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Anchor Bay has re-released John Carpenter's 1978 masterpiece "Halloween" about as many times as they have the Evil Dead trilogy. It's been almost impossible to know which one to pick up over the years there are so many versions. Halloween was originally released on DVD by Anchor Bay featuring a bad transfer that didn't do the film any justice at all. They then re-released it again on DVD with a transfer approved by the original director of photography Dean Cundey. The transfer was greatly improved but it was lacking in extras for a film of such great importance. Then they released another cut of the film in which the extra scenes filmed for the TV airings of the film (filmed during the making of the sequel oddly enough) were cut into the film. A 4th DVD release then occured as part of their "divimax" line which was a 2 disc set with plentiful extras and a brand new remastered transfer.

That 4th DVD release proved to be the most problematic. While the quality of detail was greatly improved, somebody made a huge error in that they completely stripped away the blue tint from the film that made it appear that it was set in the fall. It just didn't look how Halloween was meant to look. A backlash ensued and Anchor Bay claimed to have taken those complaints into consideration with Halloween's blu-ray debut.

While the initial blu-ray release did correct some of the color timing errors of the divimax DVD release, it still just didn't look right and it was obvious that they didn't film the movie actually in the fall as the grass was too green and the night time scenes lacked that famous blue tint that gave the film such a great atmosphere.

Anchor Bay though have FINALLY righted their previous wrongs and brought director of photography Dean Cundey on board again to supervise the transfer for the film's 35th (has it really been that long?!) anniversary blu-ray re-release. After directly comparing the new blu-ray to the old blu-ray, I can say that they have FINALLY gotten it right and Halloween looks as it was meant to be seen again.

The colors in the new transfer are a bit more muted and natural looking than the first HD go around. The blue textures in the night scenes are back in full force and the film looks like it is set in the fall season once again! Not only that, but detail has taken a considerable boost with the new HD transfer compared to the first one. This is apparently due to the higher bit rate on the new release in addition to I believe they actually did a 4K scan this time of the original camera negative. It's truly like seeing the film again for the first time. No digital noise reduction was used so the film retains its filmlike grain texture. A truly amazing HD transfer of one of the greatest films ever made.

The sound is provided in a new 7.1 surround mix but the original mono mix is also included. Both are in lossless HD audio. Extras include a brand new commentary track featuring star Jamie Lee Curtis and director/co-writer/composer John Carpenter. Sadly though, the commentary tracks on the prior releases are missing in action. Most extras were ported over but not all from prior releases as well. This is a bit frustrating and keeps this from being as definitive of a release as it could have been. What is here though is nice and the best is a nearly one hour documentary of Jamie Lee Curtis doing her one and only horror convention to help raise money for a children's hospital charity that she supports.

The initial pressing of the new blu-ray also is included in a nice & classy digi-book featuring essays and lots of cool production photos. Apparently once this initial run is depleted, it will only be available in a standard blu-ray case so get the digi-pack while you can.

So, I highly recommend this new blu-ray to fans of the film as they finally got the film looking like it was supposed to look again and the new HD transfer is truly a marvel to the eyes. Why they chose not to include all previous extras too on this release is a bit frustrating but shouldn't keep somebody from not getting this new release. It blows the original bu-ray away picture quality wise and comes highly recommended!

My Best Buy number: 3300105376

I would recommend this to a friend!

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This review is fromHalloween [Blu-ray] [1978].

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Customer Rating

Happy HALLOWEEN

on November 12, 2008

Posted by: TFABOLOUS

Halloween is a good movie; for many, Halloween is a perennial classic. Michael Myers, the films' antagonist, is a psycho stalker equipped with a large knife. Halloween is unlike the majority of films in the horror genre. Halloween utilizes a superb sense of suspense throughout the film to keep the movie viewer on the edge of his/her seat, rather than the over-emphasized use of blood and gore.

This film introduces the world to Jamie Lee Curtis. And as they say, "A star is born". Curtis' raw talent is observed through her portrayal of Laurie Strode, a happy-go-lucky teenager. Her performance is believable due to the wide range of emotions she emotes.

Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) steals the show. His reoccurrence throughout the series essential propels the franchise to its success.

