The Burning Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release of "The Burning" is an impressive restoration effort, presenting the film with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The elements used for the transfer are in commendable condition, displaying only minor scratches and blemishes. The colors are much more saturated compared to previous releases, significantly enhancing the visual experience. While close-up shots deliver a respectable sharpness, midrange and wide shots tend to retain a softer, more traditional aesthetic. Contrast is robust, offering adequate shadow detailing in nighttime scenes, which, although not perfect, are considerably improved over earlier home video versions. This transfer remains true to the original look of the film and keeps the grain intact, avoiding any inappropriate digital manipulation.

The high-definition presentation excels in rendering fine details, especially in exterior scenes where foliage, rock formations, and camp environments are vividly delineated. Facial textures in close-ups appear natural and lifelike, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. Daylight scenes stand out with brilliant contrast levels that enhance clarity and distance perception. Though the blacks could benefit from greater depth, they remain satisfactory for a film over three decades old. Primary colors, particularly greens and reds, are vibrant and leap off the screen with newfound energy. Despite occasional spots of heavier grain and minor defects due to the source material’s age, this Blu-ray transfer of "The Burning" is a faithful and high-quality representation that will likely please long-time fans of the film.

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Burning" features an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track delivered via DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, capturing the film's essence with precision. Dialogue and screams are reproduced with authority, providing clear and resonant delivery. The score by Rick Wakeman, characterized by its synthesizer-driven sound, is rendered with superb fidelity and clean differentiation, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere. The soundstage, while maintaining its original mono design, feels remarkably broad and immersive.

The audio track benefits from a wide dynamic range, supporting both subtle background sounds such as birds singing and leaves rustling and the louder action sequences with clarity and detail. Despite the narrow format, the soundtrack maintains a strong sense of presence and directionality. The mid-range exhibits dynamism, and the low bass, though appropriate for the film's vintage, is palpable and enriching, adding appreciable weight to the music. The audio fidelity is excellent throughout, with no damage issues reported, making this presentation highly engaging and a treat for fans.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Burning" present an engaging and thorough exploration of the film's behind-the-scenes intricacies, featuring interviews with key cast and crew members, as well as insightful commentaries. Tom Savini’s segment, "Blood 'n' Fire Memories," delves deep into the makeup effects, warning viewers of spoiler content. Jack Sholder’s interview in "Slash & Cut" adds a humorous touch, contrasting his classic film preferences with the horror genre. Lou David’s and Leah Ayres’ interviews offer personal anecdotes and career reflections, enhancing the viewer’s connection to the film. The audio commentaries from Tony Maylam and film journalist Alan Jones, as well as actresses Shelley Bruce and Bonnie Deroski, offer amusing and informative insights, revealing behind-the-scenes stories and personal reflections from the production process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Blood 'n' Fire Memories: Tom Savini discusses the creation of the film's makeup effects.
• Slash & Cut: Interview with editor Jack Sholder about his editing journey and specific scenes.
• Cropsy Speaks: Actor Lou David shares memories and career experiences.
• Summer Camp Nightmare: Actress Leah Ayres talks about her time on set.
• Behind the Scenes Footage: Clips showing cast and crew at work.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Make-Up Effects Still Gallery: Collection of stills focusing on makeup effects.
• Poster & Still Gallery: Collection of posters and production stills.
• Audio Commentary with Director Tony Maylam and International Film Journalist Alan Jones: Insightful commentary with behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
• Audio Commentary with Stars Shelley Bruce and Bonnie Deroski: Personal reflections from the actresses moderated by Edwin Samueslon.

"The Burning," directed and co-written by Tony Maylam, is a hallmark of the slasher film genre, embedding itself in the lineage of iconic horror with a narrative deeply rooted in themes of vengeance and youthful indiscretion. The crux of the plot revolves around Cropsy, a deformed caretaker severely burned due to a summer camp prank gone wrong. Cropsy's return to terrorize another camp, armed with his lethal garden shears, provides a backdrop for a standard yet effectively executed revenge storyline. The prolonged prologue, establishing Cropsy’s motivation followed by his gruesome reintroduction into society, sets a distinct tone for the film. It melds morbid humor with an underlying moral lens, capturing the dire consequences of thoughtless pranks.

Maylam directs with a keen sense of pace, never dragging the plot down despite its somewhat formulaic nature. Contrary to many slashers, the order in which characters meet their demise remains refreshingly unpredictable, maintaining an engaging suspense throughout. Special attention must be paid to Tom Savini’s practical effects which are nothing short of phenomenal, offering some of his most lauded work that keeps audience members in shocking dismay. The film’s brutal kills and effective jump scares aptly utilize Savini's artistry to deliver visceral horror.

A notable aspect of "The Burning" is its exceptional ensemble cast featuring early performances from future stars like Holly Hunter, Jason Alexander, and Fisher Stevens. This, alongside Rick Wakeman’s varied score, which oscillates between enhancing the tension and feeling somewhat out of place, adds unique flavors to the movie. The involvement of Harvey and Bob Weinstein and the film being one of the first under Miramax Films, only serves to deepen the historical value of this slasher classic. Despite an influx of similar films in the early 1980s, "The Burning" remains a standout—representing both a nostalgic treasure and a masterclass in practical horror effects.

The Burning," directed by Tony Maylam, stands as a noteworthy hallmark in the slasher genre. Promptly following the success of "Friday the 13th," this film manages to distinguish itself within the over-saturated horror market of the early 80s. This movie offers a gratifying combination of tension and iconic slasher thrills, encapsulating the era's unique sensibilities while delivering a thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience. The Blu-ray release by Scream Factory provides an impressive audio/video presentation, ensuring that both seasoned fans and newcomers to the genre can appreciate the film in its revitalized form.

Technical aspects of the Blu-ray are commendable, with a pristine transfer showcasing exceptional detail and color fidelity that enhances the atmospheric set pieces. The audio presentation is equally robust, maintaining clarity with a balance that elevates the film's eerie sound design and musical score. The two-disc set is supplemented by a generous array of bonus features, including insightful commentary from director Tony Maylam. These supplements add significant value, offering fans a comprehensive look into the film's production and legacy within the horror genre.

In conclusion, "The Burning" is a surprisingly effective little chiller that still delivers some fantastic scares over thirty years (wow!) after its release. Director Tony Maylam himself mentions in his commentary that he's kind of nervous about home video releases of films like this since they're of such a certain time and sensibility, and how sometimes it's better to just let them go. But revisiting "The Burning" now shows a rather well-made little film that does what it's supposed to do: titillate and shock in equal measure. This new Blu-ray has very good video and audio and comes replete with some nice supplements. Recommended.