My Bloody Valentine Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory’s latest release of "My Bloody Valentine" on Blu-ray features both the unrated and theatrical cuts using fresh 4K scans of the original camera negatives. Each film version is presented on its own dual-layer BD-50 disc, enhancing bitrates and overall presentation quality. The results are noteworthy: the 39-year-old film looks exceptional, with vibrant and bold colors that stand out—particularly the reds and pinks of Valentine’s Day decorations and blood. Skin tones, while slightly ruddy, remain balanced, and fine details such as the miner's outfits and skin textures are sharply rendered. Blacks are deep and well-defined, with only occasional grain spikes or mild crush detectable, even in the mine’s darkest corners.

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) offers strong colors and retains period hues. The detail in facial features, especially those quirky mustaches, is engagingly clear. The unrated version incorporates a few brief inserts from an alternate source during particularly gory scenes at timestamps 3:02, 52:57, and 68:39. While these inserts do exhibit a shift in brightness and definition, they are short-lived and minimally disruptive. Above ground, the color palette includes rich reds, greens, and blues. Below ground, the black levels display terrific shadow detail, with no significant residual dirt or debris. Film grain is refined but not overbearing, maintaining a natural look faithful to the original film stock.

Technically, Scream Factory's transfer surpasses previous editions, offering improved depth-of-field and sharper image definition. Colors such as reds show excellent saturation, enhancing the impact of gory scenes and decorations. Lighting effects from various sources provide dimension and depth to the image, further immersing viewers into the eerie setting of Valentine Bluff. Overall, this Blu-ray presents a solid upgrade with enhanced clarity, depth, and color reproduction that honors the film's original aesthetic while significantly elevating the viewing experience.

Scream Factory's presentation of "My Bloody Valentine" in 2.0 Mono DTS-HD MA is a purist's dream, sidelining the sub-par 5.1 track from the previous Lionsgate release. This decision results in a track that is humble yet accurate, suitable given the film's low-budget roots. Although dialogue can sometimes feel slightly detached, ADR dubbing is mostly on point. The sound effects in the mine scenes deliver strong ambiance. Overall, while the mix lacks deep, expansive elements, it nonetheless succeeds in providing a clean and genuine reproduction of the film's original audio.

Both the theatrical and uncut versions feature subtle differences in their 2.0 Mono DTS-HD mixes. The theatrical cut offers more pronounced dialogue and a wider, clearer soundstage, whereas the uncut version exhibits a lower volume and a slightly flatter audio profile. Notably, the added gore footage in the uncut version has audio reflective of its original lower-quality sources. Still, despite these variances, both tracks maintain crisp dialogue and effective scoring cues, particularly during suspense-filled moments.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono mix imbues "My Bloody Valentine" with a genuine vintage feel, effectively translating jump scares and stab effects that resonate well. It's worth noting that the uncut version requires a significant volume boost to reach its cinematic potential, but once adjusted, both versions provide clear, engaging audio with realistic ambient noise, particularly in the mine sequences. Dialogue across both cuts remains clear and crisp, ensuring that even subtle nuances like charming Canadian accents are distinctly heard. Ultimately, while not groundbreaking, this audio presentation does solid justice to its 39-year-old source material.

The comprehensive extras on the Blu-ray release of "My Bloody Valentine" serve as an invaluable resource for both fans and film historians. The centerpiece is a brand-new 4K restoration, ensuring clarity and fidelity. Robust with interviews featuring key cast and crew, these extras explore the film's production, challenges, and its lasting legacy in the horror genre. Each segment delves deeply into specific aspects such as practical effects, directorial insights, and cast recollections—offering a multidimensional view of the film's creation. Highlights include the detailed comparisons between theatrical and uncut versions and a complete cast reunion panel.

Extras included in this disc:

An Anemic Valentine: Director George Mihalka's insights and reflections. Friends of Mine: Interview with actress Lori Hallier. From the Heart: Actor Paul Kelman's perspectives. Axel, Be My Valentine: Interview with actor Neil Affleck. Becoming Sylvia: Actress Helene Udy discusses her role. Broken Hearts and Broken Bones: Special makeup effects designer Tom Burman. The Secret Keeper: Actor Rob Stein's detailed experiences. Holes in the Heart: Comparison between theatrical and uncut versions. Still Gallery: Production stills and promotional material. Radio Spots: Two original radio advertisements. TV Spots: Three original television commercials. Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.

"My Bloody Valentine," directed by George Mihalka, stands out as a hallmark of early 1980s slasher cinema. Set in the remote mining town of Valentine Bluff, the narrative centers around a group of twenty-something miners and their partners who are terrorized by a killer seemingly resurrected from a tragic past. The film leverages its mining town setting to amplify the claustrophobic and ominous atmosphere, utilizing dark passageways and isolation to enhance the horror. Despite its modest budget, partially funded by Canadian taxpayer dollars, Mihalka makes the most with inventive kills and a plot that, while straightforward, effectively adheres to the slasher genre's quintessential elements.

The film's story kicks off with a menacing backstory involving Harry Warden, a miner driven to madness after a fatal accident. When the town attempts to revive its Valentine's Day dance after a two-decade hiatus, a series of gruesome murders ensue, ostensibly orchestrated by Warden. Mihalka's direction shines in the carefully staged kills that mix creativity with unsettling gore, playing to the era's expectations while navigating the restrictions of the MPAA. There's a notable blend of character drama intertwined with the horror sequences, featuring subplots like a love triangle and PTSD elements which add depth, though some narrative threads do get lost amidst the gore.

The ensemble cast, albeit amateurish at times, exudes a raw passion that complements the film's overall gritty nature. The iconic miner’s outfit worn by the killer, complete with a breathing apparatus and helmet light, lends an eerie and memorable presence. Mihalka's intent on blending character-driven storytelling with slasher tropes leads to a film that manages to retain its charm and effectiveness over time. The uncut version, released years later, restores much of the original gore, providing a more authentic depiction of Mihalka's vision. Overall, "My Bloody Valentine" remains a pivotal entry in slasher history, memorable for its inventive kills, atmospheric tension, and enduring cult appeal.

My Bloody Valentine is a unique entry in the slasher genre, boasting both enthusiastic performances and inventive kills that distinguish it from other horror films of its time. While the film's pacing may feel leisurely and sometimes melodramatic, George Mihalka's direction manages to create moments of genuine intensity and excitement. Despite some predictable elements and lack of cohesion, the movie's exuberance and creative take on the slasher formula make it an entertaining watch for genre enthusiasts.

Scream Factory's recent Collector's Edition release significantly upgrades the film’s prior home video offerings. Presented with impressive new 4K restorations for both the theatrical and unrated versions, this edition enhances the film’s visual and audio quality remarkably. The package includes a plethora of bonus features such as new interviews, a cast reunion panel, and a commentary track, although the repetitiveness in some of the interviews could have been minimized. Paramount's inclusion of previously cut footage provides a more complete experience, making this release a substantial improvement over previous editions.

In conclusion, My Bloody Valentine remains a cult classic that continues to entertain nearly four decades after its initial release. The Scream Factory’s 2-disc Collector's Edition, with its superior A/V presentation and an abundance of extras, is a vital acquisition for horror aficionados. Despite some minor flaws, this edition accentuates the film’s enduring appeal and is a must-have for slasher fans. Highly recommended.