‘The Gate’ Blu-Ray SteelBook Review – Transitional Horror Favorite Captures The Darkness Of Youth

When best friends Glen and Terry stumble across a mysterious crystalline rock in Glen’s backyard, they quickly dig up the newly sodden lawn searching for more precious stones. Instead, they unearth The Gate — an underground chamber of terrifying demonic evil. The teenagers soon understand what evil they’ve released as they are overcome with an assortment of horrific experiences. With fiendish followers invading suburbia, it’s now up to the kids to discover the secret that can lock The Gate forever . . . if it’s not too late.

For thoughts on The Gate, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:  

Video Quality

The Gate returns to Blu-Ray in SteelBook form with a 1080p transfer that is identical to the standard version released in 2017. The Vestron line is always somewhat inconsistent as more focus is put on the supplements than a perfect transfer, but the effort is pleasant overall despite some weaknesses. This is derived from an older master that has not had a sizable amount of work done to it. There is a persistent sheen of print damage to the transfer that did not get cleaned up during any previous digital restoration work. 

The transfer maintains a naturally filmic quality with acceptable detail in the makeup effects, production design, and texture of the clothing. The film grain is a bit globby and erratic. Colors are one of the better elements with specific flourishes evoking a complex palette, but there are also moments when hues feel a bit off or anemic. Black levels are disappointing, especially with the action so often taking place in the darkness. Daytime scenes are pretty solid, but these shadowy moments really lack crisp detail and edges. A new 2K or 4K scan would be amazing, but this gets the job done well enough for now. 

Audio Quality

Lionsgate Home Entertainment graces this Blu-Ray with a lossless DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix that brings some necessary life to this outing. A notable element of this feature is the catchy score that flows through with rich fidelity. Dialogue holds up without a hitch, coming through crisp and clear without being overwhelmed by the music or sound effects. There are no drawbacks such as drop-outs, hissing, sibiliance, or any other damage. The environmental effects are lively with the creatures creating violent sounds. This track creates a favorable soundscape for audiences. Optional English (SDH) and Spanish subtitles are provided on this disc.

Special Features

Lionsgate has provided The Gate with an optional sleek new SteelBook available exclusively at Wal-Mart that is truly lovely in person. You can see a video of the set at the top of this review. The on-disc content is as follows: 

• Audio Commentaries: There are two commentary tracks provided that delve into the creation of the film, the inspirations for the narrative, the casting of various performers, the shooting locations, the visual effects work, and so much more.

• • Audio Commentary #1: Director Tibor Takacs, Writer Michael Nankin, and Special Effects Designer & Supervisor Randall William Cook

• • Audio Commentary #2: Special Effects Designer & Supervisor Randall William Cook, Special Make-Up Effects Artist Craig Reardon, Special Effects Artist Frank Carere, and Matte Photographer Bill Taylor

• Isolated Score: An option to view the film with recent interviews with composers Michael Hoenig and J. Peter Robinson. These are followed by selections from the score in Dolby Digital 2.0 audio. 

• The Gate – Unlocked: A 28-minute retrospective with newer interviews with Tibor Takacs and Randall William Cook in which they discuss their partnership, how the film came to be, the drive for authenticity, and much more. 

• Minion Maker: A 23-minute interview with Craig Reardon in which he discusses his love for the film, getting involved with the feature, the process of stop-motion animation, the people he worked with on the project, and more. 

• From Hell It Came: A 13-minute conversation with producer Andras Hamori in which he discusses the creation of the film, working with Tibor Takacs, memories of the performers, and more. 

• The Workman Speaks: A nearly 13-minute interview with performer Carl Kraines in which he discusses coming to the project, working with Tibor Takacs, the creation of different special effects elements, working with the kids, and much more. 

• Made In Canada: A nearly 29-minute interview with six members of the local Canadian crew of the film in which they discuss the movie landscape in Canada, what it was like working on The Gate, memorable moments on set, the legacy of the feature, and more.  

• From Hell – The Creatures & Demons of The Gate: A 15-minute reflection on the special effects work in the film and the appeal of horror films for all ages. 

• The Gatekeepers: A 16-minute newer interview with writer Michael Nankin and Tibor Takacs in which they reflect on the creation of the film, inspirations for the story, memories of the performers, shooting in Canada, and more. 

• Making of The Gate: A 23-minute archival piece that details the creation of the film, the creature effects, and more. 

• Trailers: This disc provides the Teaser Trailer (1:08), Theatrical Trailer (1:50), and a TV Spot (0:32).

• Galleries: A Storyboard Gallery and Behind The Scenes Gallery are included here. 

Final Thoughts

The Gate feels somewhat in line with the cult favorites from the ‘80s such as The Goonies or Monster Squad, yet this one does not get as much shine. The friendship and family dynamics are classic and get you invested. The special effects work is charmingly timeless in its practicality. The humor is cheesy some of the time, but there is also an underlying darkness that you can’t quite shake. This is a good transitional horror movie for younger audiences looking to evolve into more mature fare. Lionsgate Home Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray through their Vestron Video Collector’s Series featuring an acceptable A/V presentation and a terrific array of special features in new SteelBook packaging. Recommended 

The Gate is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray in a Limited Edition SteelBook exclusively at Wal-Mart. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Lionsgate Home Entertainment 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.