听 As one of the most imitated and influential horror films ever made, "Halloween" has struggled in recent years to retain impact. It's familiarity, coupled with horrible tired old prints used for TV and video releases, have dated the film badly. If any of that strikes a chord with you then be warned, the new two disc special edition DVD release of "Halloween" will terrify even the seasoned horror viewer.
Does anyone remember staying up late to watch "Halloween" on television? They must have had a team of tramps on full-time employment rubbing their feet on the print and shining bright lights onto it. Bleached, grainy and, scratched, it was a travesty that just ruined the film.
Witness then the transfer for this DVD. THX-approved 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, and what a beauty it is too. Some scenes look so fresh you'd swear that they were shot recently. More importantly, the night-time scenes carry a new level of detail that really enhances the terror. Silhouettes, shadows, and the partial illumination of Myers' face are now all there to add a whole new chilling veneer to the movie.
As producer Irwin Yablans relates in the 'making of' documentary, members of the audience invariably covered their ears when watching "Halloween" rather than their eyes. The power of John Carpenter's score is instrumental in heightening the sense of fear in the viewer. A new 5.1 (also THX-approved) mix for DVD adds considerable bass, and re-mixes the music to wreath you in atmosphere.
There's a selection of trailers, stills, and trivia to keep you amused (let's face it, you're not going to sleep for a while after seeing this DVD), but it's the new retrospective 'making of' documentary that really impresses. Everyone from Carpenter to Debra Hill to Jamie Lee Curtis and the producers are interviewed. They clearly all hold the movie in great affection and the anecdotes they relate are great fun.
This is a double disc set. Disc two has the NBC TV version of the movie, which had 11 minutes of footage added to make-up the running time for TV. The effect on the film is a slower start and a stodgier feel, but fans will not be able to resist spotting the extra moments.
Region: 2
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5:1
Extra Features:
Disc one:
- Scene selection and animated menus.
- ' "Halloween" Unmasked 2000' documentary.
- Behind-the-scenes and publicity stills galleries.
- Trivia facts, original theatrical trailer, re-release trailer, three TV spots.
- Three radio spots cast and crew biographies and filmographies.
Disc two:
- Scene selection, TV version background notes and animated menus.
- US NBC TV Version' of "Halloween" running at 101 mins.
- Choice of 1.33:1 fullscreen or 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen viewing options, 2.0 surround sound.
