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Halloween: Resurrection [Blu-ray] Review Halloween Resurrection – Oemiu
Halloween: Resurrection [Blu-ray] Review
The year was 2002. The slasher film was arguably in a state of… well, not resurrection, but perhaps intensive care. The late 90s had seen a wave of self-aware slashers, largely thanks to the *Scream* franchise, but the novelty was wearing thin. Enter *Halloween: Resurrection*, a film that attempted to breathe new life into the Michael Myers saga by introducing a meta element: a reality TV show filmed in the infamous Myers house. While the film was met with mixed (to say the least) reactions upon its release, the Blu-ray edition offers a chance to re-evaluate the film – not necessarily as a masterpiece, but as an interesting, albeit flawed, experiment in the slasher genre. This review will delve into the Blu-ray’s audio and video quality, bonus features, and ultimately, whether or not it’s worth adding to your collection. We’ll also touch on aspects that made *Halloween Resurrection* a talking point, both positively and negatively.
A Second Look at Haddonfield’s Worst Nightmare in High Definition
Let’s face it: *Halloween: Resurrection* isn’t exactly considered a cornerstone of the *Halloween* franchise. However, the Blu-ray release presents the film in a way many viewers likely haven’t experienced before: with a significant upgrade in visual clarity. The transfer boasts a noticeable improvement over previous DVD releases, showcasing sharper details, richer colors, and improved black levels. This is particularly evident in the film’s many dark scenes, where details that were previously obscured are now visible. While the source material isn’t perfect – there’s still a certain level of grain present, which some might find distracting, but others might appreciate as preserving the film’s original look – the Blu-ray does an admirable job of cleaning up the image and presenting it in the best possible light.
The audio, too, gets a boost on the Blu-ray. The DTS-HD Master Audio track provides a more immersive experience, with clear dialogue and impactful sound effects. Michael Myers’ heavy breathing and the infamous *Halloween* theme sound especially menacing. The improved audio quality adds to the overall tension of the film, making the jump scares more effective (even if you know they’re coming). In short, even if you’re not a huge fan of the movie itself, the technical improvements offered by the Blu-ray are undeniable and contribute to a more engaging viewing experience. It’s like seeing the film for the first time, or at least, seeing it with far better eyes and ears. The crisp visuals highlight both the well-lit sets and the shadowy corners, while the enhanced audio truly delivers the suspenseful score and gruesome sound effects. Considering that the film is about a reality show, the Blu-ray’s high definition brings a modern sharpness that somewhat ironically reflects the on-screen premise. While the plot involves Michael Myers stalking contestants, the enhanced clarity allows for a deeper appreciation of the film’s cinematography and production design, regardless of one’s opinion of the script.
Digging into the Bonus Features: More Than Just Deleted Scenes
Beyond the upgraded audio and video, the Blu-ray release of *Halloween: Resurrection* boasts a collection of bonus features that offer insight into the making of the film and address some of the criticisms leveled against it. One of the most notable features is the audio commentary track, which features director Rick Rosenthal and editor Gib Jaffe. While the commentary doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the film’s shortcomings, it also provides valuable context and perspective on the creative decisions that were made during production. Rosenthal and Jaffe discuss the challenges of balancing the traditional slasher elements with the film’s meta approach, as well as the pressures of meeting studio expectations.
The Blu-ray also includes a series of deleted scenes, which offer a glimpse into storylines and character moments that were ultimately cut from the final film. While none of these scenes are particularly groundbreaking, they do provide a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. In addition to the deleted scenes, there are also several behind-the-scenes featurettes that showcase the film’s special effects, stunt work, and makeup design. These featurettes offer a fascinating look at the technical aspects of filmmaking and highlight the talent and dedication of the crew. Interviews with the cast and crew delve into their experiences working on the film, and some of the challenges they faced. Overall, the bonus features on the *Halloween Resurrection* Blu-ray offer a comprehensive look at the making of the film and provide valuable context for understanding its place within the larger *Halloween* franchise. They aren’t just throwaway extras; they provide a genuine behind-the-scenes look.
