The Prowler Blu-ray Review

Blue Underground’s Blu-ray release of "The Prowler" showcases a 1080p AVC transfer framed at 1.85:1, delivering a significant upgrade over any previous home video versions. The transfer brings a noticeable increase in brightness, clarity, and detail, making the film's dark, shadow-intensive visuals more natural and suspenseful. Blacks are mostly deep and satisfying, enhancing the menacing presence of the killer's gear against the film’s generally dark backdrop. However, some grain and minor noise remain, typical of the era and film stock, which doesn’t detract from the overall experience. Lens flares and soft blue nighttime filters occasionally distract but maintain the film’s vintage aesthetic faithfully without over-embellishing.

The color palette is more robust than in former editions, though it retains a relatively muted, period-appropriate look with uniform skin tones. Gore effects stand out vividly, such as the impactful depiction of blood flow in specific scenes. Detail enhancements are discernible, revealing more clinical insights into wounds and improved visibility of actors’ features—even through obstructive elements like steam—with no significant detriment to the film's integrity.

Efforts to maintain the film's original grain structure are commendable, with no evident use of DNR or edge enhancement. Despite minimal banding and blooming and occasional aliasing, these minor issues do not significantly impede viewing. Previous releases of "The Prowler" suffered from significant quality deficits, likely rooted more in production constraints than transfer flaws. This Blu-ray edition rectifies much of that, providing a faithful render with commendable clarity and resolution. While not groundbreaking in modern HD terms, it represents the best version of "The Prowler" likely achievable under current technology.

The Blu-ray release of "The Prowler" features a DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtrack which, while ambitious on paper, falls short in its execution. The mix largely confines itself to the front channels, rendering the additional surround sound channels underutilized. Notably, ambience and directional cues that could have enriched the auditory experience are conspicuously absent. Instances such as the graduation party scene exhibit glaring issues with audio directionality, disrupting the immersion with jarring transitions. Despite these shortcomings, the lossless track offers clear dialogue and a vibrant, though not exceptional, presentation of Richard Einhorn's score, particularly during the film's climax.

Complementing this is a lossy Dolby Digital mono track, which, despite being less dynamic, avoids the pitfalls seen in the 7.1 mix. Dialogue remains crisp and intelligible across both formats, but the mono track doesn't suffer from the same issues with misplaced audio elements. While lacking the heightened clarity and punch of the lossless mix, it provides a consistent and error-free alternative. Those seeking a more robust aural experience might lean towards the DTS-HD track for its marginally better detailing in effects and music, although neither mix profoundly elevates "The Prowler's" sound design.

In terms of low-frequency effects, both tracks are modest at best. The LFE channel makes limited contributions, mainly noticeable during musical sequences. The sound effects, particularly in intense scenes like the pool attack in chapter 13, lack precision and impact. Overall, "The Prowler's" audio presentation is serviceable but far from exceptional, maintaining sufficient clarity without excelling in spatial realism or sonic depth.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Prowler" offers a compact but high-quality selection of extra features that cater primarily to fans of special effects and behind-the-scenes insights. The centerpiece is an engaging audio commentary with director Joseph Zito and special effects legend Tom Savini. Although the commentary could use a bit more spark, it provides valuable technical insights and entertaining anecdotes from the production. Tom Savini's raw behind-the-scenes footage of the gore effects is another standout feature, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in creating the film's gruesome moments. The disc also includes the original theatrical trailer, rounding out a set of features that prioritize substance over quantity.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Informative discussion between Tom Savini and Joseph Zito about the film's production.
• Tom Savini's Behind-the-Scenes Gore Footage: Raw footage of the special effects being created on set.
• Trailer: Original theatrical preview for "The Prowler."

"The Prowler," a standout feature of the 1980-1984 slasher era, exemplifies the genre's conventions while delivering on shock and gore with unapologetic intensity. Directed by Joseph Zito, who imbues the film with a spooky atmosphere, it provides a foreboding experience that stands out from other standard horror fare. The plot follows a returning WWII soldier who, rejected by his sweetheart, embarks on a killing spree during the annual graduation dance in Avalon Bay. Fast-forward to the same event in 1980, and this masked killer's legacy continues. Although the narrative may seem formulaic, Zito's direction and Tom Savini's groundbreaking special effects work elevate it, ensuring a chilling, suspenseful atmosphere.

Critically, "The Prowler" is often compared to contemporaries like "My Bloody Valentine" and "Maniac," but it carves out its own niche with its relentless adherence to genre tropes and brutally realistic kill scenes. Tom Savini's effects are lauded, showcasing some of his best work with scenes that remain viscerally engaging. Notably, a shower murder sequence stands as one of the film's most memorable moments, highlighting Savini's skill in crafting seamless gore effects that are still effective by today's standards. The killer's World War II garb adds a unique if somewhat nonsensical twist, permitting inventive kills that are both emotionally satisfying and gruesome.

While "The Prowler" doesn't break new ground or redefine slasher conventions, its superb technical execution makes it an essential watch for genre enthusiasts. Zito's deft handling of tension and Savini's exceptional effects converge to transform a run-of-the-mill slasher plot into an above-average horror experience. Character development is negligible, yet the recognizable archetypes and predictable twists serve up familiar but satisfying horror thrills. This film represents the subgenre at its sleaziest and most formulaic, yet undeniably effective, offering a nostalgic journey through the golden age of slasher cinema.

"The Prowler," originally released in the 1980s, epitomizes the classic slasher film, standing out due to its effective adherence to genre conventions. Though the narrative treads familiar ground, with a World War II-uniformed killer and a predictable plot arc, it executes its formula with atmospheric tension and gruesome special effects that remain impressively crafted by the renowned Tom Savini. Director Joseph Zito orchestrates the pacing effectively, ensuring that each scare and moment of violence hits its mark, making this film a definitive entry in slasher cinema despite its average storytelling.

Blue Underground’s Blu-ray release of "The Prowler" offers a reasonably strong audiovisual presentation. While the picture quality is good but understandably limited by its vintage origins, and the audio presentation stands as average, the release shines in its extras. This edition includes a small yet robust collection of supplements that enhance the overall package, appealing particularly to dedicated fans of the genre. For newcomers to horror, "The Prowler" remains an enticing rental or potential purchase due to its blend of suspense and graphic violence, showcasing an era where slasher films were at their peak.

In conclusion, "The Prowler" may not introduce new elements to the horror genre but excels in delivering a solid, atmosphere-driven experience through well-executed special effects and a carefully paced direction. The Blu-ray edition solidifies its status as a cult classic with a presentation that meets the expectations of genre enthusiasts. This is a release recommended for horror aficionados looking for a retrospectively intense slasher film or seeking to complete their collection with a definitive title from the golden age of the slasher genre.