Trick or Treat is one of the most requested titles since the widespread release of the Blu-ray format. I’m talking about the 1986 horror film from director Charles Martin Smith, not the beloved anthology Trick ‘r Treat (2007) that gave birth to horror icon Sam. Funny enough, Trick or Trick did give birth to a horror icon with a similar name: Sammi Curr.
Red Shirt Home Video, in association with Synapse Films, has delivered what could be the best release of the past several years when it comes to genre fare. I may be a bit biased since I’ve been obsessed with the movie and the soundtrack from metal legends Fastway since I was a kid.
Heavy metal icon Sammi Curr (Tony Fields) dies in a tragic hotel fire, leaving his biggest fan, Eddie Weinbauer (Marc Price), heartbroken. Seeking solace, Eddie turns to local DJ Nuke (Gene Simmons), who gifts him a rare demo record, Sammi’s last. Unbeknownst to Eddie, the record holds dark powers. After enduring relentless bullying, Eddie plays the record backward and discovers he can communicate with Sammi’s spirit.
Manipulated by the vengeful rock star, Eddie exacts revenge on his tormentors, but the fun turns deadly when supernatural forces nearly claim a life. As Eddie tries to break free, Sammi’s evil essence is resurrected, unleashing chaos at the high school Halloween dance. Eddie must confront the demonic Sammi to save his town from descending into hell.
RELATED: ‘The Spider Labyrinth’ (1988) 4K Blu-Ray Review: Gianfranco Giagni’s Lost Film
Trick or Treat is a perfect film. I’ve long been a fan and own several different versions. There was an embarrassing DVD release and a German Blu-ray from NSM Records, which wasn’t horrible, but there was room for major improvement. But until now, the film has never been available on Blu-ray in the U.S., and it’s worth owning.
The 4K restoration from the original negative was supervised by the Director of Photography, Robert Elswit. This allows fans the opportunity to view it, maybe for the first time, exactly the way it was originally intended. The audio is crisp and clear, but I suggest playing it through a system because the soundtrack is killer. Many people have made up their minds about the movie, but the hard work and love everyone has for the source material is evident when diving into the bonus features.
Bonus features include:
- 1080p Blu-ray of a 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative approved by Director of Photography Robert Elswit
- Lossless English DTS-HD Master Audio of the original 2.0 theatrical mix and an all-new 5.1 surround sound mix
- Audio commentary with director Charles Martin Smith, moderated by filmmaker Mark Savage
- Audio interviews with writer/producer Michael S. Murphey and writer Rhet Topham, moderated by film historian Michael Felsher
- Audio conversation with Paul Corupe and Allison Lang, authors of Satanic Panic: Pop-Cultural Paranoia in the 1980s
- Rock & Shock: The Making of Trick or Treat
- “In The Spotlight: A Tribute to Tony Fields,” featuring interviews with the late actor’s family and friends
- Horror’s Hallowed Grounds: “The Filming Locations of Trick or Treat” with Sean Clark
- “After Midnight” music video
- Theatrical trailers, TV spots, and radio spots
- Still Gallery featuring an optional audio interview with still photographer Phillip V. Caruso
- Vintage electronic press kit
- Region-free for worldwide playback
- Limited edition O-Card slipcover, available on FIRST PRESSING ONLY
- Reversible Cover Art
RELATED: ‘The Church’ 4K Blu-Ray Review: A Flawless Presentation of a Horror Classic
The best part of all the extras is the feature-length documentary Rock & Shock: The Making of Trick or Treat. It covers just about any question a fan could think of and has interviews with just about everyone involved (there are a few missing).
A three-disc limited edition set with three different covers was released last year and sold out within a few weeks. This standard edition more than does the trick with its brilliant transfer and bonus-packed discs. There’s no false metal on this disc!
We’re hardworking geeks who love to geek out, but we can’t do it without you! If you enjoyed this article and want to see more like it, please consider tipping our writers. Also, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