Here’s a table summarizing the bonus features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Audio Commentary | With director Rick Rosenthal and editor Gib Jaffe. |
| Deleted Scenes | Several scenes that were cut from the final film. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes | Showcasing special effects, stunt work, and makeup design. |
| Interviews | With cast and crew members. |
Evaluating the Film Itself: Meta or Mess?
The elephant in the room, of course, is the film itself. *Halloween: Resurrection* is, to put it mildly, a divisive entry in the *Halloween* franchise. Its reliance on reality TV tropes, its questionable plot points (Michael Myers fighting Busta Rhymes in a kung-fu match, anyone?), and its treatment of Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) have all been heavily criticized. However, it’s important to consider the film within the context of its time. In 2002, reality TV was at its peak, and the idea of incorporating it into a horror film was arguably innovative, even if the execution left something to be desired.
The film’s attempts at meta-commentary on the slasher genre are also worth noting. *Halloween: Resurrection* acknowledges its own place within the franchise and plays with audience expectations in a way that few other *Halloween* films have done. Whether or not these attempts are successful is a matter of personal opinion, but they do add a layer of complexity to the film that is often overlooked. Ultimately, *Halloween: Resurrection* is a flawed film, but it’s not without its merits. It’s a bold and unconventional entry in the *Halloween* franchise that dares to take risks, even if those risks don’t always pay off. Is it a great film? No. Is it a train wreck? Not entirely. It falls somewhere in between, making it a fascinating, if frustrating, viewing experience. You can find copies for sale as *Halloween Resurrection* [Blu-ray] on many major retailers. The polarizing nature of *Halloween: Resurrection* adds to its intrigue. It’s a film that sparks discussion and debate, and its unique approach to the franchise makes it stand out, for better or worse. Its campy elements, such as the aforementioned kung-fu fight, contribute to its cult appeal, despite its critical reception. Whether it’s appreciated as a bold experiment or derided as a misstep, the film’s impact on the *Halloween* legacy is undeniable. It remains a conversation piece, prompting viewers to question the boundaries and conventions of the slasher genre. Some argue it took a clever approach and modernized the series, while others view it as a significant departure from what makes a *Halloween* movie work. Regardless of your stance, it’s a must-see for dedicated horror fans, if only to form your own definitive opinion.
Is the *Halloween Resurrection* Blu-ray Worth Buying?
The answer to this question depends largely on your personal preferences. If you’re a die-hard *Halloween* fan who wants to own every film in the franchise, then the Blu-ray is a worthwhile purchase, even if you’re not a huge fan of the film itself. The improved audio and video quality, combined with the extensive bonus features, make it the definitive version of *Halloween: Resurrection*. If you’re on the fence about the film, the Blu-ray might be worth renting or streaming before committing to a purchase. This will allow you to experience the upgraded audio and video quality and explore the bonus features without having to invest in a physical copy.
However, if you actively dislike *Halloween: Resurrection*, then the Blu-ray is unlikely to change your mind. While the improved audio and video quality are certainly welcome, they can’t overcome the film’s fundamental flaws. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the *Halloween: Resurrection* Blu-ray comes down to your personal tolerance for the film’s unique (and often bizarre) approach to the *Halloween* franchise. For collectors and fans, the *Halloween Resurrection* Blu-ray is a must-have piece.
Here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of buying the Blu-ray:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improved audio and video quality | The film itself is divisive |
| Extensive bonus features | May not appeal to all *Halloween* fans |
| Definitive version of the film | Questionable plot points |
As of today, the price of the *Halloween: Resurrection* [Blu-ray] typically ranges between $10 and $20, depending on the retailer and any ongoing sales. Given the improved audio and video quality, along with the bonus content, this price point makes it a reasonable purchase for those who are interested in owning the film.
FAQ
Is *Halloween: Resurrection* canon?
