Although it came out barely two years ago, Scream already has become one of
the most influential films in quite a while. Since the movie appeared in
December, 1996, many horror/thriller films have shown similar self-referential
tones: Scream 2, both I Know What You Did Last Summer films, The
Faculty, Patch Adams (okay, the last one wasn't self-referential, but for
my money, it was easily the scariest and most horrific of the bunch - just the
thought of that guy walking into my hospital room gives me the willies!).
Scream also provided the extremely moribund "slasher" genre with a much
needed kick in the pants. I've seen many films of this sort in my 31 years -
after all, I grew up during the "slasher" explosion of the late
seventies/early eighties, with the Halloweens and the Friday the 13ths and
the Nightmare on Elm Streets and the Police Academys (okay, no more cheap
shots at other movies, I promise). Nonetheless, I find that these movies tend
to only be really interesting to the die-hard fans; anyone who's not really
into them usually finds themselves bored with all the genre's exhaustive (and
exhausted) cliches.
That's where I was when Scream debuted; I had little to no interest in the
"slasher" genre. I only gave Scream a shot because it received pretty
glowing reviews. And you know what? The critics were right.
Scream is the rare film that escapes its genre. Clearly "slasher" fans will
have the most fun with it, but the movie is so clever and witty that even
those who normally avoid horror films like the plague left this one satisfied.
Scream established a level of snappy writing and animated acting not
frequently found within this form. Even on repeated viewings, the film pumps
the adrenaline and maintains a surprisingly high level of interest for the
viewer.
Buena Vista isn't the most popular company with DVD fans, but they did a
fairly nice job with Scream. No, it isn't 16X9 enhanced, but the picture
proves solid. Occasionally it seems a bit flat and fuzzy, but overall I could
not find significant fault with the image.
The Dolby Digital sound mix of Scream also works pretty well. Actually, it
demonstrates a less-noted benefit of 5.1 mixes: the full-range rear speakers.
Usually, comments about DVD sound quality focus upon the dimensiponality of
the sound stage or the degree to which the split surrounds are used. Scream
does not stand out in either of these categories; use of the rear channels for
surround effects is effective but fairly limited.
However, Scream does utilize the full-range capabilities of the rear
speakers to terrific effect through its music. While music plays a key role
in almost all films, it's especially crucial in horror movies; it communicates
so much to the audience in these films that it's really become another
character. Scream blasts this point home with its sound mix. Nothing gets
you jumping quite like a sudden jolt of shock music from all five channels.
It's an appropriately jarring mix and it greatly heightens the effect of the
film.
Like most Buena Vista films, Scream skimps on the supplemental materials,
but those that do appear are good. Best of all is the audio commentary that
features director Wes Craven and screenwriter Kevin Williamson. Okay, it's
just a carryover from the special edition laserdisc - a point made painfully
clear by their discussion of edited scenes that were inserted back into the LD
version of the film but which do not appear here - but it still makes for a
nice bonus. The commentary itself is quite interesting, entertaining, and
informative. It's not up there with great tracks like those with Out of
Sight or Criterion's Spinal Tap, but it's definitely above average.
Other than the commentary, the only extra the Scream DVD provides is an
effective theatrical trailer. (They can put a man on the moon, so how come
they can't keep movie companies from referring to "chapter search" as a
"special feature"?) A skimpy offering of extras, but I'm a sucker for audio
commentaries - since they last the length of the film, I feel they provide
more bang for the buck than any other form of supplement - so I'll give
Scream an average rating in this department.
At this point, I feel compelled to point out that Buena Vista markets two DVD
versions of Scream: this one, and the "Collector's Edition." Since my momma
didn't raise no suckers (other than audio commentary suckers), I don't own the
Collector's Edition and I don't plan to do so at any point before, say, the
end of the world. Don't get me wrong - I adore special editions of films.
But here's all of what the Collector's Edition of "Scream" gives you for the
extra $10: production featurette; behind the scenes footage; Q and A with the
cast and crew; special effects gallery; TV commercials and one more trailer.
This version also includes the same trailer and audio commentary that are on
the standard DVD.
Like I said, I haven't actually viewed the Collector's Edition of Scream for
myself, but the consensus of the views I've read over the internet is that it
isn't worth the extra ten bucks. Apparently, the transfer and sound are
virtually identical - contrary to initial reports, the Collector's Edition
does not include the unrated director's cut of Scream. If you dearly love
this film, or if you can get a good deal, go for the Collector's Edition.
Otherwise, save the money.
All told, Scream makes for a very good DVD. The film works extremely well
and transcends its limited origins. The DVD won't blow the competition out of
the water, but it performs well enough; I possesses no significant flaws that
detract from the presentation. I definitely recommend this DVD to fans of the
genre or anyone who wants to see what all the fuss is about; you'll come away
surprised at just how good a "slasher" movie can be.
