By now we all know the plot of these films, so what I'm going to do is examine the features present on the Halloween 4 & 5 Blu-rays that hit stores tomorrow, August 21st.
In regard to the video and audio of both films, the 1080p transfer is immaculate! Having seen HALLOWEEN 4 & 5 on subsequent VHS and DVD releases I can say that this is the best that either one has looked. Even the 2006 DIVIMAX DVD releases pale in comparison. The opening credit sequence is absolutely stunning! The image is sharp and full of detail that was lacking previously. The DOLBY 5.1 TrueHD audio tracks really help to create a certain atmosphere and immerse you into the film. Almost like you are the center of the action. Alan Howarth's score plays particularly well. The video and audio presentation for both films is solid. I have no problem giving it a 10/10
In the way of features not much is new, but here's what you're getting:
HALLOWEEN 4
-Audio Commentary with Director Dwight H. Little and Author Justin Beahm (NEW) - This is actually an interesting track. At times it seems more like an audio interview, but it flows nicely and is constantly engaging. Dwight offers some great insight into the production, even mentioning some scenes that were "trimmed" from the final release. I won't spoil what was said here, but overall it's a nice listen.
-Audio Commentary with Actors Ellie Cornell and Danielle Harris - This was originally featured on the 2006 DIVIMAX release. An interesting track inn which Ellie Cornell and Danielle Harris discuss their experience making the film.
-Halloween 4/5 Discussion Panel - Panel from the Halloween 25 Years Of Terror Convention that was originally featured on the 2006 DIVIMAX release.
-Theatrical Trailer - Featured on every DVD release of the film to date.
HALLOWEEN 5
-Audio Commentary with Actor Don Shanks and Author Justin Beahm (NEW) - Like the new commentary track on HALLOWEEN 4, this is also a very good track! Although not very techincal, Don Shanks does offer great insight and antidotes about the film's production as well as Michael's motivations. He also discusses scenes that were cut and why, and explains how the film originally got an X rating. The most interesting part of the track is Don's explanation of the Thorn symbol and the Man In Black. After listening to this, I got the feeling that HALLOWEEN 5 could have been very different from the version that we have today. Even though I enjoyed both of the new commentaries, in my opinion, this was better than the track from Part 4.
-Halloween 5: Orginal Promo (NEW) - This is the standard EPK promoting the film's original video release. Personally, I enjoy archival material like this, and it's nice to see that it's finally included on a release for the film.
-Halloween 5: On The Set - This was billed in the press release as being NEW content, however, it is not. This 17 minute featurette is raw behind the scenes footage from the set, and was originally featured on the 2006 DIVIMAX release. It's definitely interesting, but not new.
-Audio Commentary with Director Dominique Othenin-Girard and actors Danielle Harris and Jeffrey Landman - Another commentary that was originally featured on the 2006 DIVIMAX release, it's listenable.
-Theatrical Trailer - More like a 30 second TV spot that has been on every DVD release of the film to date.
As far as bonus features go for both releases I'd have to give them a 7/10. The only reason the score is that high is because of the new commentaries that were included, which aside from the video and audio presentation is the only other highlight of each disc.
Obviously, if you own a Blu-ray player this is a must buy for the transfers alone, but aside from the commentaries, it's seriously lacking in any new bonus content. Only die hard fans will listen to the commentaries, so in the end, it's up to the individual as to if it's worth the upgrade. I would recommend it.
OVERALL SCORE: 8.5
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