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.
After a cruel joke goes awry, severely burning him and subjecting him to five years of intensive, unsuccessful skin graft treatments, Cropsy (Lou David) is back at camp…and ready to wreak havoc on those who scarred him! With his hedge clippers in hand, he terrorizes the camp and systematically mutilates each victim. Can a few courageous campers save themselves and destroy this demented madman before he kills them all?
For thoughts on The Burning, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
[youtube https://youtu.be/EXMMI2aDpio?t=1143]
Video Quality
Scream Factory presents The Burning with an astounding 2160p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio sourced from a 4K scan of the Original Camera Negative with Dolby Vision/HDR. This film was originally released on Blu-Ray by Scream Factory a decade ago which was derived from an older source. While that release was appreciated at the time within its limitations, this new presentation is an absolute stunner and serves as one of our favorite horror upgrades.
This disc retains the magnificent natural film grain which brings out a world of distinct texture in the environments, the outfits, the grotesque special effects and more. This grain resolves evenly with nothing ever appearing clumpy or spiking throughout both the daytime and nighttime scenes. This disc executes every environmental shift with consistency. The special effects feature gruesome clarity which makes the work all the more upsetting, such as sharp objects piercing skin and burned flesh. This transfer has done a spectacular job of cleaning up a great deal of the print damage with very little in the way of specks remaining. This is complemented by a fabulous encode which does not succumb to any dips in quality.
One of the aspects that stands out the most is the implementation of Dolby Vision which brings forth a cavalcade of depth and nuance. From the opening vibrancy of the titular flames to the hues within the woods, this disc provides a vivid palette of colors that archive their greatest level of accuracy. The new presentation reaches a level of precision and color detail that likely tops the original run in theaters. Black levels are strong with no blatant crush present, and the highlights remain firm and never get too hot. This is by far the best the film has looked on home entertainment, and slasher fans will be thrilled to experience such a powerful presentation.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio dual mono track which captures this experience without issue. The terrific Rick Wakeman score sounds amazing without a hint of damage. It aids in establishing a distinct atmosphere which works really well. Environmental noises such as the chatting of campers or water splashing come through with a defined quality. Dialogue comes through with immense clarity even during the more chaotic developments. The fidelity of the movie is unquestionable no matter the sonic demands. The low end of the track registers some texture within its mono roots. Scream Factory provided a top notch audio experience for this one. English SDH subtitles are provided for those who want them.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary #1: Director Tony Maylam and Journalist Alan Jones provide a very thorough and entertaining commentary track in which Maylam discusses how he came to work on this project, his dealings with the Weinsteins, the cutting edge and controversial nature of the film, the casting process and the performances in the film, technical aspects of the production, the cinematography and so much more that is an absolute delight to delve into for fans.
- Audio Commentary #2: Stars Shelley Bruce and Bonnie Deroski provide a commentary track moderated by Edwin Samuelson which provides some rich details about the production including the casting process, memories from shooting on location, the response to the film and more.
- Blood ‘n’ Fire Memories – Interview with Tom Savini: A 18-minute interview with Special Effects Supervisor Tom Savini in which he discusses getting involved with the movie, working with fire, shooting on location, utilizing techniques developed on his previous films, working with the performers and more. There is some great behind-the-scenes footage included here.
- Slash & Cut – Interview with Editor Jack Sholder: A 12-minute interview with the editor in which he discusses his personal feelings and relationship with the horror genre, getting involved with this project, the editing philosophy of Harvey Weinstein, the tension caused by the Weinsteins and more.
- Cropsy Speaks – Interview with Actor Lou David: An 11-minute interview with the performer who discusses becoming a “ghoul” for this role, how he became interested in performing, working with the special effects, the experience of shooting the movie and more.
- Summer Camp Nightmares – Interview with Actress Leah Ayres: A seven-minute interview with the actress who discusses her feelings on horror films, why she got into acting, her career leading up to The Burning, memories of her fellow performers, the hardest moments of the shoot and more.
- Behind-The-Scenes Footage: An eight-minute collection of fly-on-the-wall moments are provided here which are expanded from what was included in the Tom Savini interview.
- Galleries: This disc provides a Make-up Effects Still Gallery and a Poster & Still Gallery.
- Theatrical Trailer: A minute-and-a-half trailer is provided here.
Final Thoughts
The Burning is a really effective slasher film which may not feature a marquee killer, but it makes up for it in the kills themselves and the way it develops the victims. The story takes a little bit of time to give you some context for these individuals before getting down to business, and it does so without ever slowing down the pacing of the film. The special effects are appropriately gnarly, especially when paired with an occasionally surprising subversion of genre conventions. Scream Factory has provided this one with a 4K UHD Blu-Ray release that boasts a fantastic A/V presentation and a fabulous array of special features. Even if you already own this one on Blu-Ray, this new presentation is the ultimate way to own this gem. Highly Recommended
The Burning (Collector’s Edition) is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack.
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.
