This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
Bride Of Chucky – For ten years, the tortured soul of serial killer Charles Lee Ray has been imprisoned inside a child’s doll. “Chucky” is reborn when his old flame, Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly), rescues his battered doll parts from a police impound. But Chucky wants his favorite playmate cut down to size, so he transforms his blushing bride into a stunning little terror. Chucky and Tiffany can’t wait to start their own homicidal honeymoon. When this demonic duo hits the road and hooks up with a pair of unsuspecting newlyweds, they leave a trail of murder and mayhem behind them.
Seed Of Chucky – Everyone’s favorite killer doll returns and the Chucky legacy continues with the introduction of a new family member! This time around, Chucky (voiced again by Brad Dourif) and his homicidal honey, Tiffany, are brought back to life by their orphan offspring, Glen. Then, the horror goes Hollywood as Chucky unleashes his own brand of murderous mayhem! Featuring Academy Award® nominee* Jennifer Tilly (as herself and the voice of Tiffany) and hip-hop star Redman, it’s all about family values, Chucky-style!
Curse Of Chucky – He’s back! From the filmmakers that brought you Chucky comes the terrifying return of the pint-sized doll possessed by the spirit of a notorious serial killer. When a mysterious package arrives at the house of Nica (Fiona Dourif, True Blood), she doesn’t give it much thought. However, after her mother’s mysterious death, Nica begins to suspect that the talking, red-haired doll her visiting niece has been playing with may be the key to the mounting bloodshed and chaos. The return of America’s favorite toy, voiced again by Brad Dourif, is full of blood-splattered thrills and chills!
Cult Of Chucky – Confined to an asylum for the criminally insane for the past four years, Nica (Fiona Dourif) is wrongly convinced that she, not Chucky, murdered her entire family. But after her psychiatrist introduces a new group therapy tool – a “Good Guy” doll – a string of grisly deaths plague the asylum and Nica starts to wonder if maybe she isn’t crazy after all. Andy (Alex Vincent), Chucky’s now-grown-up nemesis from the original Child’s Play, races to Nica’s aid. But to save her he’ll have to get past Tiffany (Oscar®-nominee* Jennifer Tilly), Chucky’s long-ago bride, who will do anything, no matter how deadly or depraved, to help her beloved devil doll.
For thoughts on Bride/Seed/Curse/Cult of Chucky, please check out our discussions on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
Scream Factory presents Bride of Chucky, Seed of Chucky, Curse of Chucky and Cult of Chucky individually with terrific new 4K UHD upgrades in their original aspect ratios. These films were previously released by Universal on Blu-Ray from older, lacking masters for the older two films and pretty solid HD presentations for the newer direct-to-video efforts. Bride of Chucky and Seed of Chucky (Theatrical Cut) get the most substantial upgrades as the two efforts shot on film, as the company was able to go back and give a 4K scan to the Original Camera Negatives. Curse of Chucky and Cult of Chucky have been given new 4K masters for their Unrated Cuts, both of which are likely upscales that impress quite mightily. Even if you are not yet 4K UHD capable, these new releases come with a new Blu-Ray sourced from the same 4K master which also bests the previous Blu-Ray. These films have never looked better!
Each film is presented with Dolby Vision/HDR which brings out the nuances of these transfers. While none of these films are going for full Technicolor spectacle, these transfers have been refined for more precise color output that will knock longtime fans sideways with its depth and nuance. The new presentations feature some colors in the environments, production design and effects such as the green of the foliage or the deep red blood that flows from the victims which pop off the screen with a vibrant intensity. Some of Tiffany’s outfits make a big impression throughout the franchise, and colors seem to have more complexity with the jump to 4K UHD. The world seems to get more desaturated in the direct-to-video sequels, but there is still much to appreciate on an aesthetic level with these later entries.
Bride of Chucky and Seed of Chucky are the most visually dynamic of this group of films, as the former especially has fun with the roadtrip aspect that takes the characters through bright daytime exteriors. There is a world of nuance to be found during these stretches in the open air. Highlights are solid as a rock with no evidence of blooming in the resplendent luminance. Lighting is an essential part of establishing the mood of this series and these discs handle every slight environmental change with ease. Curse of Chucky largely takes place in a spacious dark house and at night for the latter half of the narrative, and it is in this aspect that the upgrade shows its worth. The black levels are outstanding across all four films with nothing in the way of crush or banding present. Audiences can now see so much more shadow detail with figures properly defined instead of blending into the murky background.
Bride of Chucky and Seed of Chucky thankfully retain the rich natural film grain of their origins which resolves very well with nothing ever feeling clumpy or swarming. Curse of Chucky and Cult of Chucky have a crisp digital look that suits those particular narratives perfectly. The presentations are true to the original look of the films with the added resolution making elements seem more immediate and natural. The level of detail and clarity is stunning with so much to explore in each film. Out of the four presentations, Seed of Chucky feels like it delivers the least “wow” factor that you want from a 4K UHD disc, but when compared to the older Universal release, this upgrade is an improvement by every metric – it’s just not a particularly beautiful film.
