Freddy vs. Jason delivers exactly what's expected of it: a bloody brawl between two Horror icons that's plenty fun and gruesome. Technically sound and fun to watch, Freddy vs. Jason makes for one of the better Horror pictures of the decade, saved from the necessary but ultimately bland secondary filler that allows for the movie to get to where it needs to go. In many ways a typical Horror pictures but certainly a crowd-pleasing, bloody good time, Freddy vs. Jason might not embody everything a Horror fan dreams of but it's easily far better than it probably deserves to be. New Line's Blu-ray release, too, impresses. Featuring a strong film-like transfer, a solid lossless soundtrack, and a nice selection of extras, Horror aficionados definitely need to make this part of their Blu-ray collections. Recommended.
Perhaps, it may be argued, comparing the Friday the 13th remake to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake as much as its own predecessors isn't quite fair, but with the success of Massacre comes only heightened anticipation for Friday the 13th, and while the film delivers Jason in what is probably his best movie yet in terms of production values, atmosphere, violence, and character development, the experience ultimately disappoints not necessarily in context but rather in expectation. A strong entry into the Friday the 13th universe but not quite as atmospheric or bloody as it may have been, the film works to a point but never distinguishes itself much from the pack outside of the technical improvements and somewhat superior character development. Warner Brothers' Blu-ray release of Friday the 13th, like the film, impresses, but not quite to the degree to which fans may have hoped. Featuring adequate video and audio presentations but skimping on bonus materials, the disc suffices but isn't a "must own." Nevertheless, hardcore Horror and Friday the 13th fans will want to pick this up on day one; most others will be better served renting or waiting for a sale.
