smartly, while offering a uniquely emotional ambiance in terms of the lonely little boy at its center with his maybe, maybe not imaginary friend Chucky. Scream Factory offers strong technical merits and, as is its tradition, a really superb supplemental package. Recommended.