ANCHOR BAY never fails to amaze us!!!!  Over the past year they've taken huge steps in expanding the dvd format.  To begin with, their library of film titles has grown by leaps and bounds.  They're beginning to present widescreen films with 16:9 enhancement. They're also beginning to present supplementary-filled Special Editions!!!!   ANCHOR BAY Special Editions are no less impressive than the CRITERION Laserdisc Special Editions when Criterion was a noteworthy name. 

"Halloween:Limited Edition" speaks for itself.  Only a limited number of this specially packaged release will be available.(Our advice:"Get one quick!!!"   Sure, ANCHOR BAY is also releasing a movie-only version of "Halloween", but after seeing the extras here, it would be "horrifying" to have missed the chance to get this version.  It's great fun to have the option of viewing the horror classic with the newly re-mixed dolby digital 5.1 sound or in the original (still scary)mono soundtrack. The music score in dolby digital 5.1 is as scary as anything we've ever heard, further enhancing the chill factor of the film as the music engulfs the audience.  The transfer is on par with the best dvds available.  Even with the zoom option on at its fullest, we noticed no pixillation at all!!!!  The detail in every scene is dazzling!!!  The colors are so sharp and the contrast so perfect, that the film has a look, making it look like it actually had a decent budget!!! 

Fans will also be pleased with the tv version being offered with 16:9 enhancement in 2.35:1 aspect ratio.  While the Criterion laserdisc special edition offered the extra scenes, they weren't in the context of the entire film.  We watched both versions back to back, and were still completely spellbound by the film's power!!!

The movie comes with a great looking holographic cover, sturdy case, and interior chapter cards for both versions of the film.  Also included: picture postcards.   OUTSTANDING JOB ANCHOR BAY!!!! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THEY DO WITH THE SPECIAL EDITION OF "ARMY OF DARKNESS".   FOR DETAILS: STAY TUNED!!!!!!

ANCHOR BAY has released a lesser known Linda Blair horror film, "Hell Night".   While the film was obviously made on a low budget, it's more impressive than most of the cheapie horror films from the 80s, and it's great nostalgia  to see Vincent Van Patten.  ANCHOR BAY has done a great job here, even including an audio commentary with Blair, the director, and the producers.  Their comments honestly explain what they were going after, and give some real insight into the necessary labors of making "even" a cheap film.  The transfer looks fine, although the contrast is a little too dark at times.  The color values are generally impressive, and fleshtones are perfect.  The mono sound is fine.