Trick 'r Treat Blu-ray Review

The new Blu-ray release of "Trick 'r Treat" by Scream Factory features a commendable 2K scan that enhances the film’s visual presentation significantly. Presented in 1080p with an AVC encoded transfer at a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, this release surpasses prior versions from Warner Brothers. While not a drastic overhaul, the differences are apparent to the discerning eye. The subtle darkening and refined color grading contribute to a visually rich experience, with reds appearing deeper and more maroon-like, and shadows exhibiting minimal artifacting despite occasional smearing. Facial details are sharp and well-defined, capturing all the intricacies of the gory effects with precision.

Moreover, this 2K scan vividly brings out the texture in various elements such as Sam's burlap mask, which appears almost tactile. The film's natural grain is preserved without aggressive digital treatment, though slight compression issues and splotchy grain can appear in darker scenes. The ghost-children scene at the rock quarry specifically benefits greatly from enhanced black levels and solid colors, allowing each detail – from the kids' vibrant costumes to the decayed textures in the old man's house – to be distinctly visible. Scenes featuring Sam showcase every gooey detail of his pumpkin innards and cloth mask stitching, while the werewolf transformation scene is packed with crisp visuals where individual guts, blood, and fur pieces stand out.

Overall, the new 2K transfer elevates "Trick 'r Treat" visually, ensuring every horrific detail shines through against the dark Halloween backdrops. This release maximizes the film’s stylistic choices, making it an essential upgrade for fans and newcomers alike.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "Trick 'r Treat" features a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix alongside a DTS-HD MA 2.0 track. This marks a notable improvement from the older Warner Brothers release which offered Dolby TrueHD 5.1 but lacked a stereo option. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix delivers an enriched auditory experience with superior fidelity and wider dynamic range. Ambient environmental effects are significantly enhanced, reflecting the bustling Halloween festivities and providing an immersive listening experience, notably in scenes involving outdoor revelers and the haunting schoolbus sequence. The vocal clarity is impeccable, with dialogues rendered cleanly and positioned precisely in the center channel, ensuring intelligibility throughout.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this edition's audio is the detailed engagement of side and rear channels. The background sounds, from the eerie shrieks during the school bus story to the subtle noises of kids trick-or-treating, envelop the listener in a more atmospheric and three-dimensional soundstage. The LFE (low-frequency effects) are tight and impactful, though they maintain a balanced presence without being overwhelming except during intense sequences like the battle between Brian Cox’s character and the demon, where shotgun blasts produce a compelling bass response. Douglas Pipes' evocative score is seamlessly integrated into the surround mix, adding an additional layer of depth and complementing the film’s dark and whimsical tone.

Moreover, specific sound effects such as the clanking rocks in the rock quarry or the visceral knife slashes and bone crunches are enhanced with just enough bass to evoke a visceral reaction, intensifying the horror elements. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix also faithfully reproduces musical segments, with Marilyn Manson’s track during the werewolf scene receiving particular praise for its robust bass. Overall, this audio presentation not only preserves the original essence but elevates it, making it an exemplary feature of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray release of "Trick 'r Treat" features a captivating array of extras that delve deeply into the film’s production, composition, and legacy. Presented in high definition, these supplementals include insightful interviews with writer/director Michael Dougherty, composer Douglas Pipes, and various conceptual and storyboard artists, providing an in-depth look at the creative processes behind the movie. Enhancements such as 2K remasters elevate the viewing experience for both the feature film and associated content like the foundational short film "Season's Greetings". This collection not only offers exclusive new content but also upgrades some previous standard definition materials, ensuring a comprehensive and enhanced exploration of this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Tales of Folklore & Fright: Creating Trick 'r Treat.
• Tales of Mischief & Mayhem: Filming Trick 'r Treat.
• Sounds of Shock & Superstition: Scoring Trick 'r Treat.
• Tales of Dread and Despair: Releasing Trick 'r Treat.
• Season's Greetings: New 2K scan with optional commentary.
• Storyboard and Conceptual Artwork Gallery.
• Behind the Scenes Still Gallery.
• Monster Mash: Digital comic book story.
• FEARnet.com Shorts.
• Audio Commentary: With director Michael Dougherty and team.
• Trick 'R Treat: The Lore and Legends of Halloween.
• Deleted and Alternate Scenes: With optional commentary.
• School Bus FX Comparison.
• Theatrical Trailer.

"Trick 'r Treat" stands out as a refreshing addition to the horror anthology genre, a category that has often felt disconnected and antiquated. Written and directed by Michael Dougherty, this film succeeds in weaving together six loosely interconnected stories with impressive narrative cohesion. Each story is set at different chronological times, featuring recurring characters and converging plot points that create a unified cinematic experience. The tales, which include a sinister school principal, a group of teens at a haunted quarry, and a demonic child in a burlap sack, showcase Dougherty's mastery of blending horror with dark humor. Notably, the film refrains from being preachy, focusing instead on genuine spine-chilling moments and organic plot twists that will delight horror aficionados.

One of the strongest aspects of "Trick 'r Treat" is its innovative timeline, resembling a Boolean loop, with stories intersecting in intricate ways. This design choice enhances the overall tension and suspense. The character of Sam, a burlap-sack-wearing enigma, serves as a thematic linchpin throughout the film, embodying the spirit of Halloween and punishing those who neglect its traditions. Excellent practical effects and makeup contribute to the visceral scares and immersive atmosphere. While some segments, such as the one featuring Dylan Baker as the predatory principal, may initially seem slow in their build-up, their eventual payoffs are worth the wait.

Nearly a decade since its release, "Trick 'r Treat" retains its charm with standout performances and a unique approach to horror anthologies. The Blu-ray presentation from Scream Factory provides crisp visuals and robust audio, enhancing the viewing experience. While the cover artwork is reversible and the packaging includes a sturdy blue plastic case accompanied by a cardboard sleeve, there is no digital copy insert. Despite minor issues with pacing in certain parts, Dougherty’s film remains an exemplary addition to the genre, combining scares, comedy, and thematic depth in a delightfully twisted manner.

Review:

"Trick 'r Treat" is a rare gem in the realm of horror anthology films, effectively interweaving its sinister tales with a deftness that stands out among its peers. Directed and written by Michael Dougherty, this film captures the very essence of Halloween with its twisted, dark stories that intersect in a manner reminiscent of "Crash" or "Pulp Fiction." Each vignette is crafted with care, ensuring that while the chronological narrative may feel abstract, the eerie atmosphere and smart storytelling remain engaging throughout.

The Blu-ray release by Scream Factory is noteworthy for its commendable technical presentation. Featuring an aspect ratio of 2.39:1 AVC and audio in English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 formats, this version provides subtle yet appreciable enhancements over the earlier Warner release. The real standout, however, is the supplemental package—packed with new bonus features, this set more than doubles the extras from the original release. This coupled with new cover art makes it an enticing pick for horror aficionados.

Conclusion:

Horror anthology films are always dicey at best, but "Trick 'r Treat" brilliantly knocks it out of the park. With intertwined storylines that capture the spirit of horror in a uniquely engaging manner, coupled with excellent video and audio quality and outstanding extras, it sets a high bar within the sub-genre. Not just a good horror film, but a great one that should be a staple in every horror fan's collection. Scream Factory's release cements its status as the ultimate Halloween film, and it comes highly recommended.