The Fog Blu-ray Review

"The Fog" is presented on Blu-ray by Scream Factory with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, supervised by cinematographer Dean Cundey. This edition delivers a substantial improvement over previous home video releases, bringing out better color saturation and maintaining grain integrity. Older optical effects and underwhelming lighting conditions used during original filming introduce some inherent dirt, grain, and occasional shadow crush, but these are source-related artifacts. While occasional damage marks like brown vertical lines are present, these are minor and do not detract significantly from the overall presentation. This transfer successfully avoids over-tampering, preserving the natural look of the film with a welcomed level of grain.

Overall, the 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encode attains remarkable definition and resolution for its age. Detail in clothing, architecture, and facial complexions is impressive, though some nighttime scenes exhibit noticeable noise. Contrast remains spot-on and comfortably bright, enhancing the film’s many smoke-filled, dimly lit sequences with deep blacks and good detail gradation. Both primary and secondary hues are well-saturated, offering vibrant and bold pastels throughout. Despite minor drawbacks, this Blu-ray transfer stands as the most visually impressive iteration of John Carpenter’s "The Fog" to date, vastly surpassing older editions in clarity and fidelity.

The audio presentation of "The Fog" Blu-ray includes a versatile DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix and the original mono mix via DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The 5.1 mix honors the essence of the original mono while subtly enhancing it, particularly through John Carpenter's iconic synth score and atmospheric foley effects. The mix boasts strong fidelity and a wide dynamic range, though there's a slight boxiness likely due to post-looping in some film sections. Background effects offer good channel separation and discreet movement, resulting in an immersive experience.

While the audio doesn't quite match the outstanding video quality, it remains generally satisfying. The 5.1 surround mix surpasses the 2.0 mono in presence and soundstage expansiveness, though the mono track retains its own charm with clear dialogue and crisp foley effects. Despite most action remaining front-heavy, the surround mix manages to widen the sonic image during key moments. Dialogue clarity is maintained in the center channel, while mid-range details are mostly precise, barring some jump scares where higher frequencies can occasionally clip into noise. The low bass presence feels sparse throughout the runtime, suggesting modest room for improvement.

Scream Factory's expertise is evident in the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix, which masterfully highlights Carpenter’s score without overwhelming other elements. Dialogues and effects are well-balanced, and volume levels are intelligently set to enhance intense scenes, delivering effective jump scares. The accompanying DTS-HD MA 2.0 track closely mirrors the original 1980 theatrical experience, making both tracks commendable options for different listening preferences.

The Blu-ray release of "The Fog" is rich with extra features that cater to both hardcore fans and casual viewers alike, blending newly produced content with vintage materials. The dual audio commentaries provide a comprehensive look at the film from different perspectives: John Carpenter and Debra Hill deliver a technically informative and anecdotal session, while Adrienne Barbeau, Tom Atkins, and Tommy Lee Wallace offer an engaging and often humorous dialogue moderated by Sean Clark. Highlighted are engaging interviews such as "My Time with Terror" featuring a candid Jamie Lee Curtis, and "Dean of Darkness" with cinematographer Dean Cundey. Additionally, vintage featurettes like "Fear on Film" and "Tales from the Mist" complement the new content, providing a historical perspective on the film's production. The inclusion of various trailers, TV spots, outtakes, and more ensure this disc is packed with insightful content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with John Carpenter and Debra Hill: Technical details and background stories.
• Audio Commentary with Adrienne Barbeau, Tom Atkins, and Tommy Lee Wallace: Fun reflections moderated by Sean Clark.
• My Time with Terror: Jamie Lee Curtis discusses her career candidly.
• Dean of Darkness: Cinematographer Dean Cundey details technical challenges.
• Fear on Film: Vintage roundtable discussion.
• Tales from the Mist: Retrospective featurette.
• Storyboard to Film: Comparison of storyboards to final scenes.
• Horror's Hallowed Grounds: Tour of filming locations by Sean Clark.
• Outtakes: Bloopers and goofs.
• Special Effects Tests: Early fog effects work.
• Theatrical Trailers: Multiple trailer versions.
• TV Spots: Vintage promotional ads.
• Photo Gallery: Collection of production stills, posters, and storyboards.

John Carpenter's "The Fog" is an atmospheric horror film that deftly weaves a chilling ghost story with historical elements of betrayal and vengeance. Inspired by a foggy visit to Stonehenge, Carpenter and co-writer Debra Hill transformed their concept into a narrative centered around the eerie coastal town of Antonio Bay. The movie, following Carpenter's success with "Halloween," builds its suspense primarily through mood rather than overt horror. Set against the backdrop of the town's centennial anniversary, the plot unravels as various characters, including Father Malone (Hal Holbrook), radio DJ Stevie Wayne (Adrienne Barbeau), and others, confront the supernatural occurrences resulting from the town’s dark past. The blend of isolated settings and historical wrongdoings lends the film a unique tension that resonates years later.

Shot with meticulous care by cinematographer Dean Cundey, "The Fog" envelops viewers in a dark, foreboding atmosphere. Cundey’s cinematography stands out, drawing comparisons to his earlier work on "Halloween," capturing an unsettling gloom through practical effects and inventive camera techniques. The film features a talented ensemble cast, including horror icons like Jamie Lee Curtis and Tom Atkins, all delivering performances that contribute to the haunting ambiance. Notably, Adrienne Barbeau’s portrayal of Stevie Wayne provides a focal point of both strength and vulnerability as she attempts to warn her fellow townsfolk from her lighthouse radio station.

Of particular note is Carpenter's synthetic score, one that enhances the chilling narrative with unsettling tones and crescendos. The music plays a crucial role in setting the film’s foreboding mood and elevates moments of tension. The Fog may not have achieved the legendary status of "Halloween," but its combination of atmospheric cinematography, engaging character performances, and an effective score make it a classic in its own right. Carpenter’s ability to turn a seemingly silly premise into a profoundly creepy experience showcases his mastery of the horror genre, ensuring "The Fog" maintains its place as an enduring piece of supernatural cinema.

John Carpenter's "The Fog" may not hold the same iconic status as some of his other works, such as "Halloween," but it remains a remarkably compelling and eerie addition to his filmography. The film features a talented cast delivering a range of engaging performances and succeeds in creating an effectively creepy atmosphere. While some of the scares might come across as quaint by modern standards, the underlying moral themes provide surprising depth. This Blu-ray release is a testament to Scream Factory's dedication, offering exceptional picture quality and a wealth of supplemental content that will be a treasure trove for both long-time fans and newcomers.

The video presentation is nothing short of outstanding, showing off the film in the best possible visual quality. Colors are vivid yet natural, and details are crisp without losing the film’s original charm. Despite some reviewers noting a slightly less satisfying audio presentation, the overall sound quality remains solid and complements the visual experience well. Scream Factory has clearly taken great care in restoring this cult classic, making it shine brighter than ever before.

In conclusion, "The Fog" has never quite attained the cultural cachet that Carpenter's "Halloween" has, but it's a very entertaining and often fairly spooky entry in Carpenter's filmography. There's an undeniably silly aspect to some of the scares, but the moral fiber of the film is where it derives some unexpected power from. This new Collector's Edition features excellent video and audio and comes jam-packed with great supplements. Highly recommended.