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"Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988/Blu-ray/Anchor Bay Ent.)" Review

After being blasted half way to hell 10 years ago Michael Myers is back and he is out for blood once again. After being released to be transported Michael Myers awakens and kills those who were transporting him. Now he is on the loose and headed back to Haddonfield to go after Laurie Strode's orphaned daughter Jamie. On the trail of Michael Myers is Dr. Loomis and like before he is hell bent on taking him down for good this time. Will he succeed at stopping Michael or will Michael get what he has come for?!

Review: Like I stated in my review of Halloween 3: Season of the Witch I wish they would of continued the series like that film, instead they went back to the cash cow Michael Myers. Now I am not trying to say that it wasn't good to see a familiar face. Michael does continue to have that silent killer Boogeyman appeal to him still. The only thing that is lost after the first film is was it making you use your imagination when the kills happened instead showing it in vivid gory detail. Also there is alot more casualties. There is still a level of suspense from time to time, but when it comes to the scare I found myself predicting it before it happens. That could be due to watching so many horror films over my life time. Of the series this film as well as part 5 are the ones I have seen the least besides the horrible H2O and Resurrection.
The acting is about what I would expect, for the most part I would say a mojority of the characters are about average. The only one that really stands out alot to me is the eccentric Dr. Loomis played of course by the acting legend Donald Pleasence. This of course is the film debut for actress Danielle Harris which also played in the Halloween remake in 2007. Besides highlighting those 2 actors I really can't say much more about the cast. Basically it was on par with what I expected. In the end this film was a decent sequel and did bring some good horror to the table, but in the end it wasn't really a film that needed to be made other than to cash in on the name.Nonetheless it is re-watchable and does entertain.
As far when it comes to the picture quality it looks as if they used the same print as the Divimax Edition that came out a few years back. I think the picture is pretty solid and does look good. It won't blow you away, but it should still please fans of this film. It's the best I personally have seen it. Two of the special features from the previous DVD release have been ported over which is the trailer as well as a commentary w/ actors Ellie Cornell & Danielle Harris. The other 2 special features are a new commentary with director Dwight H. Little and author Justin Beahm, and a Halloween 4/5 Discussion Panel featurette. Overall I think it is a good release and worth the upgrade.

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Dwight H. Little
Genre: Horror/Slasher
Blu-ray Release Year: 2012
Theatrical Release Year:1988
Time Length: 88 mins.
Company: Anchor Bay/Starz Films
 
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