Sam’s Night of Mischief and Mayhem

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MOVIE REVIEW
Trick 'r Treat [Limited Edition]
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2007, 2024 Arrow Video 4K
Runtime: 1h 22m
Director(s): Michael Dougherty
Writer(s): Michael Dougherty
Cast: Brian Cox, Quinn Lord, Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker, Leslie Bibb, Tahmoh Penikett, Rochelle Aytes, Britt McKillip
Where To Watch: available October 29, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: When Michael Dougherty crafted TRICK 'R TREAT, he injected new life into the horror anthology genre. Set against Warren Valley, Ohio's eerie, pumpkin-lit backdrop, this 2007 film defies typical expectations by weaving together multiple stories that play out under the cloak of Halloween night. TRICK 'R TREAT skipped the cinema lines and went straight to cult classic status, becoming a Halloween must-watch.

The film orchestrates its plot through the fates of its characters: a principal with deadly secrets, rebellious teens whose prank spirals into chaos, a woman's fatal attempt at love, and an older man who confronts a mysterious enforcer of ancient traditions, Sam (what an icon!) These stories intertwine, building a mix of thrills and revealing a connected thread that amplifies the movie's overarching themes of tradition and consequence.

Visually, TRICK 'R TREAT is a feast for the senses; this 4K restoration fits the film perfectly, making it a gorgeous experience while adding a touch of reality to the movie's look. Dougherty employs a palette that mirrors the traditional hues of Halloween, creating scenes that feel both familiar and unsettling. Sam, with his burlap sack mask, is the standout character who embodies the holiday spirit. His presence incorporates a thread of dark humor throughout the film, maintaining a balance between fright and fun that invites a broad audience to enjoy the spooky season's thrills without veering into darker, more alienating horror territory.

The performances are a welcome draw, with Dylan Baker, Brian Cox, Anna Paquin, and others offering depth and complexity to their roles, enhancing the film's ability to engage and entertain. Their contributions ensure that each character’s journey resonates with viewers, making the supernatural elements feel all the more at home.

Douglas Pipes' score is another layer of craftsmanship that stands out in TRICK 'R TREAT. It complements the visual storytelling with a blend of whimsical and sinister motifs, underpinning the action with an acoustic experience that enhances the film's ability to captivate and unsettle. This score ties the disparate elements of the narrative together, ensuring that the film maintains a cohesive feel despite its episodic structure.

TRICK 'R TREAT is not without some foreseeable moments, especially for veteran horror enthusiasts familiar with the genre’s standard tropes. The film’s twists, while entertaining, can sometimes be anticipated, and the interwoven plotlines occasionally lead to a sense of déjà vu. Yet, these aspects hardly diminish the film's overall enjoyment; they merely temper its unpredictability.

TRICK 'R TREAT stands as a definitive homage to Halloween, perfectly blending elements of horror and humor to capture the true essence of the holiday. It’s a film that appeals to horror purists and those who seek a fun and frightful way to celebrate the season. With Dougherty hinting at expanding this universe, longtime admirers and newcomers can hopefully eagerly anticipate more enthralling tales of October mischief and mayhem.

Dougherty’s film reminds us of Halloween's traditions and the appeal of expertly crafted anthology films. Its ability to entertain and engage, ensuring its status as a perennial favorite, proves that TRICK 'R TREAT is more than just a film; it’s a celebration of storytelling and the joy of the holiday itself.

Bonus Materials
4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
Brand new 4K restoration by Arrow Films, approved by writer-director Michael Dougherty
4K Ultra HD (2160p) 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
Becoming Sam, a brand new interview with actor Quinn Lord
The Devil is in the Details, a brand new interview with production designer Mark Freeborn
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 Freeborn Remembers Bill Terezakis, a new tribute to the late make-up 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
Deleted and alternate scenes with optional commentary by director Michael Dougherty
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 cards
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Becky Darke and Heather Wixson
Brand new audio commentary with writer-director Michael Dougherty moderated by James A. Janisse & Chelsea Rebecca from Dead Meat Podcast

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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