Halloween (UK)

At last Anchor Bay Entertainment have finally released ‘Halloween’ in the UK. And what an excellent job they’ve done! This film (unlike most) really takes advantage of what DVD technology is capable of, one of the first things that impressed me about this release is that it actually includes two versions of the film - The T.V version and the theatrical version. So what’s the difference, well basically when “Halloween” was released back in the 70’s (1978 to be exact) it was shown at all cinemas shorter than it was actually scripted, this is because some scenes where considered “unnecessary”. But later when it was shown on an American television network the complete film was shown including the footage left out when it was theatrically released, the DVD includes both versions. Another excellent point is that “Halloween” comes in a 2 disc set (as with “Hannibal”) one CD contains the special features (which I’ll get to later) and the other contains the television version, “Halloween” is available in both widescreen and full aspect ratio and the best thing is its video and audio have been digitally re-mastered (THX), it’s been done so well that it looks and sounds like a modern day picture, at first I thought this might affect the atmosphere and its gothic presentation, but I was wrong. Now I’m getting on to a section of the DVD that I consider to be the best – The special features, “Halloween” has the most special features I’ve ever seen on a DVD this includes trailers, T.V spots, radio spots, trivia, bio’s, T.V version, and so on, it also includes a modern day documentary on the film which contains interviews with cast members and the production team. And if you’re a collector this is a must have, it’s limited edition and only a few thousand of them come with a holographic cover, this is a film that everyone should own – The best DVD I’ve seen yet!

halloween is horror classic with scares every five minutes,just
thinking about williem shatner reminds me of michael myers
also known as the shape there are some classic moments
including the final struggle between michael and laurie strode
in the extras department sadley there isn`t an audio commentry by john carpenter but on disc two is the fantastic
tv version cut of the film and there is a 30 min documentry

Anchor Bay have done another great job, a superb print and sound mix...

Great DVD! Halloween has really stood the test on time, this is the ORIGINAL and best stalk and slasher movie, forget all the other calendar date horror and embarrassing imitations. The one take steadicam first scene is still awesome and this movie is packed with suspense and tension.

The only disappointment for me as a John Carpenter fan is the absence of a commentry, I think it would have been pretty good if he had teamed up with Debra Hill or Jamie Lee (they`ll probably release another version I guess as JC has done commentries for his other movies). The featurette is pretty good (with old movies it`s good to see the cast as they are now), although Jamie Lee Curtis is absent. I can`t really understand why they released a two disk version, personally I think they should have just included the scenes added for the TV version by themselves rather than sticking two versions on.
The DVD also features numerous trailers/TV/Radio commercials. The transfer is excellent and has been remastered, I remember the picture of the VHS release being abysmal!

One of the all time classic horror films, Halloween has not aged much and this DVD hughlights that. The transfer of both the theatrical and TV versions are excellent as is the sound mix. The extras are also good. The best extra is the Halloween: Unmasked documentary although a commentary from Carpenter would be nice ( Its strange that Carpenter has not done a commentary for this but has done for all his other films). Overall, a great film which is well worth your money.

The tagline was "The night HE came home" and the "he" in question is Michael Myers - no, not the guy from Austin Powers. I'm talking about a cold emotionless killer, who pointlessly murders teenagers while his face is hidden behind a William Shatner mask.

Imitated, ripped-off and stricken with sequelitis, Halloween made its mark as the original slasher movie back in 1978 when it scared audiences silly and, as word-of-mouth spread, went into the record books as "the highest grossing horror movie ever". Director John Carpenter co-wrote and directed this seminal horror movie; a genuine suspenseful horror movie which is mostly devoid of the blood and gore that are so replete in the modern "horror" flick. A fairly simple but very effective tale, which was especially novel at the time the movie was made and released: a group of high school youths, including the prudish babysitter heroine (played magnificently by the then-unknown Jamie Lee Curtis), who become unwitting prey for the older and even more dangerous and somewhat supernatural psychopath Michael Myers.

It is a release that focuses on the film in the first place and adds interesting and rare material that will give viewers a better understanding for the importance of the movie itself.

Last but not the least of Halloween`s bright spots is John Carpenter`s musical score. John Carpenter composed the entire score in three days. It`s rather simplistic, but extremely effective, the rhythm and pacing is excellent and really adds to the suspense of the film particularly the scenes where Michael is chasing Laurie in the house and then outside across the street. Indeed the score to Halloween is one of the most memorable and intricate parts of the film and it would not be as effective a film without it. No matter how tame it may seem by today's standards, this is landmark film will always remain a classic.

Never has "Halloween" looked or sounded so good - not even in theaters during its original theatrical run. This is a must-own and a must-see disc, hands down!

"Halloween" is the definitive American slasher movie. It is a masterfully taunt exercise in escalating tension directed brilliantly by John Carpenter. Sadly its inferior sequels and imitators have damaged its reputation. But make no mistake "Halloween" is a true horror classic. Today it seems quite tame. Violence is very minimal and if this were passed for certificate today it would probably get a 15's. But Carpenter builds the thrills with unrelenting pace.

Video: All I can say is bravo to Anchor Bay. This THX approved 2.35:1 transfer is truly fantastic. The image is sharp as a tack and colours are solid finely rendered. You've never seen nighttime at Halloween until you see this. There are defects, as expected from a 1978 film but if you compare this to previous video incarnations you will see the difference immediately. Dean Cundey's cinematography is fantastic and should be studied by all film-students and buffs. You will never see another American slasher film so eloquently film.

Audio: What a remaster. From the opening spine chilling notes of John Carpenter terrific score you know you've never heard "Halloween" sound this good. Hell there's even strong bass and surrounds during the thunderous rain scene near the beginning. Whenever I watched this film on TV I always found that the dialogue was very low compared to music and sound effects, thankfully this is not present here and all sound is mix exquisitely. You also get the "old" THX intro to showoff.

Extras: I believe a new special edition is coming out this year with the extra that is most noticeably absent on this disc- the laserdisc commentary featuring John Carpenter and Debra Hill. So you may want to wait for that, unless you can get this for cheap.

On Disc 2, the TV version of the film containing about 15 extra minutes is presented for the first time in widescreen! Sadly the quality of the print is not as good as the theatrical version and the sound is plain 2.0. There are some good scenes in this film, however they bog down the relentless pace of the original.

The main extra on this disc is the 30-minute retrospective documentary, "Halloween Unmasked". Featuring interviews from the major crew and cast, this is essential stuff for Halloween fans. The production is dealt with in-depth and you get a fair bit of information for only 30 minutes.

A massive stills gallery is full of interesting photographs. And rounding of the disc are tons of TV spots, radio spots, trailers and talent bios. Contain in the case is an informative 6 page booklet. Oh and there's a great holograph on the cover.

Overall: Great film, great transfer and audio, slightly disappointing extras. This is a fine package, but I'm sure most people will wait for the Special Edition.

Feature:

Halloween is probaly the best slasher movie of all time, without there would be no Friday 13th or Scream. John Carpenter does a great job writing and directing the brilliant cast. He also has created a brilliant score for the film. Michael Myers is the ultimate boogey man, who even today still sends chills up your spine!

Sound:

A good sound mix, the 5.1 is welcome and is used to great effect.

Picture:

Again a good transfer supervised by cinematographer Dean Cundey.

Extras:

On disc 2 is the television version of the film with an extra 11 minutes added on. Not much really. Halloween Un-Masked is a good documenatry with interviews with every member of the cast and crew.