Paramount Home Entertainment is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Halloween H20 with a 4K SteelBook release of the 1998 slasher movie. While not the most beloved entry, it once again branches the timeline as it is a direct sequel to Halloween II, thus ignoring the storyline that takes place in 3-5. Led by Jamie Lee Curtis, it also features LL Cool J, Adam Arkin, Michelle Williams, Janet Leigh, and Josh Hartnett.
“Now the headmistress of a private school, Laurie Strode (Curtis) is still struggling with the horrifying, 20-year-old memories of the maniacal killer Michael Myers … when he suddenly reappears with a vengeance!” reads the synopsis. “And this Halloween, his terror will strike a whole new generation! Laurie’s rebellious son (Josh Hartnett), his girlfriend (Michelle Williams), and the school security guard (LL Cool J) will become Michael’s newest victims unless Laurie can conquer her greatest fears and put evil in its place once and for all!”
The H20 4K transfer looks great, which is definitely a relief since the original 2011 Blu-ray by Echo Bridge looked awful. The grain is stable, the colors come through clear, and it’s a very clean print overall. As for the movie itself, H20 isn’t my favorite film in the series, but it’s still a fun one to rewatch. Hartnett and LL Cool J are particularly memorable in their roles, while Curtis is great as always. There are some solid kills, and it was a return to form for a series that had lost its way at the time.
This is normally where I’d go over the 4K release’s special features, but there aren’t any. The only real extra is a digital code, which can be redeemed on either Apple or Vudu, which is nice but not exactly a huge selling point. Considering the previous Shout! Factory release included a commentary track, a ton of interviews, and deleted scenes; it’s a very bare-bones release.
Thankfully, the SteelBook looks really good. There’s a fall-themed slipcover that puts the film’s logo, leaves, and a jack-o’-lantern. The front and back cover features some wonderful artwork of both Michael Myers and Laurie Strode, while the inside is a still from the movie, which is also used as the 4K’s home menu screen. It looks really good, although my slipcover was a bit looser than I’d prefer and doesn’t hug the case that well.
Halloween H20 4K SteelBook Review: Final Verdict
While the SteelBook looks great, this new Halloween H20 4K release is far from definitive. With no extras beyond a digital code, you’re only getting the movie and a stylish case. That’ll be enough for some, especially since Shout! Factory’s collector’s edition is out of print, but it’s a shame that there aren’t any bonus features at all. While it’s not the best Halloween movie, it still deserves more love and care for its 25th anniversary.
Disclosure: The publisher provided ComingSoon with the product for our Halloween H20 4K SteelBook review.
