Review by Louis Fowler | Available from Anchor Bay | Buy at Amazon.com
In 1978, the first real slasher film – the one that set the template for all others to follow – John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN was released and changed the face of horror forever. Yes, we can have all of our horror-geek debates and mention other films that may have actually been the first, but let’s be honest: even if there were previous slasher films, none of them have mattered or set a course for horror the way HALLOWEEN did.
And perhaps even more notable, is the 25 years later, the film (and it’s subsequent sequels, good and bad) is just as relevant as ever. Not only has the franchise managed to stay in theaters, but, especially with the recent announcement that Rob Zombie will be directing a remake of the first, it’s poised to blow up all over again. Like that news or hate it, one this is undeniable: HALLOWEEN is destined to reach a fan fever pitch all over again.
On top of that, I’m a gigantic HALLOWEEN fan. I love all of them. Mock me if you must, but dammit, even the worst ones are still incredibly entertaining. I’ll always be first in line for the next flick.
And this love is exemplified by Anchor Bay’s 2-disc documentary HALLOWEEN: 25 YEARS OF TERROR, probably the most seminal feature-length making-of film since Kevin Burn’s BEHIND THE PLANET OF THE APES. Every single story and every minute controversy behind each film is aided with rare footage and dozens-upon-dozens of interviews, providing an honest, warts-and-all depiction of the “night he came home”. The candid honesty of all the participants is refreshing – bombs are called bombs, misfires are admitted – nothing is glossed over. Hell, a whole portion is dedicated to HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH. If this were some puff-piece, I’m sure that would have been mention only in brief passing.
Everything you could ever want to know about the series is here.
Included are over four hours of bonus features – from extended interviews to rare behind-the-scenes footage and, most intriguing, footage of the last big HALLOWEEN convention, where most of the fans seem to resemble a cross between a STAR WARS geek and a Juggalo. But, on the plus side, the females do have a tendency to flash some mamm, so all is not a waste.
Now I know that you think this is nothing more but glorified DVD extras – but you’re completely wrong. This is a horror fan’s dream and, with any luck, due to the success of this, maybe we’ll see more documentaries on other franchises that deserve them and made by people that, ultimately, respect them – Jason, I’m looking in your direction! There’s nothing but treats for HALLOWEEN fans here.
