DVD Corner

Scream 6 Blu-ray Review

“Scream 6” is a step up from the fifth installment. 

Set 1 year after 2022’s “Scream,” 2023’s “Scream 6” finds the “core four” (Sam, Tara, Chad and Mindy) living in New York City now. Unfortunately, they can’t seem to escape Ghostface as a new one (or perhaps more than one) begins to prey upon them. As per usual, there are plenty of suspects, but the motive behind these killings and attacks may be more personal.

After an underwhelming fifth entry, the creative team (directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and writers Guy Busick and James Vanderbilt) returns to “Scream 6” with a fresh sequel. The writers go out of their way to really mix things up here with a change of scenery (New York), a unique opening sequence that doesn’t go where you think, a host of horror references (loved the “Murder Party” nod), a much more violent and vicious tone (the murders are nasty and bold), and a story that cleverly pays homage to the entire franchise (including props!). Of course, there’s plenty of meta moments here including a popular fan theory being addressed. All of this amounts to an intense, funny and satisfying sequel that will surely please fans of the long-running slasher franchise. 

“Scream 6” isn’t without its downsides though. Aside from a couple sequences, the New York setting is generally underutilized (much like in “Friday The 13th Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan”). The final act also doesn’t quite stick the landing and feels more like a “Saw” movie to a degree. Also, while not a knock on the film, the absence of Neve Campbell is certainly odd given that she is the face of the franchise. There’s certainly enough going on here to make up for her not being present, but hopefully she will return in a future sequel.

Speaking of cast members, the highlight (for me at least) was the return of Hayden Panettiere reprising the role of Kirby from “Scream 4.” She stole the movie. The “core 4” survivors from the fifth film (Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding and Jenna Ortega) seem much more comfortable in their roles this time around and have better chemistry together. Jasmin Savoy Brown in particular shines as Mindy. Other stand-outs include Courtney Cox (who has a sizable role), rising star Liana Liberato, Tony Revolori (no spoilers about his role), Samara Weaving (in a small role), and Dermot Mulroney as a Detective.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? Expect a crisp hi-def transfer. Note: This title is also available on 4K.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the music to the voice of Ghostface, this track hits all the right notes. 

Extras:
* Digital copy
* “Death Comes To The City”- A featurette on the New York location.
* “The Faces Of Death” revolves around the characters.
* “More Meta Than Meta” is about, you guessed it, the meta elements.
* “Bloodbath At Bodega”- A featurette on the making of the intense Bodega sequence.
* “An Apartment To Die For”- Another making of featurette. This one covers the brutal apartment attack sequence.
* “The Night Train To Terror covers the subway sequence.
* “Theater of Blood”- Don’t watch this extra until you’ve seen the movie as it’s all about the final location in the movie.
* A very talkative, informative and laidback commentary by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, Chad Villella, Guy Busick, James Vanderbilt.

July 6, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Comedy, Ghostface, Horror Movie, Jenna Ortega, Meta, New York, Scream 5, Scream 6 Blu-ray Review, Scream Series, Slasher Movie