DVD Corner

Trick ‘r Treat 4K UHD Review

Trick ‘r Treat is a Halloween classic. 

With Halloween a few days away, Arrow Video is wisely releasing the horror anthology film “Trick ‘r Treat” just in time for the holiday. 

If you’ve ever stepped foot in a Spirit Halloween store, you’ve likely seen Sam merchandise everywhere. The character (who is the face of “Trick ‘r Treat”) is the spirit of Halloween and even features in one of the 4 stories presented here. The setting: Halloween night in Warren Valley, Ohio. The story revolves around a couple (Emma and Henry), Laurie (dressed as Red Riding Hood) looking for a date for a party (which is not what it seems), a serial killer Principal/father Steven Wilkins, 4 teens pranking Rhonda about a local legend of a bus massacre that happened on Halloween, and a grouchy asthmatic old man (Kreeg) who encounters the aforementioned Sam and must face his own dark past. The stories are told in a nonlinear fashion and are interconnected.

Shamefully buried at the time of its release, writer/director Michael Dougherty’s “Trick ‘r Treat” has since become a massively popular cult horror film. It’s not hard to see why as it’s a fun, sometimes comedic, spooky, and moody tribute to horror comic books and horror anthology films of the past ala “Creepshow.” It’s one of the rare movies to perfectly capture Halloween and it’s also one of the best horror anthology films ever made. There isn’t a single wasted second here and it leaves you wanting more. Let’s hope we get that rumored sequel someday!

Cast wise, there’s some big names here including Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker, Leslie Bibb, Quinn Lord (as Sam), and Brian Cox. Dylan Baker has a lot to work with as the messed up Principal. The always talented Brian Cox is great as per usual as Kreeg. Quinn Lord deserves praise for his performance as Sam. He helped create a modern horror movie legend after all.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p With Dolby Vision. How does it look? This is a decent upgrade, but the skin tones and fire reflections are a bit too bright.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track packs a punch. There’s also a 2.0 DTS-HD MA option for those interested.

Extras:
* New commentary by Michael Dougherty and moderators James. A. Janisse and Chelsea Rebecca from Dead Meat Podcast and an archival commentary by Michael Dougherty, conceptual artist Breehn Burns, storyboard artist Simeon Wilkins and composer Douglas Pipes.
* Stills, storyboard and concept artwork, behind the scenes, and Monster Mash Comic Book set in the “Trick ‘r Treat” Universe image galleries.
* “Becoming Sam”- A new interview with Quinn Lord.
* “The Devil Is In The Details”- A 2024 interview with production designer Mark Freeborn.
* “If Looks Could Kill”- A brand new interview with DP Glen MacPherson.
* “Designs To Die For”- Another new interview. This one is with costume designer Trish Keating.
* “Bark At The Moon”- 2024 interview with creature designer Patrick Tatopoulos.
* “Mark Freeborn Remembers Bill Terezakis”-The production designer discusses working with the late make-up effects designer.
* “Archive Extras” includes “Tales Of Folklore And Fright” (about the film’s origins), “Tales Of Mischief And Mayhem” (about filming in Vancouver), “Sounds Of Shock And Superstition” (film score featurette), “Tales Of Dread And Despair” (about the problems marketing the film), “Season’s Greetings” (short film), “The Lore And Legends Of Halloween” (about Halloween history), “School Bus VFX Comparison,” deleted and alternate scenes with optional commentary by Michael Dougherty, trailer, FEARnet promos, and a 1 hour video of “Sam O’Lantern” (the Halloween equivalent of a fireplace).

October 28, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Arrow Video, Brian Cox, Halloween, Horror Anthology, Horror Movie, Sam, Trick 'r Treat 4K UHD Review