The Gate Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate Films' Vestron Video imprint presents "The Gate" on Blu-ray with a solid AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Overall, the color saturation is decent, and detail levels are notably heightened during the few brightly lit outdoor sequences, particularly early in the film. However, the majority of the film occurs in dimly lit environments, often dampening detail levels. Despite these low-lit scenes, special effects, including stop motion, maintain a generally natural grain structure. Some issues include occasional color correction needs—flesh tones can appear brownish and lack the vividness that would enhance the film’s visual appeal. Notable wobble during credits suggests an older master that hasn’t been extensively restored.

Evaluating the Blu-ray’s technical finesse, "The Gate" benefits from a commendable 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode. Remastered details are especially sharp in clothing, foliage, and 80s-era surfaces, with diminutive demonic entities' features clearly visible in stop-motion and body-suit performances. While intermittent softness is expected, the color palette is vibrantly engaging, with strikingly saturated primaries. The disc achieves well-balanced contrast and brightness levels, maintaining bright whites and robust blacks. This thin layer of natural grain bestows a welcome cinematic feel that should delight fans of this 1987 horror classic.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track of "The Gate" offers an unexpectedly robust low end, which integrates well with the score by Michael Hoenig and J. Peter Robinson. The soundtrack effectively leverages '80s horror synth elements while displaying occasional influences from composers like Stockhausen and Terry Riley. Notably, the sound effects—ranging from echo-laden reverb in point-of-view shots from the underground lair to the distinct chatter and footsteps of diminutive demons—add a playful edge to the film's audio landscape. While the cataclysmic finale can occasionally sound overly busy, dialogue remains consistently clean, clear, and well-prioritized.

The DTS-HD Master Audio stereo soundtrack exceeds expectations by creating an expansive soundstage teeming with diverse noises and off-screen effects. Utilizing upmixing functions on receivers, many of these ambient sounds nicely extend into other channels, ensuring a lively and engaging auditory experience throughout the film. Even without upmixing, the background is active with atmospheric details like thunder, moths flying across the screen, and the echoing roar of the giant demon, all contributing to a satisfying soundscape. The mid-range remains dynamic and detailed, delivering superb clarity and fidelity, especially during louder sequences. Although low bass isn't particularly remarkable, it is surprisingly hearty, enhancing the track's overall presence. Additionally, the precise and distinct vocals in the center channel complement the video excellently, making this lossless mix a valuable addition to the Blu-ray release of "The Gate."

The Blu-ray extras for "The Gate" are a comprehensive dive into the film's production, featuring in-depth discussions ranging from special effects to the film's creative genesis. The two audio commentaries provide extensive insights; the first with Director Tibor Takacs, Writer Michael Nankin, and Special Effects Supervisor Randall William Cook delves into production anecdotes and creative decisions, while the second, featuring Cook alongside other effects artists, offers a more technical perspective. Additionally, the isolated score track punctuated by composers’ interviews gives a unique auditory experience. The extras include several featurettes: "The Gate: Unlocked" and "Made in Canada" provide compelling retrospectives of the film's creation and its Canadian shoot, while "Minion Maker" and "From Hell: The Creatures and Demons of The Gate" focus on the special effects. Archival footage, trailers, and galleries further enrich this robust package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Tibor Takacs, Writer Michael Nankin, and Special Effects Supervisor Randall William Cook: Insightful discussion into the film’s creation.
• Audio Commentary with Special Effects Artists: Technical insights from Randall William Cook, Craig Reardon, Frank Carere, and Bill Taylor.
• Isolated Score and Audio Interview with Composers: Unique auditory experience with Michael Hoenig and J. Peter Robinson.
• The Gate: Unlocked: Retrospective featuring interviews with Takacs and Cook.
• Minion Maker: Interview with effects artist Craig Reardon.
• From Hell It Came: Conversation with producer Andras Hamori.
• The Workman Speaks!: Carl Kraines discusses his role.
• Made in Canada: Interviews about the Toronto shoot.
• From Hell: The Creatures and Demons of The Gate: Insights into horror film special effects.
• The Gatekeepers: Further interviews with Takacs and Nankin.
• Making of The Gate: Archival making-of documentary.
• Teaser Trailer
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spot
• Storyboard Gallery
• Behind the Scenes Gallery

"The Gate" revolves around the accidental unleashing of malevolent forces by two young boys, Glen (Stephen Dorff) and Terry (Louis Tripp), who uncover a pit in Glen's backyard, a gateway to a demonic realm. This narrative, steeped in supernatural horror, is jump-started by an enormous tree being felled by a storm, creating an inadvertent portal to the underworld. Director Tibor Takács crafts a film that's both nostalgic and terrifying, laden with the charm of 80s cult classics. The film relies heavily on practical effects, which, despite their now antiquated appearance, deliver a certain quaint charm. The use of stop-motion photography alongside live-action shots with actors in body suits creates visceral monstrosities that add to the film's eerie atmosphere.

Technical merits of "The Gate" shine despite its low-budget constraints. The special effects team’s dedication manifests in memorable scenes such as a demonic figure stuck behind wallpaper and an eye forming in a palm, ideas which were later reflected in other acclaimed films like Peter Jackson's "The Frighteners" and Guillermo del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth." Though some sequences appear dated, this adds a layer of retro enjoyment, deep-fried in nostalgia and cheesy goodness. The narrative itself is riddled with absurd decisions by the child protagonists, from digging up the pit to incantations that summon evil entities; yet, it's the simplicity and relatability of these characters facing extraordinary threats that tether viewers to the storyline.

The heart of "The Gate" lies in its depiction of sibling dynamics, with Glen and his older sister Al (Christa Denton) navigating their relationship amidst demonic chaos. Al's newfound teenage interests cause friction with Glen, adding depth to an otherwise straightforward horror tale. This 1987 feature relishes in the darker tones permissible in children's films of its era, visiting real peril upon its young characters—an aspect modern films shy away from. Enjoying "The Gate" today offers a nostalgic journey to a time when children confront true terrors onscreen, a testimony to its lasting impact among aficionados of vintage horror cinema.

The Gate is a nostalgic trip back to the era when horror films catered to a youthful audience, blending dark fantasy with coming-of-age themes. At its core, the story revolves around two boys who, while feeling the pangs of youthful isolation, inadvertently summon hordes of tiny demonic creatures. The film’s narrative might be somewhat disjointed, leaning more on its imaginative effects and energetic sequences to keep viewers engaged. The special effects, despite their dated nature, contribute significantly to the film’s lasting charm, often eliciting both thrill and amusement.

The Blu-ray release of The Gate shines in several technical aspects, making it a treat for fans of cult classics. The video quality, though variable in places, generally surpasses expectations for a film of its age. More notably, the audio presentation stands out, delivering a clear and immersive experience that enhances the atmospheric tension integral to the film’s appeal. One of the most compelling aspects of this release is the extensive array of supplements provided – perhaps the most comprehensive offered by Lionsgate's Vestron Video imprint to date. These new additions delve into various behind-the-scenes elements, offering valuable insights that will intrigue aficionados and new viewers alike.

In conclusion, The Gate stands as a whimsical horror classic bolstered by its spirited effects and rich nostalgia. Despite some storytelling shortcomings, the film’s engaging energy and inventive sequences ensure it remains entertaining. This Blu-ray edition not only revitalizes the movie with superior audio and video but also enriches it with a treasure trove of supplementary material. Collectors and horror enthusiasts will find this release an essential addition to their libraries. Recommended.