Editorials
‘Halloween’ (1978) vs. ‘Halloween’ (2007)
Final Girl
This is sort of a tricky one. Scout Taylor-Compton was nowhere near as terrible as I remember her being in the first Halloween, so I believe that her atrocious performance in Halloween II just tainted my memory of her in the first film. As a character, Laurie still isn’t as likable as Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie, so there’s that. Compton gets put through the wringer in this film though, so you’ve got to give her credit. She is a tougher character than Curtis’ Laurie.
That being said, Curtis is the final girl, and Laurie is the character that pretty much invented the term, but I’m not sure how much that can save her in this debate. For instance, Curtis’ Laurie wasn’t completely safe until Dr. Loomis, a man, showed up to rescue her (this is also true in the original Halloween II). At least Compton’s Laurie was resourceful enough to find a gun and shoot Michael in the face after Loomis had been incapacitated.
It pains me to admit this, but Compton’s Laurie may be the better Final Girl. Bear in mind, I’m not judging this category based on the actresses (if that were the case, Curtis would be the clear winner), but rather on the two different versions of the character of Laurie Strode.
Winner: Halloween (2007)
Final Scores
Halloween (1978): 4
Halloween (2007): 2
I tried really hard to find things to like in Rob Zombie’s Halloween, and there are some things that I like. I just can’t bring myself say that it’s a good film. It is one big missed opportunity to me. As I mentioned earlier, the movie clearly has its fans, I’m just not one of them. All of that being said, John Carpenter’s Halloween is, without a doubt, the better film. Which film do you prefer? Or do you like them both equally? Let me know in the comments below or Tweet me! Also, for a different take on the subject, check out episode 51 of our Double Murder podcast with Danny and Tim right here. They’ve even got a debate on Halloween II!
Editorials
Arrow Video’s ‘Stranger Things: The Complete Series’ is the Ultimate Collector’s Box Set for Fans
Available as of today from Arrow Video is a new box set that might arguably be the definitive way to watch Netflix’s blockbuster series Stranger Things.
At the very least, Stranger Things: The Complete Series puts emphasis on “complete.” That’s evident in its special features alone.
Special and Deluxe editions of Stranger Things: The Complete Series are available for purchase now, featuring an array of exclusive bonus content, including bloopers, interviews with the cast and crew, and behind-the-scenes featurettes, designed for the ultimate Stranger Things experience.
The Deluxe Edition is presented in custom packaging featuring newly-commissioned artwork, alongside a wealth of extra material: a 148-page booklet, exclusive art cards, a Hellfire Club patch, double-sided posters for each season, and much more.
This limited-edition release features all 42 episodes of the show’s five season run on more than 25 discs, all housed in a set featuring gorgeous artwork by Juan Ramos. “We always dreamed that Stranger Things could be owned in its entirety,” said Matt and Ross Duffer, “not just as a collector’s set, but as a way to preserve the show for decades to come.”
Their imprint looms large over the release, including writing in the 148-page book that also includes original design sketches, concept art, and storyboards. All of which would warrant the steep price tag alone for the diehard Stranger Things fan, but Arrow Video upped the ante with collectible surprises as well. Arcade patches, stickers, Hellfire Club dice, and an extremely detailed map of Hawkins, Indiana- double-sided to account for the Upside Down, of course – are among the highlights for this all-ages set.
Adorn your walls with posters representative of your favorite season! That’s also an option with this set’s offerings.
All of which to say that it’s rare for Netflix to make the jump into physical media, and they’ve enlisted Arrow Video to give it the best possible treatment. They certainly brought utmost care and attention to this release. As such, both the standard and deluxe sets come with steep price tags that start at $160 depending on format. While that’s likely a deterrent to the casual viewer, it’s more than worth it for fans.
It may be less convenient than hitting play on Netflix, sure, but there’s a lot to be said about the potential for quality upgrades to your viewing. No spotty internet or compression issues to be found here when it comes to the 4K Ultra HD or Blu-ray discs.
That’s really the biggest takeaway from this release: the untapped potential still of Netflix’s streaming library of originals that are ripe for similar treatment. Series and films that could receive Arrow Video levels of treatment on physical media.
Fans of Stranger Things can venture into the Upside Down one last time this Halloween season at Halloween Horror Nights, but there may be no better way to ring in the series’ tenth anniversary than a rewatch with this expansive, well-curated box set.
You must be logged in to post a comment.