Warner Bros. Friday The 13th Blu-Ray Box Set Review
We have gone through each disc in the set and now are ready to offer our thoughts on the special features, versions of the films offered, and some minor technical observations. In the end, fans want to know if this set is worth it. Here is your chance to find out.
Before we get into each film, here are some major points to consider about the Blu-Ray box set.
- The "Killer Bonus" DVD of extras included in the box set is the exact same disc included with the 2004 DVD box set "From Crystal Lake To Manhattan". Not only is it the same disc, the same label used back in 2004 is also included on the DVD.
- We previously reported that all films in the box set would be the theatrical release only, sans Friday The 13th 2009. Thankfully, the version of Friday The 13th 1980 included in this set is the Uncut, Unrated version of the film. However, Jason Goes To Hell is sadly only presented in it's R-Rated theatrical cut.
- The UltraViolet code included with the box set is for the entire collection. No need to enter individual codes for all of the films.
- All Special Features contained on the film's Blu-Ray discs were ported over from previous releases. This includes commentary for various films. There are no new features created for this release.
- Except for the new labels on the Blu-Ray discs, Friday The 13th 1980, Friday The 13th Part 2 and Friday The 13th Part 3 are the exact same discs released by Paramount in 2009. Friday The 13th 2009 is the same disc released by Warner Bros. in 2009.
- The Blu-Ray box set comes with a counselor patch and "You're All Doomed" elastic band.
- A miniature version of the Crystal Lake Memories book is included in the set
With those points of interest highlighted, lets get into the films themselves with each one featuring their menu screen from their respective discs.
RATING
Unrated
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Video: 1080p, AVC, 1.78:1
Audio: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono English, French and Spanish
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish and Portuguese
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Commentary with Crystal Lake Memories author Peter Bracke, Sean S. Cunningham, writer Victor Miller, composer Harry Manfredini, and lead actresses Betsy Palmer and Adrienne King
- "Fresh Cuts"
- "The Man Behind the Legacy"
- "Friday the 13th Reunion"
- "Lost Tales from Camp Blood: Part I"
- Theatrical Trailer
- "The Friday the 13th Chronicles; Part I" - (From the 2004 "From Crystal Lake to Manhattan" release).
- "Secrets Behind the Gore" (From the 2004 "From Crystal Lake to Manhattan" release).
ABOUT THE FILM
Friday The 13th 1980 sports the same menu as the 2009 Paramount Pictures release. The film was remastered back in 2009 by Paramount Pictures and since this is the same disc previously released by that company, the film still retains the superior sound and picture upgrade that has been written about previously. All special features have been ported over from the 2004 and 2009 releases.
RATING
Rated R
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Video: 1080p, AVC, 1.78:1
Audio: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono English, French and Spanish
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish and Portuguese
SPECIAL FEATURES
- "Inside Crystal Lake Memories" - Interview with Author Peter Bracke
- "Friday’s Legacy: Horror Conventions"
- "Lost Tales from Camp Blood: Part II"
- Theatrical Trailer (HD)
- "Jason Forever" (From the 2004 Best Buy Exclusive release of "From Crystal Lake to Manhattan")
ABOUT THE FILM
Friday The 13th Part 2 sports the same menu as the 2009 Paramount Pictures release. The film was remastered back in 2009 by Paramount Pictures and since this is the same disc previously released by that company, the film still retains the superior sound and picture upgrade that has been written about previously. All special features have been ported over from the 2004 and 2009 releases.
RATING
Rated R
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Video: 1080p, AVC, 2.40:1
Audio: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono English, French and Spanish
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish and Portuguese
SPECIAL FEATURES
- The disc gives viewers options for viewing in 2D and red and blue anaglyph 3D
- 2 pair of 3D glasses are included.
- "Fresh Cuts: 3D Terror" - New interviews with filmmakers
- "Legacy of the Mask"
- "Slasher Films: Going for the Jugular"
- "Lost Tales from Camp Blood: Part III"
- Theatrical Trailer
ABOUT THE FILM
Friday The 13th Part 3 sports the same menu as the 2009 Paramount Pictures release. The film was remastered back in 2009 by Paramount Pictures and since this is the same disc previously released by that company, the film still retains the superior sound and picture upgrade that has been written about previously. With that being said, the picture does suffer and pail in comparison to other Paramount disc releases form 2009 due to the 3D production of the film. All special features have been ported over from the 2009 release.
RATING
Rated R
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Video: 1080p, AVC, 1.78:1
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 2.0 French and Spanish
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Commentary with director Joseph Zito, screenwriter Barney Cohen, and editor Joel Goodman.
- Fan Commentary with directors Adam Green (Hatchet 1 and 2, Frozen) and Joe Lynch (Wrong Turn 2).
