April Fool's Day Blu-ray Review

April Fool's Day makes a distinguished entry into the North American Blu-ray scene through Scream Factory's latest release. This disc, encoded MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 and adorned with an attractive slipcover featuring new artwork by Yannick Bouchard, notably corrects the aspect ratio oversight found in the Australian Shock edition. Where Shock had altered the movie's aspect ratio post-credits from its original 2.35:1 to 1.78:1, Scream Factory commendably preserves the film's original widescreen format throughout, offering fans an uncompromised viewing experience. Additionally, the inclusion of windowboxed home movie footage, captured using a Panaflex camera equipped with a zoom lens at the start (showcased in Screenshot #20), maintains the filmmakers’ original vision. The source print, though derived from an earlier 2K scan, impresses with its cleanliness and well-saturated colors, devoid of any noticeable aliasing issues that plagued earlier DVD releases.

The technical prowess extends to the cinematography by Charles Minsky, noted for its utilization of muted browns and golds, capturing the eerie ambiance of Victoria, B.C., dynamics echoed in film critic observations and new disc interviews. Critics like Terry Lawson and Patrick Goldstein have lauded the "delightfully inventive" lighting choices, especially highlighting the gauzy illumination of Muffy's manor that adds to the film’s unnerving charm. Scream Factory supports this enriched visual experience with a substantial video bitrate averaging 36000 kbps, ensuring that each of the 89 minutes of runtime is presented with clarity and depth. Although it features twelve chapter selections, three less than Paramount’s 2002 DVD edition, this roster is more than adequate for navigating the cinematic nuances of April Fool's Day, truly making this edition a treasured release for aficionados and newcomers alike.

The audio presentation of "April Fool's Day" on Blu-ray, as supplied by Scream, showcases a set of options catering to varied preferences, with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround remix (2979 kbps, 24-bit) and a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono track (1611 kbps, 24-bit). Observations focused on the 2.0 mix reveal a mixed bag in terms of dialogue level consistency. Variations in the volume and pitch of spoken words were noted, necessitating occasional adjustments to the volume, potentially distracting from the viewing experience. For those encountering similar discrepancies, the richer and more immersive 5.1 mix could offer a preferable auditory experience. Furthermore, the ambient sounds—particularly those sourced from nature—enhance the atmosphere effectively when they are employed, despite their sporadic use.

Composer Charles Bernstein's contribution to the audio landscape with his suspenseful yet whimsically eerie score merits attention. Utilizing an array of electronic sounds paired with a childlike melody reminiscent of Muffy's jack-in-the-box toy, Bernstein skillfully sets the film's tone. The inclusion of a light theremin introduces a recurring thematic motif that not only enriches the narrative but echoes a semblance to Harry Manfredini's iconic scores. Moreover, Bernstein's work was acknowledged outside of the film's original release, with Varèse Sarabande issuing his score on vinyl in 1986 and later releasing a limited edition CD in 2015 as part of its LP to CD subscription series, highlighting the enduring appeal of his compositions.

Complementing the auditory experience, the optional English SDH subtitles present an invaluable tool for accessibility. They excel in identifying speakers and accurately transcribing the on-screen dialogue, ensuring that none of the film's subtle nuances are lost. This particular feature enhances the overall enjoyment and understanding of "April Fool's Day," making it a more inclusive viewing experience.

The "April Fool's Day" Blu-ray extras present a rich and insightful collection of new interviews and archival material that not only enriches the understanding of the film but also provides a wonderful glimpse into the era and process of filmmaking in the 1980s. The inclusion of interviews with key figures such as director Fred Walton and cast members like Deborah Goodrich Royce and Clayton Rohner offers a personal touch, shedding light on both the production's challenges and triumphs. Cinematographer Charles Minsky and composer Charles Bernstein provide a technical and artistic perspective, adding depth to the appreciation of the film’s craftsmanship. Furthermore, the original theatrical trailer and TV spots serve as a nostalgic look back at the movie's original promotion. This collection, meticulously preserved and presented in 1080p, is invaluable for fans and film historians alike, preserving the legacy of a unique horror-comedy that has entertained audiences for decades.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Horror with A Twist: Fred Walton on APRIL FOOL'S DAY; Part I: Fred Walton discusses his early influences, filmmaking journey, and the development of "April Fool's Day".
• NEW Horror with A Twist: Fred Walton on APRIL FOOL'S DAY; Part II: Walton continues his discussion, focusing on his collaborations and the lasting impact of the film.
• NEW Well of Lies: Deborah Goodrich Royce on APRIL FOOL'S DAY: Royce shares her experiences working on the film, including insights into specific scenes and discussions on a potential sequel.
• NEW Looking Forward to Dessert: Clayton Rohner on APRIL FOOL'S DAY: Rohner recounts filming anecdotes and the contributions he made to his character.
• NEW Bloody Unforgettable: Composer Charles Bernstein on APRIL FOOL'S DAY: Bernstein explains his approach to scoring the film and his broader career in horror.
• NEW The Eye of Deception: Charles Minsky on APRIL FOOL'S DAY: Minsky delves into the cinematography of "April Fool's Day", discussing his techniques and equipment.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original full-frame trailer, upgraded to 1080p.
• Original TV Spots: A compilation of promotional spots, enhanced to 1080p.