The texture on display in the grotesque makeup, the outfits and within the production design are jaw-dropping at times (and blood-curdling in others). The special effects present with miraculous clarity that makes the work all the more visceral. Simply seeing the movement of Chucky’s rubber face when he is making an expression or speaking is realized with greater clarity. These refreshed transfers have eliminated all bits of print damage and other unwanted distractions. There does not appear to be any jarring digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding or any other such nuisances. Scream Factory has put some appreciated effort into allowing these films to look the best they possibly can, and fans should be very pleased.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray discs come with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track and a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track, both of which consistently deliver a formidable experience throughout these four films. From the very opening moments of Bride Of Chucky with Rob Zombie’s “Living Dead Girl” radiating out of the speakers, you know you are in for a good time. The series does a good job of bringing on memorable songs while also delivering an effective score each time we go on a journey with this murderous doll. The music holds up with flawless fidelity, yet it is mixed appropriately to not overshadow important competing elements.
Dialogue comes through clearly, and the surround channels provide a nuanced soundscape that perfectly captures the artistic intent with the sounds of the world making the space feel three dimensional. Environmental sounds such as news reports from the television and the scurrying down hallways are rendered effectively alongside everything else. There does not seem to be any obvious instances of age-related wear and tear. Scream Factory has delivered something exceptional with each of these presentations. English SDH subtitles are provided for those who want them.
Special Features
The Bride Of Chucky
- Audio Commentary 1: Director Ronny Yu delivers a very informative and amiable commentary track in which he discusses reviving this franchise after nearly a decade, transitioning to making films in America, some of the themes he wanted to tackle, the process of casting the ensemble, the look of the film, bringing on some of his crew from Hong Kong and more.
- Audio Commentary #2: Actors Jennifer Tilly, Brad Dourif, and Screenwriter Don Mancini offer an even more exciting commentary track in which they talk about shooting in Canada, the voiceover work and recording process, the direction of Ronny Yu, the homages to Frankenstein, amusing moments on set and more. Tilly takes the lead on this one, and she brings a lot of energy to the listening experience.
- Bride of Chucky Spotlight On Location: A nearly 11-minute archival featurette in which the cast and creative team discuss reviving the franchise, how the film is presented as a romantic comedy, the performances in the film and more.
- Making Bride of Chucky: An 11-minute archival featurette which talks about elevating the franchise in terms of direction and performances, how the franchise has evolved and more with some information repeated from the previous piece.
- Additional Deleted TV Scenes: There are three-minutes worth of unused scenes presented here complete with the old Sci-Fi channel logo.
- Theatrical Trailer: The minute-and-a-half trailer is provided here.
- TV Spots: A minute-long collection of TV spots are provided.
The Seed Of Chucky
- Theatrical Cut (1:26:12) & Unrated Cut (1:27:20 – Blu-Ray Only)
- Audio Commentary #1 (Unrated Cut): Writer/Director Don Mancini and Special Makeup Effects Artist Tony Gardner provide a great commentary track in which they discuss Gardner coming on board in a major role, shifting production to Romania, the challenges of creating a new doll, Gardner playing himself on screen and more.
- Audio Commentary #2 (Unrated Cut): Writer/Director Don Mancini and Jennifer Tilly provide another lively commentary track in which they discuss the production woes, the English performers that were required for the production, memories from the set and more.
- Off With My Head! – Tony Gardner on Seed of Chucky: A new 19-minute interview with the Special Makeup Effects Artist who discusses his presentation for Bride of Chucky, the crazy turnaround to get the dolls ready for production, the challenge of not having any reference material, working with Don Mancini and more.
- Chucky Be Demented – John Waters on Seed of Chucky: A six-minute piece with the legendary John Waters who discusses his love for the Chucky films, the gender-fluid nature of the narrative, the chaos of shooting in Romania and more.
- Slashed Scene: A three-minute unused, unfinished scene is provided featuring Debbie Carrington and Tiffany. This is provided with optional commentary from Don Mancini and Debbie Carrington.
- Heeeeere’s Chucky: A two-minute mock-interview with Chucky is provided here.
- Family Hell-day Slide Show: Nearly four minutes of family photos with Chucky, Tiffany and Glen are provided here.
- Conceiving the Seed of Chucky: A 19-minute featurette which functions more as a retrospective on the series which traces how the franchise has evolved in style and tone.
- Tilly On The Tonight Show: A nearly two-minute Tonight Show with Jay Leno sketch with Jennifer Tilly in Romania is provided here.
- FuZion – Up Close With The Seed of Chucky Stars: A nearly five-minute promotional spot which spotlights Chucky, Tiffany and Jennifer Tilly.
- Storyboard To Final Feature Comparison: A 14-minute look at how scenes compare from the storyboards to the final product.
- TV Spots: Two minutes worth of TV Spots are included here.