- "Jason’s Unlucky Day: 25 Years After Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter"
- "Slashed Scenes" - Deleted footage
- "The Lost Ending" - Alternate ending to the film
- "The Crystal Lake Massacres Revisited; Part I"
- "Lost Tales from Camp Blood: Part IV"
- "Jimmy's Dead Dance Moves"
- Theatrical Trailer (SD)
- "The Friday the 13th Chronicles; Part IV" (From the 2004 "From Crystal Lake to Manhattan" release)
- "Secrets Galore Behind The Gore" (From the 2004 "From Crystal Lake to Manhattan" release)
ABOUT THE FILM
Friday The 13th: The Final Chapter is given a new, albeit, generic menu utilizing the artwork created for the Paramount Pictures 2009 DVD release. The film was remastered for DVD release back in 2009 by Paramount Pictures and since this is essentially the same disc previously released by that company, the film still retains that same quality, plus the added upgrade to high definition.
RATING
Rated R
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Video: 1080p, AVC, 1.78:1
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 2.0 French and Spanish
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Commentary with director Danny Steinmann, actors John Shepherd and Shavar Ross, and fan/DVD extra maker Michael Felsher
- "New Beginnings: The Making of Friday the 13th Part V"
- "Lost Tales from Camp Blood: Part V"
- "The Crystal Lake Massacres Revisited; Part II"
- Theatrical Trailer (SD)
- "The Friday the 13th Chronicles; Part V" (From the 2004 "From Crystal Lake to Manhattan" release)
ABOUT THE FILM
Friday The 13th: A New Beginning is given a new, albeit, generic menu utilizing the artwork created for the Paramount Pictures 2009 DVD release. The film was remastered for DVD release back in 2009 by Paramount Pictures and since this is essentially the same disc previously released by that company, the film still retains that same quality, plus the added upgrade to high definition.
RATING
Rated R
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Video: 1080p, AVC, 1.78:1
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 2.0 French and Spanish
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Commentary with writer/director Tom McLoughlin, editor Bruce Green, and actor Vincent Guastaferro.
- Commentary with writer/director Tom McLoughlin (From the 2004 "From Crystal Lake to Manhattan" release).
- "Jason Lives: The Making of Friday the 13th Part VI"
- "Meeting Mr. Voorhees" - The alternate ending in storyboards
- Slashed Scenes
- "Lost Tales from Camp Blood: Part VI"
- "The Crystal Lake Massacres Revisited; Part III"
- Theatrical Teaser
- "The Friday the 13th Chronicles - Part VI" (From the 2004 "From Crystal Lake to Manhattan" release). (15 min., SD)
ABOUT THE FILM
Jason Lives: Friday The 13th Part 6 is given a new, albeit, generic menu utilizing the artwork created for the Paramount Pictures 2009 DVD release. The film was remastered for DVD release back in 2009 by Paramount Pictures and since this is essentially the same disc previously released by that company, the film still retains that same quality, plus the added upgrade to high definition. One observation as well, the picture seems to have better quality for this film than other Paramount releases on Blu-Ray for the first time.
RATING
Rated R
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Video: 1080p, AVC, 1.78:1
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround French and Spanish
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Commentary by director John Carl Buechler and actors Lar Park Lincoln and Kane Hodder
- "Jason's Destroyer: The Making of Friday the 13th Part VII"
- "Mind Over Matter: The Truth about Telekinesis"
- "Makeover by Maddy: Need a Little Touch-Up Work, My Ass"
- Slashed Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
- "The Friday the 13th Chronicles; Part VII" (From the 2004 "From Crystal Lake to Manhattan" release).
- "Secrets Galore Behind The Gore" (From the 2004 "From Crystal Lake to Manhattan" release)
ABOUT THE FILM
Friday The 13th Part 7: The New Blood is given a new, albeit, generic menu utilizing the artwork created for the Paramount Pictures 2009 DVD release. The film was remastered for DVD release back in 2009 by Paramount Pictures and since this is essentially the same disc previously released by that company, the film still retains that same quality, plus the added upgrade to high definition.
RATING
Rated R
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Video: 1080p, AVC, 1.78:1
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround English, French and Spanish
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Commentary with writer/director Rob Hedden (From the 2004 "From Crystal Lake to Manhattan" release).
- "Killer" Commentary with actors Jensen Daggett, Scott Reeves and Kane Hodder
- "New York Has A New Problem - The Making of Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan"
- Gag Reel
- Slashed Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
- "The Friday the 13th Chronicles; Part VIII" (From the 2004 "From Crystal Lake to Manhattan" release)
ABOUT THE FILM
Friday The 13th Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan is given a new, albeit, generic menu utilizing the artwork created for the Paramount Pictures 2009 DVD release. The film was remastered for DVD release back in 2009 by Paramount Pictures and since this is essentially the same disc previously released by that company, the film still retains that same quality, plus the added upgrade to high definition. One observation, this is almost the best looking and sounding film of the Paramount releases only bested by the original 1980 film.
