I’ll be the first to admit, I wasn’t really into horror until my partner and I got together. I had seen some of the classics (the first Nightmare on Elm (1984), first Friday (1980), first Halloween (1978), etc.), but there were a lot of titles that absolutely missed my radar. Just over the last near-decade of being together, we’ve been trying to cover some of these titles that should’ve been watched *years* ago, but there is also so much *new* content that it’s impossible to keep and catch up. This is all to say that I should’ve seen Trick ‘r Treat (2007) in 2007, or 2008 or 2009, etc. and not 2024, because I am shocked at how absolutely enjoyable and insane Michael Dougherty’s anthological cult classic is. Dougherty’s writing credits include X2: X-Men United (2003) *the best one*, Superman Returns (2006), Krampus (2015), and so much more; it’s clear why Trick ‘r Treat works and its due to his brilliance.
While there isn’t really an overarching story that ties the five separate stories together, they do bleed together fairly well and have continuity that links them together. The only thing they all have in common in terms of theme is Halloween as all the stories happen on one unlucky Halloween night and some of the characters interact with one another —story to story — and all get tormented and affected by Sam (Quinn Lord). While the stories focus on different characters, mostly, Sam seems to be the overarching character here whether that be interacting with Steven (Dylan Baker), Laurie (Anna Paquin), Mr. Kreeg (Brian Cox), and so forth. This anthology is one of the very rare examples of it done right, and near flawlessly. Even as a first-time watch, this still feels innovative, fresh, and brilliant in execution, storytelling, and performance, truly making this 2007 box office bomb a modern classic that will have fans clamoring to get their hands on this new edition.
TRICK ‘R TREAT 4K UHD packshot. Photo courtesy of MVD Entertainment Group/Arrow Video.
While this beautiful Arrow edition has SIX (6!!!!) new features, five interviews and a tribute piece to makeup effects designer Bill Terezakis, there truly is something for everyone with what can arguably be described as the definitive collection for Trick ‘r Treat fans. Atop the new features, all of the legacy special features are also included as well as two different designs for the cover art, leaving every stone unturned for any fan or collector wanting to get their hands on this beloved (and rightfully so) Halloween classic.
Speaking of the cover art though, this artwork is done by renowned artist Sara Deck, which is also featured on the double-sided poster and the original art, as well. Also included are six art cards, an illustrated collector’s book featuring new writings by Becky Drake and Heather Wixson. There are so many physical bonuses atop the plethora of digital bonuses on the disc itself that feature and entertainment value alone makes this Arrow release of Trick ‘r Treat a must-have for any fan of Sam (after watching this for the first time, I, myself, am thinking of obtaining a full-blown copy with the incredible art and booklet.)
Getting into the blood and guts, so to speak, of this 4K UHD from Arrow Films is the restoration they bring for the beloved Halloween classic. This 4K restoration, led by Arrow and approved by writer and director Michael Dougherty, brings his beloved classic to the 2160 p game with Dolby Vision and HDR10 with the original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround. The audio quality is superb, but the picture quality deserves to be hung in the Louvre on Halloween night. This is one of the most electrifying transfers I’ve put eyes to, keeping the Halloween spirit intact with darkness and fear, while being bright, transcendent, and captivating simultaneously, is not an easy feat, but Arrow manages to perfectly capture the spooky brilliance of Dougherty’s Halloween masterpiece.
Trick ‘r Treat Special Features:
- 4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
- Brand new 4K restoration by Arrow Films, approved by writer-director Michael Dougherty
- 4K Ultra HD (2160 p) Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
- Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo audio
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Archival audio commentary by Michael Dougherty, conceptual artist Breehn Burns, storyboard artist Simeon Wilkins and composer Douglas Pipes
- Archival audio commentary by Michael Dougherty, conceptual artist Breehn Bums, storyboard artist Simeon Wilkins and composer Douglas Pipes
- “Becoming Sam,” a brand-new interview with actor Quinn Lord
- “The Devil is in the Details,” a brand-new interview with production designer Mark Freebor
- “If Looks Could Kill,” a brand-new interview with director of photography Glen MacPherson
- “Designs to Die For,” a brand-new interview with costume designer Trish Keating
- “Bark at the Moon,” a brand-new interview with creature designer Patrick Tatopoulos
- Mark Freebom Remembers Bill Terezakis, a new tribute to the late makeup effects designer
- “Tales of Folklore & Fright,” an archival featurette with Michael Dougherty, Breehn Burns and Simeon Wilkins
- “Tales of Mischief & Mayhem: Filming Trick ‘r Treat,” an archival interview with Michael Dougherty on the making of the film
- “Sounds of Shock & Superstition: Scoring Trick ‘r Treat,” an archival featurette with Michael Dougherty and Douglas Pipes
- “Tales of Dread & Despair: Releasing Trick ‘r Treat,” an archival featurette with Michael Dougherty and Rob Galluzzo of the Shock Waves podcast, exploring the film’s release and fandom
- Season’s Greetings, a short film from 1996 directed by Michael Dougherty with optional director commentary
- “The Lore and Legends of Halloween,” an archival featurette narrated by actor Brian Cox
- School bus VFX comparison
- Additional scenes
- FEARnet promos
- Sam O’Lantern
- Storyboard and conceptual artwork gallery
- Behind-the-scenes gallery
- Monster Mash comic book set in the Trick ‘r Treat universe
- Trailer
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck
- Double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck
- Six postcard-sized artcards
- Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Becky Darke and Heather Wixson
Available on 4K UHD Blu-ray October 29th, 2024.
For more information, head to the official Arrow Video Trick ‘r Treat webpage.
To purchase, head to the official MVD Entertainment Group Trick ‘r Treat webpage.
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Categories: Films To Watch, Home Release, Recommendation
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