The question of canonicity within the *Halloween* franchise is a complex one, largely because the series has undergone multiple retcons and reboots. *Halloween: Resurrection* follows the timeline established by *Halloween H20*, which itself ignored the events of *Halloween 4*, *5*, and *6*. However, the current *Halloween* timeline, which began with the 2018 film *Halloween*, completely ignores all previous sequels, including *Resurrection*. So, officially, *Halloween: Resurrection* is not considered canon within the current continuity. However, its existence within its own separate timeline remains, making it a part of the overall *Halloween* lore, even if it’s not actively acknowledged. The nature of canon is subjective in long-running franchises like this.
Why is *Halloween: Resurrection* so disliked?
*Halloween: Resurrection* has garnered significant criticism for several reasons. The plot, which involves a reality TV show taking place in the Myers house, is often considered contrived and lacking the suspense and atmosphere of previous *Halloween* films. The death of Laurie Strode in the opening scene was a point of contention for many fans, as it felt disrespectful to the character and Jamie Lee Curtis’s legacy within the franchise. Additionally, the inclusion of comedic elements, such as the kung-fu fight between Michael Myers and Busta Rhymes, were seen as out of place and tonally inconsistent with the rest of the series. The film generally strayed too far from the core elements that made the original *Halloween* so iconic.
What are some of the most infamous scenes in *Halloween: Resurrection*?
There are several scenes in *Halloween: Resurrection* that have become infamous for their perceived absurdity or poor execution. The aforementioned kung-fu fight between Michael Myers and Busta Rhymes’ character is often cited as one of the most ridiculous moments in the entire *Halloween* franchise. The opening scene, in which Laurie Strode is killed, is also controversial due to its perceived disrespect to the character. Other scenes that have been criticized include the moments where the reality TV contestants are interacting with the cameras and the overall reliance on jump scares rather than genuine suspense.
How does the *Halloween Resurrection* Blu-ray improve upon the DVD version?
The *Halloween Resurrection* Blu-ray offers several improvements over the DVD version. The most significant upgrade is the enhanced audio and video quality. The Blu-ray presents the film in high definition, with sharper details, richer colors, and improved black levels. This allows viewers to see details that were previously obscured on the DVD version, particularly in the film’s many dark scenes. The audio track is also upgraded to DTS-HD Master Audio, providing a more immersive and impactful sound experience. Additionally, the Blu-ray typically includes more extensive bonus features than the DVD, such as additional deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes featurettes.
What is the significance of the reality TV show element in *Halloween: Resurrection*?
The reality TV show element in *Halloween: Resurrection* was an attempt to modernize the franchise and reflect the cultural trends of the early 2000s, when reality TV was at its peak. The film uses the reality show format to explore themes of voyeurism, exploitation, and the desensitization of violence. However, this approach was largely criticized for feeling forced and out of place within the context of the *Halloween* franchise. Some argue that it was an attempt to appeal to a younger audience, while others see it as a misguided attempt to inject novelty into a tired formula.
What happened to Laurie Strode in *Halloween: Resurrection*?
In the opening scene of *Halloween: Resurrection*, Laurie Strode, who had survived her encounter with Michael Myers in *Halloween H20*, is seemingly killed by Michael. However, it is later revealed that she had orchestrated a plan to trap and kill him, but Michael outsmarted her and switched places with a paramedic. This plot twist was widely criticized for undermining Laurie’s character development and agency, as well as for diminishing the impact of her previous appearances in the franchise. The death of Laurie Strode was a significant point of contention for many fans, as it felt disrespectful and unnecessary.
How does *Halloween: Resurrection* fit into the overall *Halloween* timeline?
As previously mentioned, the *Halloween* timeline is somewhat convoluted. *Halloween: Resurrection* follows the timeline established by *Halloween H20*, which ignored the events of *Halloween 4*, *5*, and *6*. This means that *Resurrection* is a direct sequel to *H20*. However, the current *Halloween* timeline, which began with the 2018 film *Halloween*, completely ignores all previous sequels, including both *H20* and *Resurrection*. This makes *Halloween: Resurrection* part of a separate, non-canon timeline within the larger *Halloween* franchise. While it’s still considered part of the overall series lore, its events are not acknowledged in the current continuity.
Price: $41.96
(as of Sep 05, 2025 07:10:39 UTC – Details)