As an intriguing departure from the slasher norms of its time, "April Fool's Day" stands out for both its content and marketing strategy that led to mixed receptions upon its release. Directed by Fred Walton and produced by Frank Mancuso Jr., known for his work on the "Friday the 13th" series, audiences and critics alike were poised for a blood-soaked horror akin to its predecessors. However, the film took a markedly different approach, focusing on quick kills and sharp cutaways rather than gore, wrapped in a plot filled with humor and suspense. Set in the isolated backdrop of Muffy St. John's family estate, the movie introduces us to a diverse group of college students who fall victim to a series of pranks that hint at a darker turn of events as they begin to disappear mysteriously. This setup promises a critique and commentary on the slasher genre rather than indulging in its tropes fully.

The narrative explores the expectations set by its promotion and the genre's conventions through a self-aware lens, arguably not exploiting the full potential of its self-reflexivity. Its attempt to deconstruct the slasher genre's fabric without fully committing to its stylistic staples—such as the use of subjective POV shots characteristic of its supposed inspirations—left it playing too safely within boundaries it could have expanded. The film's portrayal of horror intertwined with dark humor and an ensemble cast delivering strong performances brought forth a unique blend, which, while missed by some, was appreciated for its profound shocks and narrative twists by others.

Critically, "April Fool's Day" received a polarized response, exacerbated by a marketing campaign that perhaps oversold its connection to traditional slashers and an ending that left audiences divided. Among the critics who saw through its surface, Michael H. Price acknowledged its success in delivering a mix of humor, shocks, and an intelligent departure from the formulaic horror movie. Yet, controversies surrounding its ending and ultimately its box office performance painted a complicated picture of a movie that perhaps was ahead of its time in attempting to satirize a genre that was only beginning to be critiqued and deconstructed by future films.

The Blu-ray release of "April Fool's Day" by Scream Factory marks a significant occasion for fans of this unique and entertaining take on the slasher genre. While the film itself maintains its status as a humorous and somewhat daring deviation from typical horror tropes, its journey to Blu-ray encapsulates a mix of highs and lows in terms of technical presentation and special features. The visual transfer is commendably attractive, showcasing the movie with clarity and vibrancy that honors its original aesthetic. However, the audio track presents a less consistent quality, featuring a lossless mix that, while mostly satisfactory, occasionally falters in delivering the auditory nuances of the film's soundtrack and dialogue.

Regarding supplementary content, Scream Factory has included a collection of new interviews that, although providing some interesting insights, fail to dive as deeply into the film's production and legacy as one might hope. The absence of more in-depth discussions with key personnel, notably director Fred Walton, and a broader selection of cast interviews, denotes a missed opportunity to enrich this edition with the kind of comprehensive retrospective that has distinguished other releases from the label. While these interviews contain worthwhile snippets of information, they do not fully capitalize on the potential to explore the motivations behind Walton's Hollywood departure or the broader context of his directorial career.

In conclusion, this Collector's Edition of "April Fool's Day" delivers a solidly recommendable package for both newcomers and longtime fans. Its strengths, particularly the high-quality video transfer, ensure it serves as an appealing addition to any horror collector's library. Nonetheless, the inconsistent audio quality and the somewhat lacking depth of the special features marginally diminish its overall potential. This release does justice to the film's legacy but leaves room for a more definitive exploration of its place within the slasher genre and 80s cinema culture.