Deadtime Stories Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 1080p transfer of "Deadtime Stories" with its 1.85:1 aspect ratio does a commendable job in upgrading the film for Blu-ray release. Despite being a low-budget production from the 1980s, the Blu-ray refresh achieves impressive overall clarity that reveals intricate details, such as textures in facial expressions and costume design. The film's grain is fine and remains consistent, lending a filmic quality to the viewing experience. While colors are sharp and true, there are mild inconsistencies—reds occasionally appear overly saturated but are balanced by natural skin tones and lush environmental hues. Black levels are well managed, maintaining richness without any crushing. Some minor issues persist, such as sporadic speckling, minor scratches, and slight edge enhancement that results in rough edges in certain scenes.

Each segment of this anthology film varies visually due to its particular production timeline. The grain is present throughout, adding to the vintage cinematic feel, and fine details are well rendered, from clothing textures to set designs. The sections show differential color grading—ranging from slightly over-saturated reds in the witch's segment to more subdued primary tones in "Goldi Lox and the Three Baers." Despite these variations, the colors maintain a strong presence across all segments. Depth is portrayed decently, with movements appearing solid and cinematic. This Blu-ray transfer, sourced from the original camera negatives, presents "Deadtime Stories" in arguably its best visual presentation to date.

The encoding process leverages MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc to deliver this rock-solid presentation. Fans of retro horror films will appreciate the level of care taken in maintaining the aesthetic integrity of "Deadtime Stories." Despite minor artifacts and flaws inherent to the original production, the Blu-ray experience is likely to be the most visually satisfying rendition of this cult classic.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix in the Blu-ray release of "Deadtime Stories" demonstrates a solid effort in preserving the film’s audio integrity. Dialogue reproduction is impressively clear and crisp, ensuring that both human and monster interactions are easily discernible. While the soundtrack retains its synth-based presence, providing electronic fullness and support, some chaotic moments can lead to minor disruptions. Nevertheless, sound effects, especially those intended for a comedic effect, are adequately weighty and impactful, contributing to an overall balanced mix. Background atmospherics capture the necessary ambiance of scenes without overshadowing primary audio elements.

Despite the mono format's limitations, "Deadtime Stories" benefits from well-balanced dynamics within its English 2.0 Mono DTS-HD MA track. The mix handles the workload with no evident age-related issues, hiss, or breaks. The score and title song possess a pleasing presence that complements the overall audio presentation. Natural sound elements, such as leaves crunching, are rendered crisply and add a realistic touch to the ambient sounds. Occasionally, dialogue may drop to lower volumes, but optimizing your system's volume should mitigate this issue. In essence, this audio presentation is arguably the best "Deadtime Stories" has ever sounded on home media, and it serves the film well.

The Blu-ray extras for "Deadtime Stories" provide a comprehensive deep dive into the film's production, highlighting its low-budget craftsmanship and the personal connections among the cast and crew. Director Jeffrey Delman offers a rich, trivia-filled commentary track, enhancing the viewing experience. The interview segments with Delman and cast members Cathryn de Prume, Melissa Leo, and Scott Valentine deliver insightful anecdotes and emphasize the familial atmosphere during filming. The inclusion of 'The Black Forest' segment in its original form provides critical context to the evolution of the film's narrative structure. Additional deleted scenes, trailers, and a still gallery further enrich this comprehensive Blu-ray package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Jeffrey Delman provides detailed insights and trivia.
• I Like the Grotesque: Interview with Jeffrey Delman on the filmmaking process.
• A Band of Gypsies: Cast members discuss their experiences and relationships.
• The Black Forest: Original segment shot before reshooting for anthology format.
• Deleted Scenes: Introduced by Director Delman; includes scenes from Red Riding Hood and Goldi Lox stories.
• Still Gallery: Compilation of poster art, storyboards, and BTS photos.
• Two Trailers: Original promotional trailers.

Jeffrey Delman's 1986 "Deadtime Stories" certainly aims to put a unique spin on the horror anthology genre, but its execution often falls short of its ambition. The film's structure involves an exasperated Uncle Mike (Michael Mesmer), who, in response to his nephew Brian's (Brian DePersia) sleepless fears, spins three unsettling tales. However, despite a promising concept and some noteworthy special effects—including severed hands and heart explosions—the film struggles with consistency. The first segment, "The Black Forest," stands out for its relatively solid narrative involving witches and their dark, manipulative schemes, yet even this section is not without its imperfections.

The middle tale, a campy reimagining of "Red Riding Hood," signals a dip as the film pivots from dark horror to lighter, less effective humor, laden with filler material that dilutes the tension. This inconsistency is driven home in the final segment, "Goldi Lox and the Three Baers," an unbalanced mashup of black comedy and visible production errors that abandons any remaining atmospheric dread for slapstick antics. Despite featuring Academy Award winner Melissa Leo as MaMa Baer and an interesting psychokinetic twist on Goldilocks, the segment's over-the-top humor eclipses its thrilling potential.

"Deadtime Stories" epitomizes the '80s B-movie aesthetic with its fashion, cheap synth score, and trashy undertones. While some may revel in its quirky charm and gore effects, the film's uneven tone and fragmented storytelling make it more of a niche curiosity than a standout in the horror anthology realm. It has garnered a modest cult following thanks to its obscurity and distinctive style, yet its lack of narrative cohesion and polished execution keeps it from achieving the chilling impact akin to genre classics like "Tales from the Crypt" or "Trick 'r Treat."

Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release of "Deadtime Stories" offers a fascinating look into a relatively obscure horror anthology, now brought back to life with a fresh transfer and engaging bonus features. The visual and audio quality of this edition is commendable, ensuring that the film can be appreciated in the best possible format. The interviews included, particularly with Academy Award Winner Melissa Leo, provide valuable insights and enhance the overall viewing experience. This package, therefore, stands as a definitive edition for fans and collectors alike.

However, the movie itself remains polarizing. "Deadtime Stories" struggles with inconsistent storytelling and low-budget limitations, rendering it uneven and at times unengaging. The narrative whims of director Delman result in a film that vacillates between charmingly goofy and frustratingly aimless. Despite its flaws, the movie holds a nostalgic charm for long-time fans. Viewing it with friends and a few beers can enhance the enjoyment, turning it into a fun social experience despite its shortcomings.

In conclusion, "Deadtime Stories" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag. While the film might not appeal to everyone due to its erratic storytelling and production values, the Blu-ray release itself is excellent in terms of technical quality and supplementary content. For those who remember the film fondly or enjoy playful yet imperfect horror anthologies, it is worth taking a chance on this release. If approached with managed expectations and viewed in good company, "Deadtime Stories" can still provide an enjoyable horror experience.