The Final Terror Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Final Terror" by Scream Factory features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Due to the loss of original film elements, the transfer was created from six different film prints sourced from collectors. Given the variant source material, viewers will notice fluctuations in color space, grain structure, contrast, and clarity throughout the film. The presentation retains some anomalies such as density issues that create a quasi-flicker effect and colors that have noticeably faded, with flesh tones skewed towards muddy brown. Despite these challenges, the image quality manages to retain a nostalgic allure for fans of this cult classic.

While the transfer may seem mostly blurry and poor-resolution due to its origins, it surprisingly showcases strong definition and detailing in certain scenes, particularly regarding foliage, clothing, and facial complexions. The contrast is generally flat, leading to some loss in shadow detail, and the overall color palette appears dull. However, primary colors are reasonably accurate, and some effort to clean up the elements is evident. A persistent thin layer of grain provides a film-like appearance that many enthusiasts may appreciate. Despite its shortcomings, the Blu-ray transfer remains quite watchable and adds a nostalgic charm to the viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "The Final Terror" on Blu-ray utilizes a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix, providing a serviceable yet somewhat restrained listening experience. Despite minor issues such as occasional cracks and pops, the overall fidelity and clarity maintain a satisfactory standard. However, certain inherent limitations arising from shoddy ADR work are evident, affecting the post-looping management and consequently impacting dialogue delivery. Nevertheless, dialogue still generally comes through clearly amidst these shortcomings. Though it doesn't achieve the immersive depth or intense low-end presence that modern horror fans might seek, the mix holds up as boisterously listenable given the challenges of piecing together the sound from multiple sources.

The mono soundtrack's reliance on the center channel is apparent, delivering intelligible and clean dialogue with commendable fidelity. Background activity maintains ample clarity with enough discrete effects to sustain viewer engagement, though the soundstage feels substantially narrow and lacks overall presence. This results in a somewhat uniform mid-range without penetrating much into upper frequencies. While the low bass is notably absent, the lossless mix remains sufficient for its purpose, ensuring that the audio experience is adequately executed, despite certain limitations of the original source material.

The Blu-ray release of "The Final Terror" offers a compelling collection of extras that cater to both technical aficionados and casual viewers. "Post Terror: Finishing The Final Terror" provides a detailed look at the film's post-production challenges, featuring insights from Allan Holzman and composer Susan Justin about budget constraints and the creative process. "The First Terror" includes engaging reflections from Adrian Zmed and Lewis Smith on their careers and on-set experiences. The audio commentary by director Andrew Davis, while offering technical insights, is noted for its sporadic engagement. The inclusion of a theatrical trailer and a still gallery rounds out the supplementary content, making this Blu-ray a rewarding package for fans and film enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Post Terror: Finishing The Final Terror: Insightful interviews with production supervisor Allan Holzman and composer Susan Justin about post-production.
• The First Terror with Adrian Zmed and Lewis Smith: Interviews with Zmed and Smith discussing their careers and the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Behind the Scenes Still Gallery: Collection of behind-the-scenes images.
• Commentary with Director Andrew Davis: Sporadic but informative commentary.

"The Final Terror" may be an obscure entry in the pantheon of 1980s slasher movies, but under the lens of nostalgia and cult fandom, it reveals some intriguing elements. Directed by Andrew Davis, better known for later blockbusters like "The Fugitive," the movie situates itself within the familiar trope of unsuspecting youths facing off against a mysterious woodland killer. The plot sticks to genre conventions – a mixed group of campers, isolated woods, an unhinged assailant – yet it is elevated by notable performances from future stars Daryl Hannah and Rachel Ward, among others. Despite borrowing heavily from predecessors like "Friday the 13th" and "The Burning," the film maintains a distinctness through its atmospheric tension and captured landscape, even if it lacks substantial character development.

Technically, Davis's direction is proficient, employing clever camera work that enhances the eerie isolation of the forest setting, long before Steadicams became mainstream. The film also benefits from a script by Ronald Shusett and others that's more polished than typical for its genre. While the body count remains relatively low and the gore minimal, these creative decisions shift "The Final Terror" more towards the thriller end of the horror spectrum, offering intense sequences over gratuitous violence. Memorable set pieces, such as a sequence on roaring rapids, exemplify the film's capability to generate thrills through visually stimulating methods.

The movie’s legacy largely hinges on its ensemble cast and crew who moved on to bigger careers. This Scream Factory Blu-ray edition resurrects a film that was initially sidetracked due to distribution challenges, providing fans with a chance to appreciate its unique blend of horror, albeit one that might primarily appeal to genre aficionados rather than mainstream viewers. Although not groundbreaking, "The Final Terror" remains a competent addition to the slasher lexicon, embraced for its nostalgic value and technical craftsmanship.

"The Final Terror" is a thriller that, despite not hitting it big during its initial release, has garnered a dedicated cult following. The film primarily revolves around a group of now-recognizable actors who find themselves at the mercy of a backwoods maniac. Helmed by Andrew Davis, "The Final Terror" showcases glimpses of the directorial prowess that Davis would later fully develop in larger-budget projects. While the movie boasts some efficient and polished filmmaking aimed at emulating the tension of more acclaimed thrillers like "Deliverance," it often falls short, delivering only sporadic moments of genuine suspense.

Technically speaking, the Blu-ray release provides a commendable visual experience considering the disparate elements Scream Factory had to work with. Although the film itself might not stand out within the crowded field of 1980s slasher movies, this release manages to highlight its potential. The audio quality is notably strong, enhancing the few jump scares the film delivers. The extra features on the Blu-ray add a layer of interest for those already chronically intrigued by horror cinema, offering a detailed insight into the making of this little-known genre entry.

The Final Terror is more moody than scary, though it does have a couple of requisite jump cuts thrown into the mix, and the final reveal of the crazed maniac is kind of fun, if also a bit silly. But this film which never really found an audience in its theatrical exhibition (it almost didn't get released, having been filmed several years before its brief appearance on screens) has managed to attract a sizable cult following, due perhaps as much to that mood as to any carnage unleashed on the screen. The film is quite impressive from a purely technical standpoint, with Andrew Davis showing some of the smarts he would later deploy in much grander, big-budgeted features. And of course, it's fun to see a gaggle of young performers, many of whom would go on to greater achievements. All of that said, on a bottom-line level "The Final Terror" is far from the last word in eighties' slasher films and is probably best enjoyed as a curiosity that has a couple of decent scares along the way. Scream Factory has done a remarkable job patching this release together from widely disparate elements, and for genre enthusiasts if no one else, "The Final Terror" comes Recommended.