April Fool's Day 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The "April Fool's Day" 4K UHD Blu-ray release showcases an impressive restoration of this classic film. Presented in its original 2:35:1 aspect ratio, the film has been remastered from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. Users should appreciate that there are minimal instances of scratches or dirt, indicating a meticulous restoration process. The transfer maintains a natural film grain, enhancing the texture and authenticity of the viewing experience. The color palette has been faithfully reproduced, with the Dolby Vision HDR grading contributing to richer colors and more dynamic range, particularly noticeable in outdoor scenes.

The clarity and detail observed in this release are noteworthy. The HEVC 2160p (4K UHD) Dolby Vision encodement delivers a crisp image quality that distinguishes itself from previous releases. Early scenes set on the boat feature vibrant colors and subtle grain that adds to the film's aesthetic appeal. Although darker indoor scenes might exhibit a slight increase in grain, they retain impressive shadow detail, ensuring a balanced presentation. The highlights, whether from lights or reflective surfaces, benefit significantly from the Dolby Vision grading, which enhances the visual dynamism and elevates the overall viewing experience.

Ultimately, the "April Fool's Day" 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a remarkably improved visual presentation, capturing the film in possibly its best form for home viewing to date. This release is likely to satisfy fans and collectors who value both nostalgic fidelity and contemporary technical prowess.

This 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "April Fool's Day" features two audio options: a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track and a 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio track. Both tracks exhibit excellent fidelity with minimal distortion, displaying almost no crackling, popping, or hissing anomalies. The dialogue is rendered with precision, maintaining a strong and clear presence. Charles Bernstein’s music score resonates with a playfully tense character, contributing to an immersive auditory experience. Compared to previous releases, including Paramount's DVD and the Scream Factory Blu-ray, this edition marks a significant improvement in audio quality, likely the best version available on home video.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is an effective remix though not particularly groundbreaking, enhancing spatial elements with added ambient sounds in the surrounds. This remix enriches the spaciousness of the mix, offering an engaging auditory environment without overwhelming the listener. The 2.0 stereo mix remains authentic to its original presentation, exhibiting commendable clarity and absence of clipping. While the surround track offers a more enveloping soundscape, purists may find the stereo track a preferable, more genuine representation of the film's original sound. Overall, both tracks deliver reliably strong performance, ensuring that viewers receive a superior audio experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras of "April Fool's Day" provide a comprehensive and insightful look into the film's production and its context within the 1980s slasher subgenre. The release features a newly recorded audio commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell, and Nathaniel Thompson, who delve into the film's cultural impact and production nuances. The Blu-ray also includes a two-part interview series, "Horror with a Twist," with director Fred Walton reflecting on his approach to the movie. Archival interviews with cast members Deborah Goodrich Royce and Clayton Rohner, composer Charles Bernstein, and cinematographer Charles Minsky offer personal anecdotes and technical insights. Additionally, the collection features vintage promotional materials, such as TV spots and trailers, enhancing the nostalgic value of the release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: By film historians Berger, Mitchell, and Thompson.
• Horror with a Twist: Part 1 & Part 2: Director Fred Walton's interviews.
• Well of Lies: Interview with actress Deborah Goodrich Royce.
• Looking Forward to Dessert: Interview with actor Clayton Rohner.
• Bloody Unforgettable: Interview with composer Charles Bernstein.
• The Eye of Deception: Interview with cinematographer Charles Minsky.
• April Fool’s Day – TV Spots
• April Fool’s Day – Theatrical Trailer
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Including "Happy Birthday to Me" & "New Year’s Evil."

Fred Walton's "April Fool’s Day" is a subtly innovative entry into the 1980s slasher genre, expertly blending dark comedy with suspense. The plot begins with the seemingly mundane escapades of a group of college students at Muffy St. John’s secluded island mansion, only to evolve into a mystery as bodies start appearing. Walton subverts traditional slasher expectations by focusing on understated tension and atmosphere rather than excessive gore, reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s mysteries. The screenplay by Danilo Bach cleverly intertwines humor and suspense, bolstered by Charles Bernstein’s atmospheric score and Charles Minsky’s noir-inspired cinematography amid British Columbia's scenic backdrops.

The ensemble cast delivers strong performances that accentuate the film’s suspenseful and playful tones. Deborah Foreman excels in her role as Muffy, embodying a pivotal "scream queen" figure while leading an engaging ensemble including Amy Steel and Thomas F. Wilson. Steele's portrayal of Kit is noteworthy, following her legacy from "Friday the 13th Part 2." While the film’s finale has historically polarized audiences, its twist-filled narrative remains a significant deconstruction of the horror genre. Overall, "April Fool's Day" is a commendable portrayal of a slasher that resists conventional violence, offering instead a unique and entertaining narrative that was remade with less impact in 2008.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics has delivered an impressive 4K UHD release of "April Fool’s Day," a film that has transcended its initial lukewarm reception to become a beloved entry in the horror genre. Directed by Fred Walton and written by Danilo Bach, the movie delivers a unique twist on the slasher format. The video is presented in an HEVC 2160p format with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and enhanced with Dolby Vision, ensuring exceptional clarity and vibrant color reproduction. The audio options include both English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo and a DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, catering to various playback preferences.

While the movie itself might polarize audiences due to its lack of gore and controversial twist, its technical execution on this disc stands strong. This release includes all the previous special features from the Scream Factory Blu-ray, with the addition of a brand-new commentary track, enhancing the viewing experience despite the absence of an alternate ending. The release is complemented by English SDH subtitles, making it accessible to a wider audience.

In conclusion, even though "April Fool's Day" may not entirely satisfy traditional slasher fans, its clever narrative design and nostalgia factor position it as a cult classic worth revisiting. The meticulous care given to this UHD release by Kino Lorber ensures the highest quality presentation currently available for home viewing. Despite some narrative shortcomings, this edition comes highly recommended for collectors and genre enthusiasts seeking to experience the film in stunning 4K Ultra HD.