Director – Charles Martin Smith (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Air Bud)
Starring – Marc Price (Killer Tomatoes Eat France!, Little Devils: The Birth), Tony Fields (Monsters, Werewolf), and Lisa Orgonlini (Paper Dolls, House of Glass)
Release Date – 1986
Rating – 4/5
UHD Release – 4.5/5
Horror fans have always loved Halloween which is one of the many reasons there is so many films centered around the holiday. I’ve been collecting horror films for years, damn near 20 years now, and I always snag any horror film I find that takes place on Halloween. Many years ago I remember I was traveling with my brother when I found a copy of Trick or Treat on DVD at a random store with a picture of Gene Simmons and Ozzy on the front.
Many of you have seen this DVD and probably made fun of it because of how shitty looking it is. Regardless, I snagged the movie and watched it as soon as I could. Honestly, I loved it and have watched it a few times since then but time has moved way too fast for me. Before I knew it, it had been years since my last viewing. A few weeks back I received a copy of the new UHD release from Synapse Films which gave me the perfect reason to check it out.
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows metal fan Eddie (Price) who is an avid follower of rocker Sammi Curr (Fields). Eddie is often mocked at school and his social life is nonexistent. It’s because of this that he has attached himself to Curr and his lyrics. Things take a dark turn when Curr is found dead before the release of his next album could be released. He visits a local DJ (Simmons) who just happens to have the only copy of the album in existence and offers it to him. Eddie doesn’t see how odd this is and takes it with him. Things start to take an even stranger turn when the record becomes a way for Eddie to communicate with the late rock star. The rock star starts to instruct him on what to do to handle his bullies but after a near death run in with one of them he reluctantly listens. This results in Sammi seeking another unfortunate soul to be used a pawn for his true endgame which is to kill as many people as he can. **Spoiler Alert**
Trick or Treat is one of those films that I always love watching but never willingly throw in to watch for myself. It’s like the films Cemetery Man, The Beyond, From Beyond, and Teen Wolf. These are all films that I absolutely love but I never watch unless I have a reason to. I own many collectables, shirts, posters, and so on for all these films. Hell, I can quote huge parts of them but I never watch them unless a new release hits shelves or something happens to sparks a watch. Honestly, it’s a great movie and one that I can watch over and over again without tiring of it.
The acting in this one is a lot of fun. Marc Price brought to life one of my favorite movie characters and after all these years I still find myself associating with his character. He makes the film for me and I’ve always wondered why he never made a name for himself in the horror community especially after the release of this film. Also, the late Tony Fields is phenomenal as the maniacal musician Sammi Curr. It’s a shame that his performance here didn’t become as iconic horror villain with the likes of Freddy and Jason. The supporting cast does a knockout job as well but it’s these two that makes the film as enjoyable as it is.
The story for this one is not only great for the Halloween season but fans of metal and horror in general will appreciate it. While the movie does take place leading up to Halloween, it’s not an important part of the story. In fact, the film could literally take place at any other time during the year and still be effective. We have a lot of fun dialogue, two cameos from rock royalty, and great pacing.
Finally, the film does have a body count but the deaths are the film’s weakest aspect. We get a lot of visual effects that did not age well along with some fantastic make-up effects on Curr but that is the extent of it. Those of you seeking blood and gore will be very disappointed. Overall, Trick or Treat may not be your go to horror film for the Halloween season, but it is one of the most underrated horror films I’ve reviewed. It’s a fantastic horror flick that does a fantastic job at blending rock and pop culture with horror. I highly recommend checking out this release from Synapse!
Special Features:
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” – An all-new retrospective featuring director Charles Martin Smith, actors Marc Price, Glen Morgan, Elise Richards, and Larry Sprinkle, writer/producer Joel Soisson, costume designer Jill Ohanneson, assistant set costumer Francine Decoursey, construction foreman Tom Jones, Jr., special make-up effects artist Everett Burrell, music executive producer Stephen E. Smith, composer Christopher Young, and a special appearance by Gene Simmons
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 available on FIRST PRESSING ONLY!
Reversible Cover Art
