Trick or Treat: 4K UHD Review

Last October, Synapse released a limited special edition 4K UHD of Charles Martin Smith’s 1986 Holloween-set horror film, Trick or Treat. This has been a long time waiting for fans of 80’s horror, since the film had never gotten an HD physical media release here in the US prior. It’s pretty surprising since October is a big horror month for fans and Trick or Treat would be a go-to film for many of the hardcore ones, myself included.

Marc Price (best known at the time from T.V.’s Family Ties), is high school outcast, Eddie “Ragman” Weinbauer. He has one friend but is mostly bullied by the school jocks, lead by Tim Hainey (Doug Savant). Eddie does have a crush on one of the students, Leslie Graham (Lisa Orgolini), who only notices him after he was humiliated by the jocks. If things weren’t bad enough for Eddie, it turns out his idol, heavy metal artist Sammi Curr (Tony Fields) died in a hotel fire.

It turns out, Curr recorded one last song before he died, which is set to premiere on the radio at midnight on Halloween. However, the station DJ, Nuke (Gene Simmons) decides to give Eddie the record to take home and listen to before everyone else.  It doesn’t take long for Eddie to realize there are hidden messages in the record when he plays it backwards and not only that, but the Sammi Curr’s spirit begins talking to Eddie directly through the record. The dead rocker encourages Eddie to take revenge on the bullies that have been tormenting him. While the paybacks start out pretty mild, Sammi Curr’s spirit pushes things into a much more sinister direction.

Actor Charles Martin Smith (who does have a cameo in the film), makes his directorial debut with Trick or Treat. The American Graffiti and Starman star focuses more on characters than gore. To be honest, if this film was released today, it would totally be PG-13. There is very little in-regard-to graphic content and very brief nudity. However, it’s those decisions that actually make the film standout over other teen horror films of the time. The villain, Sammi Curr doesn’t actually show up until much later in the movie. Much like most movie monsters, you don’t want to reveal them on screen too early or too often. Fields does a good job bringing the creep factor. The character was originally set to be played by Blackie Lawless of the rock group W.A.S.P.  Elm Street, Child’s Play and Tales from the Crypt veteran Kevin Yagher worked on the special effects.

The new 4K Restoration by Red Shirt Pictures and Synapse was sourced from the original camera negative and mastered in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible). This was approved by DP Robert Elswit. Considering I have only ever watched Trick or Treat on VHS or cable in the 80s and 90s, I must that that this is by far the best viewing experience I have ever had with the film. The restoration showcases a crisp visual presentation. Flesh tones are natural and detailed. The suburban locations look detailed and vibrant, especially in shots of Eddie and Tim’s homes. It seems like Red Shirt went as far as they could to make sure they gave us an incredible looking master.  Another great upgrade is the new 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Track. While the 2.0 Theatrical Mix is also included, a horror film in the world of rock music benefits greatly with 5.1 Audio. A perfect example would be the final act when Curr performs on stage, while also enacting revenge on the student body and faculty during a school Halloween party.

If you are a fan of Trick or Treat, I highly recommend picking up the new standard edition release from Synapse and Red Shirt.

Bonus Materials:

• 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative mastered in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) and 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 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

By: Marc Ferman

Order TRICK OR TREAT on 4K UHD