RATING
Rated R
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Video: 1080p, AVC, 1.78:1
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround German and Spanish
Subtitles: English, German and Spanish
SPECIAL FEATURES
- TV Version Alternate Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
ABOUT THE FILM
Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday has been upgraded to high definition with mixed results. The video quality has improved some and the audio surround is a bit more defined. It's a small upgrade, but the travesty of this high definition release is the missing Director's cut of the film, previously released on VHS, Laserdisc and DVD. Also missing is the accompanying commentary track that was included with the Director's cut of the film.
RATING
Rated R
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Video: 1080p, AVC, 1.78:1
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 5.1 German, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround Spanish
Subtitles: English, German and Spanish
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Commentary with director James Isacc and writer Todd Farmer.
- "By Any Means Necessary: The Making of Jason X"
- "The Many Lives of Jason Voorhees"
- Theatrical Trailer
ABOUT THE FILM
Jason X has been upgraded to high definition with mixed results. The video quality has improved some and the audio surround is a bit more defined.
RATING
Rated R
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Video: 1080p, VC-1, 2.40:1
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 6.1 English, Dolby Digital 5.1 German, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround Spanish and Portuguese
Subtitles: English, German, Spanish and Portuguese
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Commentary with director Ronny Yu and actors Robert Englund and Ken Kirtzinger.
- Production Featurettes: "Genesis: Development Hell", "On Location: Springwood Revisited", "Art Direction: Jason's Decorating Tips", "Stunts: When Push Comes to Shove", "Makeup Effects: Freddy's Beauty Secrets" "Visual FX", "Camp Hackenslash", and "Pre-Fight Promotional Event"
- Deleted and Alternate Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
- TV Spots
- "How Can I Live" Ill Nino Music Video
ABOUT THE FILM
Freddy vs Jason has received a new rendering for this release, which is not the same as the previous 2009 Blu-Ray release. The audio was upgraded to DTS-HD 6.1 and the video looks just as good as previous releases. Although the film is 10 years old, the video and audio quality are just as superior as films released today.
RATING
Unrated
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Video: 1080p, VC-1, 2.40:1
Audio: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 5.1 English and French
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Picture-in-Picture Track featuring interviews with cast and crew
- "The Rebirth of Jason Voorhees"
- "Hacking Back/Slashing Forward"
- "The 7 Best Kills"
- Deleted Scenes
ABOUT THE FILM
Friday The 13th 2009 is the exact same disc released on Blu-Ray back in 2009 as the Killer Cut, complete with extended sex scenes and a bizarre re-edited version of the film where Whitney escapes Jason's underground tunnels. This is the best looking and sounding film in the entire collection, mostly because it is the most recent film in the franchise
RATING
Unrated
SPECIAL FEATURES
- "The Friday the 13th Chronicles" - 8 part documentary focusing on the original eight Paramount films in the franchise.
- Secrets Galore Behind the Gore" - Three featurettes that focus on cut footage from the 1980 film, The Final Chapter, and The New Blood.
- "Crystal Lake Victims Tell All!"
- "Tales From the Cutting Room Floor"
- "Friday Collectibles and Artifacts"
- Theatrical Trailers
ABOUT THE KILLER BONUS DISC
This is the exact same disc included in the Paramount 2004 DVD box set From Crystal Lake To Manhattan. Most of the features can also be found on the individual film discs as well.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This writer is not one to offer too many opinions here on the website. I usually just reports the news and let our readers make their own decisions. With that being said, this Blu-Ray box set, produced by Warner Bros., looks and feels like a collection literally thrown together from up to nine years worth of old discs and releases. Yes, the collectible tin is quite nice and the disc holder booklet has nice quality along with a nifty miniature Crystal Lake Memories book. However, for fans that have been collecting the film releases over the last decade, there is truly nothing new here to make you excited. Most of our readers already own the versions of the films found in this new Blu-ray set, sans the HD films for The Final Chapter through Jason Takes Manhattan. I will say this, however, if you have not collected all of the film releases over the last 9 years or the full Crystal Lake Memories book, or you are a newer fan to the franchise, then this new collection is well worth the price.
Having all of the films together in one collection for the first time is a nice place in the history of the franchise and having most of the interviews and slashed scenes in one collection will make fans happy for sure. For new fans this is a spectacular introduction to the films. Sadly, for long time fans, this really isn't going to offer you anything more than a new patch and a few of the same films in a slightly better high definition presentation. I recommend waiting for a price reduction before purchasing this box set, and for those of you waiting or those few films in high definition, you might want to wait for an individual release.
