There’s no better excuse than Halloween to curl up on the sofa and watch some scary movies, and this year Blu-ray offers it all – from the latest 3D blockbusters to the silver screen’s most famous, classic monsters – in amazing high definition. To mark the occasion, the Blu-ray Disc Association has put together a selection of the best Blu-ray titles to scare yourself silly this Halloween.
The Cabin in the Woods (Lionsgate)
Fans of classic horror movies will love this twisted take on the genre from Avengers director and Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon, and Cloverfield writer Drew Goddard. An initially familiar story sees a group of teenagers head off to a remote cabin for a long weekend, and while you may think you know what’s next, there are lots of surprises in store. Smart, witty and dazzlingly original, The Cabin in the Woods is an homage to all that’s good and bad about the horror genre.
The Exorcist (Warner Bros)
This terrifying tale of an innocent girl possessed by a demonic entity, and two priests’ desperate attempt to save her, always leaves viewers breathless. Arguably the greatest supernatural thriller of all time, The Exorcist still astonishes and unsettles like no other movie. Now in crystal clear high-definition, The Exorcist is a terrifying treat this Halloween. The Blu-ray contains remastered editions of both the theatrical and director’s cut, and an all-new making-of documentary.
The Woman in Black (Momentum Pictures)
The Woman In Black tells the tale of Arthur Kipps, a lawyer attending to the affairs of the recently deceased owner of Eel Marsh House. Working alone in the old mansion, Kipps begins to uncover the town’s tragic and tortured secrets, and his fears escalate when he discovers that local children have been disappearing. Marking Daniel Radcliffe’s first major post-Harry Potter role, this adaptation of the classic book and play left cinema audiences on the edge of their seats earlier this year, and now you can bring the Woman in Black into your own living room (if you dare!).
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (20th Century Fox) (available in 2D or 3D)
Vampires beware, because former US president Abe Lincoln is in town this Halloween as Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter arrives on high-definition Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D. This spectacular look back at one of America’s most memorable figures turns what you thought you knew on its head, as the former Commander-in-Chief does battle with creatures of the night to stop them in their tracks once and for all.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Sony Pictures)
Francis Ford Coppola’s classic interpretation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula bites into Blu-ray for the first time at the start of October. The Victorian horror sees Gary Oldman take the role of the Count and Keanu Reeves as the unfortunate Jonathan Harker, with Anthony Hopkins as Van Helsing and Tom Waits as Renfield too. With an outstanding cast, classic source material and a fresh high definition makeover, Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a ghoulish treat.
The Shining (Warner Bros)
Stanley Kubrick’s genre defining The Shining, adapted from Stephen King’s novel, horrifies and delights on 1080p Blu-ray disc. Revisit Jack Nicholson’s iconic and harrowing portrayal of a man driven mad in glorious high-definition, carefully converted and remastered to showcase the brilliance of Kubrick’s film-making. The Shining on Blu-ray is a must have for any serious horror aficionado.
The Evil Dead (Sony Pictures)
Sam Raimi’s legendary Evil Dead makes for fantastic Halloween viewing as Bruce Campbell’s cult hero Ash battles his demonically possessed friends in the film that defined a genre, with a formula copied by many that followed. The Blu-ray takes this classic horror to new levels of eye-popping clarity, capturing Raimi’s characteristic style in breathtaking high-definition.
Curse of Frankenstein (Lionsgate)
New life is being breathed into this undisputed horror classic when it makes its Blu-ray debut this October in full high definition. Starring screen legends Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee as Mary Shelley’s infamous Baron Frankenstein and his monster, this three disc-set gives you the definitive version of the movie and a huge selection of new bonus content, including commentaries and documentaries on the film and its stars. If you prefer your horror with a dose of cinema history, this is the disc for you this Halloween.
Universal Classic Monsters Collection (Universal)
The Universal Classic Monsters Collection is a painstakingly remastered collection of Universal’s most loved Monster classics. This Halloween, why not settle down with Belo Lugosi’s defining portrayal of Count Dracula or Boris Karloff’s classic Frankenstein’s monster? With The Mummy, The Invisible Man, Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, The Phantom of the Opera and The Creature from the Black Lagoon also included, you’ll be spoilt for choice on October 31st.
Cube (Lionsgate)
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Vincenzo Natali’s (Splice, Cypher) cult sci-fi horror, Cube is released on Blu-ray for the first time this October. When six strangers find themselves trapped in a surreal and seemingly endless maze, they soon discover that their mysterious captors may not be as dangerous as their fellow inmates. A precursor to horror films such as Saw, this is one trap from which there is no escape, and one Blu-ray to keep you guessing this Halloween.
