Terror Train Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Terror Train" boasts a competent 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio that should satisfy fans and newcomers. Scream Factory's offering maintains a natural, filmic quality with a consistent grain structure that enhances fine details without compromising them. Despite the opening moments being marred by scratches and pops, the transfer stabilizes significantly after the initial credit sequence. Facial and clothing textures appear appropriately detailed, although the film’s inherent darkness limits any extraordinary visual moments. Nonetheless, the high-definition transfer remains faithful to the original cinematography, delivering true-to-life colors that are steady under challenging lighting conditions.

The restoration utilizes the best available elements, though it stops short of being a full overhaul. Minor imperfections such as occasional white specks and scratches are present but not overly distracting. The video exhibits excellent resolution and clarity, maintaining texture and depth especially in tighter close-up shots and low-lit interiors of the train. Black levels are solid, providing deep shadows and contributing to the film's atmospheric tension, while contrast holds up with vibrant whites that reveal background details effectively.

Overall, the 1080p transfer is a commendable effort, preserving the film’s original stylistic choices by cinematographer John Alcott. Though not the sharpest in terms of modern high-definition standards, it respects the source material’s age and aesthetic intent, capturing detailed minutiae in a consistent and pleasing manner. The colors, while not overly vibrant, retain accuracy and subtlety, emphasizing secondary hues well. This proficient transfer ensures a visually engaging viewing experience for a classic low-budget slasher like "T Terror Train."

The audio presentation of "T Terror Train's DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack serves the movie well overall, although it is not without its flaws. The surround mix tends to centralize around the front-middle, with limited activity in the side and rear channels. While the music and effects, such as the train's departure rumble, have a satisfying presence, the overall ambiance on board the train feels underdeveloped. Nevertheless, dialogue and various sound effects are presented with clarity and accuracy, ensuring viewers can follow the narrative without distraction.

Shout! Factory provides two DTS-HD Master Audio options: a 5.1 surround track and a 2.0 stereo track, the latter more akin to mono. Between these, the 2.0 stereo track proves to be superior, offering clear dialogue and convincing background action. However, both tracks exhibit some limitations. The 5.1 mix appears artificially expanded, resulting in thin voices and occasional lip-sync issues. The rear speakers are overemphasized, detracting from the cohesiveness of the sonic environment. Conversely, the 2.0 version maintains better balance but suffers from limited mid-range and absent low-end frequencies; scenes with heightened vocal activity come across as harsh and bright.

Overall, while "Terror Train" offers a workable audio experience, bolstered by clean dialogue and competent sound effects, it lacks the dynamic range and immersive quality of top-tier releases. Some noisy or overly bright scenes occasionally disrupt the experience, particularly during moments of intense dialogue or screaming sequences. Despite these shortcomings, fans of the film will find serviceable audio quality in both provided options.

The Blu-ray extras for "T Terror Train" offer a comprehensive and engaging behind-the-scenes look at the film's production. Each interview provides unique insights from key crew members, presenting a rich tapestry of early '80s filmmaking challenges and triumphs. Producer Daniel Grodnik explores the story's genesis, while Production Executive Don Carmody discusses the intricacies of filming on a moving train and the Canadian movie industry's landscape during the 1970s. Production Designer Glenn Bydwell shares his design vision, adding a refined aesthetic to the film. The musical innovations by John Mills-Cockell are detailed in a focused interview, enhancing our appreciation of his composition process. Despite their shared origin with the DVD version, these extras are presented in high-definition, offering enhanced detail and clarity. The package is thoughtfully rounded out with promotional content and a still gallery for visual nostalgia.

Extras included in this disc:

• Destination Death: Interview with producer Daniel Grodnik.
• Riding the Rails: Interview with Production Executive Don Carmody.
• All Aboard!: Interview with Production Designer Glenn Bydwell.
• Music for Murder: Interview with Composer John Mills-Cockell.
• TV Spot: Promotional television spot.
• Still Gallery: Poster images and photographs from the shoot.
• Terror Train Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.

"Terror Train," directed by Roger Spottiswoode and starring Jamie Lee Curtis, presents a fascinating deviation within the slasher genre. Spottiswoode's debut film adheres closely to the conventional slasher formula where teenagers are systematically killed by a masked murderer. Despite these familiar mechanics, "T Terror Train" thrives on its linear storytelling approach, delivering a refreshingly straightforward horror narrative. This simplicity enhances the film's atmosphere and realism, making it a standout amidst its more convoluted contemporaries. Curtis, fresh off her success from "Halloween," shines as Alana, a character who departs from the genre’s typical frail damsel-in-distress trope. Curtis portrays Alana as an outspoken and independent woman with hidden depths of toughness, subtly influencing future horror heroines.

The storyline revolves around a group of medical students who, years after a cruel prank leads to Kenny (Derek MacKinnon) being institutionalized, find themselves targeted during a costume party on a train. The setup incorporates creative elements, such as David Copperfield's magic performances and the killer’s diverse disguises, adding layers to the otherwise predictable structure. While the film captures a dark and chilling atmosphere, especially during the opening New Year’s Eve party, it falters in fully utilizing its claustrophobic train setting. Nonetheless, the suspense builds effectively, culminating in a climax that manages to be both expected and unexpectedly satisfying.

Spottiswoode’s direction, paired with John Alcott’s atmospheric cinematography, crafts several marvelous suspenseful moments. The film excels in balancing character development with narrative pacing, where each character's backstory adds to the broader tale without unnecessary elongation. Despite some technical shortcomings in creating a genuinely cramped environment aboard the train, "Terror Train" stands as an engaging piece within the slasher subgenre. It successfully merges revenge-driven plotlines with the conventional slasher framework while showcasing Jamie Lee Curtis in yet another significant role that solidified her status as a scream queen icon. The supporting cast adequately fulfills their roles in service of the plot, ensuring the movie remains entertaining throughout its runtime.

Review of "Terror Train" Blu-ray Release

"Terror Train," starring Jamie Lee Curtis, stands as a notable entry in the slasher genre, demonstrating enough flair and originality to set it apart from its counterparts. While it may not redefine the genre, it offers a captivating watch, especially for fans of the period's "Final Girl" trope. Curtis' performance, alongside seasoned actors like Ben Johnson and the enigmatic David Copperfield, injects energy and credibility into the film. Though it doesn't attain classic status, "T Terror Train" remains an engaging and memorable experience for slasher aficionados.

The Blu-ray release by Scream Factory showcases the film with a strong visual presentation, though not without minor flaws. The picture quality is mostly impressive, but viewers might notice occasional inconsistencies. The audio setup, unfortunately, is somewhat disappointing, lacking the depth and clarity expected from a high-definition release. Accompanying the main feature is a fair collection of extras, although these are largely carried over from the DVD edition, which might disillusion some collectors seeking exclusive content.

Terror Train's unexpected ending remains one of the better in Slasher film history, if only because it's honest and true to life, not some convoluted and contrived finale, a twisty end only for the sake of a twisty end. That sincerity goes a long way in making a routine film something special and memorable, a difficult but admirable achievement in a world filled with cookie-cutter, mindless Horror entertainment. Scream Factory's Blu-ray release of Terror Train features good video, adequate audio, and a fair collection of extras. Recommended.