The Funhouse Massacre Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory's subsidiary, Scream Factory, presents "The Funhouse Massacre" on Blu-ray with a practically flawless transfer in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The AVC-encoded BD-50 boasts abundant saturation across the entire color palette, with no bleeding or source defects evident. The film's neon and low-key lighting schemes are handled with outstanding accuracy by Scream Factory, delivering deep blacks and natural skin tones without manipulation. Despite the low-budget nature of the production, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode is sharp, well-defined, and full of gruesome detail—perfectly capturing every smudge and spatter of blood in a way that enhances the film's comic-book aesthetic.

Though shot digitally, the Blu-ray presentation does carry the generic, sterile quality typical of HD camera utilization, yet it makes up for this with glowing vibrant primaries and animated secondary hues that embody the funhouse theme effectively. Contrast and brightness are accurate and well-balanced, rich with penetrating blacks that add depth to the 2.35:1 image, marred only slightly by occasional blooming that detracts from finer details. Nonetheless, the freshly minted transfer maintains razor-sharp definition and fine lines in clothing and architecture. Minor instances of banding and moire effects are present but minimal. The black levels are rich with great shading and edge definition, and there is no evidence of crushing. The color reproduction is bold yet controlled, giving a rich and gorgeous look suitable for the film’s tone while maintaining consistent natural skin tones throughout.

With excellent clarity and detail, "The Funhouse Massacre" Blu-ray transfer ensures bright, vivid colors and deep, well-defined blacks that provide solid depth work and smooth movements. Close-up shots reveal make-up, lip texture, wrinkles, scrapes, and bruises in impressive detail. The video presentation is clean with no noticeable noise or artifacts, contributing to an engaging viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "The Funhouse Massacre" on Blu-ray offers an above-average DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix alongside a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo option. Predominantly focusing on the 5.1 track, the mix effectively captures dialogue clarity and maintains a balanced soundstage. Though the track tends to be front-heavy, the surrounds contribute to an immersive ambiance, especially during the intense action sequences. Public Jones' soundtrack benefits notably from surround channel separation, adding depth to the viewing experience. Despite the impressive bitrate for both audio tracks (2166 kbps for 2.0 stereo and 2214 kbps for 5.1 surround), one could argue a higher bitrate for the 5.1 mix would have enhanced its immersive potential.

In terms of dynamics, the horror film greatly benefits from its well-defined and layered audio mix, boasting a broad and engaging soundfield. The score and songs leverage the entire system, spreading cleanly and evenly across the soundstage while maintaining a detailed dynamic range during high-energy scenes without distortion. The surround sound presentation is solid, providing ambient effects with occasional standout moments that grant character to the rear speakers. Front speakers efficiently manage the directional effects, ensuring accurate spatial representation on-screen. Low frequency effects are robust and palpable, enhancing impact during scenes featuring gunfire, crashes, and other visceral sounds. Overall, vocals are finely prioritized, remaining crisp and clearly articulated at all times.

The audio commentary is encoded at a bitrate close to the other tracks (2091 kbps), and although its quality is admirable, reallocating resources for different aspects such as converting DTS-HD MA stereo to PCM 2.0 at a standard bitrate or reducing commentary to lossy DD 2.0 could have optimized overall audio performance. Optional English SDH subtitles are also included for clarity.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "The Funhouse Massacre" provide an insightful and entertaining deep dive into the making of the film. The audio commentary features Director Andy Palmer with Clint Howard, Warner Davis, and Courtney Gains, offering a lively conversation filled with amusing anecdotes and technical insights. The Popcorn Talk's video commentary allows viewers to watch along with Palmer, co-writers/actors Ben Begley and Renee Dorian, providing a unique perspective without repeating the audio commentary content. Additionally, behind-the-scenes footage is available in "A Day on the Set" and the "Production Diaries," showcasing the crew's work and the actors' interactions. A theatrical trailer rounds out the package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A lively discussion with the director, producer, and actors.
• Popcorn Talk's Video Commentary: Picture-in-Picture watchalong with filmmakers.
• A Day on the Set: Footage of lighting prep for a classroom scene.
• Production Diaries: Behind-the-scenes footage during a night shoot.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.

"The Funhouse Massacre" by Andy Palmer borrows heavily from various horror classics, blending elements from films like Tobe Hooper's "The Funhouse" and other terrifying thrillers. The plot is straightforward but captivating: a group of America's most deranged serial killers escapes from Statesville Asylum, turning a Halloween funhouse into their hunting ground. Audiences see the bloody chaos unfold, initially mistaking it for part of the gruesome spectacle. Palmer crafts a narrative that weaves through backstories of the killers—such as Animal the Cannibal (E.E. Bell) and Mental Manny (Jere Burns)—akin to the introductions in "Suicide Squad," albeit with more brevity and less elegance.

Despite its promising premise, "The Funhouse Massacre" wrestles with inconsistencies in tone, frequently fluctuating between dark comedy and horror without a clear direction. Palmer’s attempt to balance fervent gore with satirical humor sometimes falls flat, making the horror elements seem disjointed from the comedic undertones. The plot's pacing issues, particularly in the second act, stretch believability, as the teenage characters remain inexplicably oblivious to the real carnage around them. Supporting roles, including Robert Englund’s brief appearance, could have added depth but were underutilized due to budget constraints.

What salvages "The Funhouse Massacre" is its sharp practical effects and occasional moments of humor provided mainly by Ben Begley as Deputy Doyle. The film’s special effects elevate the horror experience, while its light-hearted moments keep it engaging, especially for die-hard genre fans. With a cast that includes new faces and veteran actors like Jere Burns, there’s a certain charm in how the film honors horror archetypes without taking itself too seriously. Though not without its flaws, "The Funhouse Massacre" dishes out an entertaining cocktail of blood and laughs that should satisfy horror enthusiasts looking for a fun, albeit chaotic, thrill ride.

"The Funhouse Massacre" is an amusing low-budget horror comedy that successfully caters to genre enthusiasts with its blend of gruesome gore and silly antics. The narrative may lack memorable characters and focus, adhering closely to the conventional slasher formula without delivering new surprises. Nevertheless, for those craving a gore-filled, campy escapade, it delivers an entertaining watch.

Scream Factory's Blu-ray release ensures the movie's technical presentation excels. The image transfer is sterling, maintaining a good yet somewhat sterile picture quality. The audio is immersive, capturing the chaotic, blood-drenched carnival atmosphere effectively. Additionally, the disc includes informative commentaries and a mix of lackluster and engaging bonus features, enhancing the package's appeal for dedicated horror fans.

In conclusion, while "The Funhouse Massacre" is not a standout film, it offers enough charm and entertainment value for horror aficionados to consider it a rental. Scream Factory’s excellent audio and video presentation, along with its informative extras, add merit to giving this film a chance. If seeking a superior alternative with a similar premise, "The Final Girls" (2015) is recommended.