- Trailers: This disc provides Teaser Trailers (1:03 & 0:53) and a Theatrical Trailer (2:10) for Seed of Chucky.
The Curse Of Chucky
- R-Rated Cut (1:34:36 – Blu-Ray Only) & Unrated Cut (1:36:40)
- Audio Commentary: Writer/Director Don Mancini, Special Makeup Effects Artist Tony Gardner, and Actress Fiona Dourif provide a solid commentary track in which they discuss why Dourif got the lead role, the headaches caused by the doll, the excitement of Brad Dourif about working with his daughter, the “old dark house” concept and more.
- Andy’s Secret Return – Alex Vincent on Curse Of Chucky: A new seven-minute interview with the actor in which he discusses his feeling of abandonment as a child not returning for Child’s Play 3, his feelings on the franchise after he split from it, dropping out of acting, returning for this film and more.
- It’s Got A Death Curse – Tony Gardner on Curse Of Chucky: A new eight-minute interview with the Special Makeup Effects Artist who discusses once again starting from scratch when it comes to the doll design, getting to work with rod puppeting more in this installment and more.
- Twist Of Jill – Danielle Bisutti on Curse Of Chucky: A 13-minute interview with the actress who discusses the surprising thematic depth of the material, the facets of her character, working with Don Mancini, memories of her fellow performers and more.
- Playing With Dolls – The Making of Curse Of Chucky: A 16-minute featurette in which the cast and creative team discuss the return to a more serious tone without dishonoring the recent movies, the fun of having Brad Dourif on set, the casting of the ensemble and more.
- Living Doll – Bringing Chucky To Life: A nine-minute piece which takes a look at the work of the special effects team.
- Voodoo Doll – The Chucky Legacy: A seven-minute exploration of the history of Chucky on screen.
- Storyboard Comparisons: A 25-minute look at how scenes compare from the storyboards to the final product.
- Deleted Scenes: A six-minute selection of unused scenes are provided here which are interesting but were understandably cut for time.
- Gag Reel: A minute-and-a-half selection of goofing around, flubbed lines and more.
- TV Spot: A 33-second TV spot is provided here.
- Trailer: The minute-long trailer is provided here.
The Cult Of Chucky
- R-Rated Cut (1:30:01 – Blu-Ray Only) & Unrated Cut (1:30:53)
- Audio Commentary: Writer/Director Don Mancini and Special Makeup Effects Artist Tony Gardner provide a solid commentary track in which they discuss bringing Alex Vincent back into the fold, where this fits into the franchise, constructing different Chucky models, character details, elements of the production design and more.
- Doll In The Family – Tony Gardner on Cult of Chucky: A new eight-minute interview with the Special Makeup Effects Artist who discusses working on a reduced budget, innovating within certain limitations, the importance of storyboards, the location shooting and more.
- Do The Chucky Stomp – Alex Vincent on Cult of Chucky: A new seven-minute interview with actor Alex Vincent who discusses developing his character’s journey with Don Mancini, shooting in the cabin in Canada, where Andy is at this time in his life, his relationship with the franchise and more.
- Alex Vincent Recording Studio Promo: A minute-long promo for Vincent’s recording studio.
- Inside the Insanity of Cult of Chucky: A seven-minute archival look at the history and appeal of the character, working with multiple Chuckys, familiar faces returning to the franchise and more.
- Good Guys Gone Bad – The Incarnations of Chucky: A five-minute look at the different versions of Chucky in the movie, how the team executes the movements, recording the dialogue and more.
- The Dollhouse: A nearly eight-minute documentary short in which various members of the cast and crew share their relationship to the franchise, the throughline of family and more.
- Deleted Scenes: A nearly six-minute selection of unused scenes are provided here which includes more moments with the nursing staff. There is an option to view the scenes with commentary by Don Mancini.
- TV Spot: A 19-second TV spot is provided here.
- Trailers: Two trailers totaling three minutes are provided here.
Final Thoughts
Bride of Chucky, Seed of Chucky, Curse of Chucky and Cult of Chucky make up the last of the traditional Chucky feature films with the original creative team, and they are a rollercoaster of tone and quality. Bride of Chucky hits the best sweet spot between comedy and kills, but Curse of Chucky is a wicked good time for those wanting to capture the horror of the original entry. Seed of Chucky is a franchise low point, but it has qualities that make it a fun (albeit misguided) watch. Even when Chucky does something we don’t agree with, we are usually in the bag for his brand of vicious, darkly comedic homicide. There are very few horror icons that can match his personality, and we are always down to see what he has up his sleeve. Scream Factory has provided these films with individual 4K UHD Blu-Ray releases that boast strong A/V presentations and an assortment of new and archival special features not to be missed. If you have any love for this character, these are great additions to your collection. Highly Recommended
Bride of Chucky, Seed of Chucky, Curse of Chucky and Cult of Chucky (Collector’s Edition) will be available to purchase separately on 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack on August 29, 2023.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Scream Factory has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.