Blu-Ray Review: HALLOWEEN 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITON

If you've stopped and read my blog from time to time, or if you're a regular to my site, you probably know that the John Carpenter masterpiece film, "Halloween" is my all-time favorite horror flick. I owe a lot to this picture. It's the reason I got into movies as hard as I have, and why I became so head over heals in love with the genre. So, of course, when the new Blu-Ray by Anchor Bay landed, I had to be a part of it.

First off, the picture quality of the movie is completely amazing! The transfer is so smooth and clear. While watching it with a group of friends, they we all picking out things that they haven't seen in such clarity before. And visual vibrance that's downright stunning! Most notably, when Lorie and her gal pals are walking home from school. And, whenever Michael is in the car.

Secondly, I'll mention the packaging. When I first saw the official add for this release, I was instantly a fan of the cover. It's not the classic image of the pumpkin, but it's a nice touch for a deluxe edition. I still think I would have preferred a more artistic cover, like something Scream Factory would have done. But, the one we're provided is sleek and original, while also being taking in a more serious tone. So, it gets a positive vote from me.

The case itself is the the form of hardback book. And, when you open it, the original poster art is on the inside cover. And there's pages of behind the scenes photos, quotes, and the story behind the film. The presentation of this Blu-Ray is pretty impressive! Below, you'll see I took some in hand shots. Sorry for the poor quality on some. The lighting in my house is dim, and I like it that way.

Now, we'll talk about the bonus features. Honestly, the lack thereof is the only thing truly disappointing about this edition. There's only a small handful of features which include, trailers, TV spots, On Location- 25 Years Later (10 minute featurette), TV version footage, new commentary with Jamie Lee Curtis and John Carpenter, and a new documentary on Jamie Lee Curtis' first and last horror convention appearance at a Horrorhound Weekend event. 

The TV version footage was what I got the most enjoyment out of, because it is great to be watching scenes again that I haven't seen in years. Most of which, I remember clear as day. So, it's really cool to own the cut footage. Aside from that, all I watched was the Documentary on Jamie Lee because, I've seen all the other features before. I haven't watched the new commentary yet, but plan on doing so later tonight! This one should be interesting.

If you own "Halloween" on DVD, and have a good amount of bonus stuff, I don't recommend you discard it. I'll be holding onto my 25th Anniversary Edition DVD, which is also released by Anchor Bay. And, is also the recommended edition to have of this film for just the bonus material alone!

Ultimately, this release is more in celebration of the top-notch picture quality than anything else. It's worth owning for that reason as well. Not to mention the hardback book case that it comes in, which I actually heard is a limited run. So, get yours when you can, and sooner than later!