Also, most noteworthy is the ever present music score, which is a constant reminder of the unknown.

What's great about it: (1080p) outstanding picture and sound quality

I would recommend this to a friend!

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This review is fromHalloween [Blu-ray] [1978].

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Customer Rating

A+ picture and sound

on October 7, 2007

Posted by: armyof1

I am a huge fan of the original Halloween and have purchased many different copies of this film over the years. The blu-ray edition is by far the best I have seen yet. The picture and sound quality are amazing for a film that was made almost 30 years ago. The color and resolution of the film make it look like it was filmed only recently.The only negative about the disc is that there are no new extra features that have not been released before on previous dvd editions. This is the best horror film ever and this is the best release yet.

What's great about it: Awesome picture and sound

What's not so great: No new extra features

I would recommend this to a friend!

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This review is fromHalloween [Blu-ray] [1978].

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Customer Rating

Scariest Halloween Movie

on October 17, 2007

Posted by: Lexa

There's few horror movies that are actually scary, but Halloween manages to frighten the audience. Perfect to watch on Halloween, but also great on any other night.

What's great about it: Jamie Lee

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

Halloween looks great on Blu Ray

on September 23, 2009

Posted by: Twlightfann

I must say that this blu ray version of the classic halloween is extrodinary. The picture is so clear and perfect, it doesn't even seem to be from the early eighties. I would not say anything bad about this verions. If you are a halloween fan and want the best picture you need this. Some movies on Blu Ray's look good, but this looks great, and is also a great price

To conclude this review, I highly recommend this film on Blu-Ray to see the movie in its finest home video presentation and witness, "The Night He Came Home."

I would recommend this to a friend!

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This review is fromHalloween 35th Anniversary [DVD].

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Customer Rating

A must buy for fans of the franchise

on October 25, 2013

Posted by: aknuckle235

from Leicester MA

Verified Purchase:Yes

This release is great, if you are a fan of the franchise and looking to upgrade to a blu ray this is a must. The transfer is awesome and the features are great. There is a documentary extra that shows you Jamie Lee Curtis as she attends her first fan convention that I loved. My only issue is that the TV edit footage is an extra only and there is no feature to include it in the movie. Other than that its awesome Oh and I highly recommend getting the digi book if possible, its one of the nicest ones I own.

My Best Buy number: 2755478301

What's great about it: The transfer, the features, the packaging

What's not so great: the TV edit footage not incorporated into the movie

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

Classic

on September 22, 2009

Posted by: Goldstandard

from Texas

This is one of the most brilliant, simple, and scary horror films ever made. All the stars were in alignment when John Carpenter, and Debra Hill set out to make this now classic horror film. There have been many clones of this film, but this one is the one that started it all. Amazing lighting & cinematography by Dean Cundey, wonderful performances from Jamie Lee Curtis, Nancy Loomis, P.J. Soles, and Nick Castle. Minimal onscreen graphic violence, no blood, no gore. All story, scares, stalking, and horror. The now classic musical score by director John Carpenter really makes this film come alive! Don't watch this alone or in the dark!! And watch Halloween II immediatly after this film, cause it's a continuation of the same night!!! My favorite film of all time.

What's great about it: Classic. Simply put. Classic.

What's not so great: Flawless

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

Best horror film of all time!

on June 14, 2011

Posted by: mad10jen

from Houston, TX

I finally upgraded my copy of Halloween from DVD to blu-ray and could not be happier. The picture and sound are amazing. This is the greatest horror film of all time. What makes it so awesome is the realism of it. This is something that could really happen which makes it even scarier. It is not like todays films which rely on blood and guts to carry the film. Halloween is all story and acting. Jamie Lee Curtis is fantastic and believable as a young scared potential victim. Most of the horror films I saw when I was young are silly and not scary watching them as an adult, but not Halloween it still gives me the chills watching it as an adult. It is a believable story and the acting and suspense make it worth the price. I get this out every Halloween and turn out the lights. I can't wait till my 3 girls get older to introduce them to this horror classic and scare them good. Great film that you will watch every year especially in the upgraded blu-ray version.

What's great about it: Story, suspense, sound, and picture

I would recommend this to a friend!

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