The Craft Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Craft" on Blu-ray sadly doesn't bring any updates from its 2009 release, using the same transfer by Sony. Presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded in MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc, this transfer shows its age against today's standards. While the transfer retains a generally film-like quality with decent grain reproduction, it's evident the material could benefit from a newer, higher-resolution scan. Visuals are characterized by a mid-90s softness, and colors are often muted or washed out. Some sequences, particularly the brighter exteriors, exhibit solid clarity and visible texture, but darker scenes suffer from lack of definition and shadow delineation.

Fine details are notably soft and murky, with facial features and costumes often lacking vividness. Backgrounds can appear flat, and grain can look blocky, especially in darker scenes. Skin tones skew slightly warm with occasional reddish pushes, while the black levels struggle to appear rich and deep, often bleeding over. Despite its ability to represent some fashions and specific scenes with decent accuracy, such as the blacklight-heavy sequence towards the film’s end, the overall color reproduction falls short of strong saturation and pop.

The elements, though in good condition with no major damage, do show the limitations of a transfer done over a decade ago. There's a mix of good and bad - the source is clean without significant artifacts or crushing, but the film's intended effect is somewhat diminished by older visual standards. This lack of visual enhancement might disappoint those expecting more from a so-called Collector’s Edition. Overall, while serviceable and functional, the Blu-ray's video presentation leaves much to be desired in today's era of improved 4K film scans.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio mix for "The Craft" showcases a finely tuned balance that captures the essence of the film’s mystical and atmospheric elements. One of the audio's strengths is its immersive surround sound, particularly evident during spellcasting scenes where directional effects of swirling wind and magical energies are notably engaging. Though the low-end frequency, or LFE channel, is somewhat reserved, it delivers formidable impact during specific sequences, like lightning crashes in chapters 7 and 13, adding a dynamic layer to the auditory experience. The mix handles dialogue exceptionally well, ensuring clarity and crispness that captures both casual teen interactions and intense spellcasting without any pops, cracks, or hisses.

In addition to its excellent surround use, the audio design maintains a robust yet controlled dynamic range throughout the film. Ambient noises, including whispering spells and hissing snakes, sound detailed and precise, contributing significantly to the film's eerie atmosphere. While bass response is not a continuous force, it punctuates crucial moments effectively, such as during household destruction or intense ceremonial rituals. Complementing these elements, the soundtrack remains supportive and engaging, bringing a nostalgic 90s vibe with crisp instrumentation and a sharp reproduction of musical cues that elevate both suspense and emotional beats.

Ultimately, this 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix successfully enhances "The Craft" by weaving a textured audio landscape that brings the supernatural narrative to life. The original stereo mix is included in a fine 2.0 DTS-HD MA format, though the surround option offers a superior, more immersive experience. Optional English SDH subtitles in a white font are also provided, ensuring accessibility. While not groundbreaking in every aspect, this mix delivers where it counts, creating a satisfying auditory experience for fans of the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Craft" offer a comprehensive and enriching behind-the-scenes experience. New interviews with key contributors, including director Andrew Fleming, producer Douglas Wick, writer Peter Filardi, and makeup effects supervisor Tony Gardner, provide insightful retrospectives on the film's production and its enduring legacy. Fleming discusses navigating studio hesitations, the casting process, special effects, and maintaining respect for Wiccan culture. Wick's segment delves into conceptual and casting decisions, revealing the film's lasting impact through fan interactions. Filardi highlights his inspirations and script development journey, while Gardner shares practical effects anecdotes and early CGI experiences. Additionally, vintage featurettes like "Conjuring The Craft" provide historical context and cast interviews, complemented by deleted scenes and a theatrical trailer. This curated collection effectively balances technical detail with personal narratives, making it a valuable addition for enthusiasts of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Directing The Craft: Fleming discusses initial reluctance, casting, special effects, and the film’s cult status.
• Producing The Craft: Wick explores development challenges and fan reception.
• Writing The Craft: Filardi shares inspirations and script evolution.
• Effecting The Craft: Gardner details practical effects and early CGI.
• Audio Commentary with Andrew Fleming: In-depth production insights.
• Conjuring THE CRAFT: Archival interviews and behind-the-scenes content.
• The Making of THE CRAFT: Condensed EPK with cast/crew insights.
• Deleted Scenes with optional commentary: Additional context and moments.
• Theatrical Trailer: Initial promotional clip.

"The Craft" is a quintessential 1990s high school horror film, balancing teen angst with the dark allure of witchcraft. Andrew Fleming's direction and Peter Filardi's script deftly navigate the story of Sarah (played by Robin Tunney), who, after transferring to a Los Angeles high school, joins a group of three aspiring witches—Bonnie (Neve Campbell), Rochelle (Rachel True), and Nancy (Fairuza Balk). United by their troubled pasts and burgeoning mystical abilities, they initially dabble in innocence, casting minor spells for personal gain. However, the movie soon veers into darker territory as their powers grow uncontrollably, leading to dire consequences. The specific point when Nancy calls upon powerful forces marks a pivot from light-hearted mischief to a genuinely menacing narrative.

"The Craft" utilizes familiar teen tropes but stands out due to its robust character interactions and intense performances, particularly from Fairuza Balk. Balk's portrayal of Nancy, a girl spiraling from mere rebellion into full-blown malevolence, delivers a compelling counterpoint to Tunney’s more restrained and morally conscious Sarah. The dynamic between these two leads anchors the film, complemented by Campbell and True’s more subdued yet effective performances. The evolution from camaraderie to adversarial tension is well-executed, maintaining viewer engagement through twists and moral quandaries.

One of the film's strengths lies in its refusal to conform strictly to genre conventions. It transitions seamlessly between teenage drama and outright horror, punctuated by visually compelling sequences that underscore the volatility of the characters' newfound abilities. Thematically, "The Craft" explores timeless issues like the corrupting influence of power and the intricacies of female friendship, making it both a period piece and a somewhat timeless tale. Despite some predictable plot points and occasional cheesy dialogue typical of its era, "The Craft" has attained cult status due to its unique approach and memorable performances. The technical quality of the Blu-ray release by Scream Factory enhances the viewing experience, preserving the film's distinctive aesthetic while catering to long-time fans and new viewers alike.

"The Craft" remains a quintessential artifact of 90s teen horror, blending supernatural thrills with relatable teenage angst. An engaging mix of "Mean Girls" and "Sabrina," this film has achieved cult status, amassing a loyal following. The plot, while occasionally succumbing to dated visual effects and an overly climactic conclusion, provides rich character development and themes of female empowerment, friendship, and the nuances of the Wiccan religion. The cast of future stars delivers memorable performances that enhance the film's enduring appeal.

This Collector’s Edition Blu-ray, released by Scream Factory, presents a conundrum for fans. While the audio retains its solid 5.1 DTS-HD MA quality, the video presentation is a direct port from Sony's 2009 release, resulting in some visual inconsistencies. Where this edition truly shines is its extensive array of new bonus features, doubling those available previously. These extras offer a delightful dive into the film's legacy, although it’s notable that core cast members are absent from the new interviews—a missed opportunity but commendable given Scream Factory’s efforts.

For dedicated fans who prioritize supplemental content and have yet to upgrade their collection, this edition is the definitive release. However, for those content with revisiting the film without additional content, the 2009 Blu-ray remains a sufficient and economical choice, easily available for around $10. "The Craft" remains a fun and cheesy watch, worth revisiting for its nostalgic charm and its capacity to captivate new audiences in today's context.