DVD Corner

Five Nights At Freddy’s Blu-ray Review

“Five Nights At Freddy’s” is an underwhelming video game adaptation. 

Based on the hit video game franchise of the same name, “Five Nights At Freddy’s” revolves around Mike Schmidt who is struggling in life. He’s haunted by his dark past involving his brother Garrett, he can’t keep a job and he’s in danger of losing custody of his little sister Abby to his aunt. In need of money, Mike accepts a job as a security guard at the shuttered Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza entertainment center. He soon discovers that not all is as it seems at Fazbear’s as it too has a dark history. He learns from a local cop (Vanessa) that the place was closed down after 5 children were murdered there. But wait, there’s more. The children now possess the animatronics- Freddy Fazbear, Mr. Cupcake, Chica, Bonnie and Foxy. From there on out the plot thickens with storylines involving Abby, the serial killer behind the murders, Vanessa’s big secret, the animatronics on a murder spree, and the revelation of what really happened to Garrett.

After 8 long years of development, Blumhouse finally released a feature film version of “Five Nights At Freddy’s.” From a financial perspective, the movie was a big hit with the teen and video game fan crowd especially. In fact, it was the company’s biggest movie of all time. From a critical standpoint, the movie leaves a lot to be desired.

Directed by Emma Tammi and written by Emma Tammi, game creator Scott Cawthon, and Seth Cuddeback, “Five Nights At Freddy’s” has the same problem that “The Nun” films have in that it underutilizes its selling point. In this case it’s the animatronics. When they are on screen, it’s a horror joy to behold. The animatronics, puppets and costumes by the Jim Henson Creature Shop are the clear MVP here with Mr. Cupcake being the real scene stealer. When they aren’t on screen, the movie is a tedious bore that is burdened by backstory and Mike’s seemingly endless dream scenes. The desire to create human characters and family drama is understandable, but let’s face it, no one is watching this movie for that. They want to see the horror version of a Chuck E. Cheese with scares.

Speaking of the scares, they are definitely lacking here as well. Maybe it’s the PG-13 rating or maybe it’s that the movie seems unable to replicate the spooky atmosphere and jump scares of the games. On paper it should be more effective given that there is wonderful production design and a sense of atmosphere. In reality, you are again left wanting more. It’s pretty sad that the knockoff “Five Nights At Freddy’s” movie “Willy’s Wonderland” was more intense than this. 

Cast wise, the two stand-outs here are Elizabeth Lail (of “You” fame) and Matthew Lillard (who is no stranger to the horror realm). 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.00:1 1080p. How does it look? This is a Grade A transfer all the way.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Expect a highly effective Atmos track.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* DVD copy
* “Five Nights At Freddy’s: From Game To Big Screen”- A behind-the-scenes featurette with interviews, set footage, and discussions about the film adaptation.
* “Killer Animatronics” revolves around the amazing Jim Henson Creature Shop work.
* “Five Nights In Three Dimensions” centers around the production design.

December 12, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Five Nights At Freddy's Blu-ray Review, Five Nights At Freddy's Games, Five Nights At Freddy's Movie, Freddy Fazbear, horror, Horror Movie, Matthew Lillard, Video Game