As a seasoned gamer and horror movie enthusiast with over two decades worth of experience under my belt, I’ve seen more than my fair share of scary films and collections that claim to be the ultimate fright-fest. However, Paramount Scares Vol. 2 has left me feeling a tad disheartened, much like Jason Voorhees leaving his latest victim in a pool of cold, bloody water.
For the second consecutive year, Paramount opted for the Paramount Scares 4K box set once again to mark the start of October, offering a four-movie set that includes fresh remasters and an array of physical extras. However, reviewing a collection such as this requires a slightly distinct approach compared to standard reviews of physical media, as I’ll be giving due consideration not only to the quality of the films in the updated Paramount Scares lineup but also to the overall value and significance of the collection when it comes to expanding your own DVD library. This review will encompass both the visual and audio aspects of these horror classics, but rest assured that I’ll be delving into the collection as a cohesive entity too.
On October 1st, you’ll find Vol. 2 of Paramount Scares featuring the stunning 4K versions of movies like Friday the 13th Part II, Breakdown, World War Z, and Orphan: First Kill. This collection comes packed with a range of exclusive items such as a glowing Paramount Scares pin, iron-on patches, a unique Paramount Scares sticker, an issue of Fangoria magazine specifically for this set, and a poster from the talented cover artist Orlando “Mexifunk” Arocena.
The box set contains quite a few attractive items, and it looks great when displayed on a shelf. At its current price of $69.99, the overall collection doesn’t seem overly pricy, but it’s not exactly budget-friendly either. Ultimately, the real issue lies with the selection of films within Paramount Scares Vol. 2, and unfortunately, in this aspect, it falls disappointingly short.
The inaugural Paramount Scares assortment was a stellar gathering for the studio, boasting an array of both timeless classics and recent blockbusters in the horror genre. Highlights include remastered versions of films like “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Pet Sematary,” fresh hits such as “Crawl” and “Smile,” and the previously undisclosed 4K release of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” From top to bottom, it represents a superb selection of horror movies that any fan of the genre would be thrilled to own, particularly since several of these films had not been available in 4K format prior to this collection.
Compared to Paramount Scares Vol. 1, the lineup for Vol. 2 appears rather unimpressive. For instance, “Friday the 13th Part II” is an obvious pick, as it hadn’t been given a 4K transfer by Paramount until now (though the UK will have a standalone release of this upgrade this month). Another undervalued movie, “Breakdown”, featuring Kurt Russell, is long overdue for some recognition and makes for a delightful addition to a larger collection. However, “World War Z” has already received a 4K release through Shout Factory, so its inclusion among only four titles in this collection feels disappointing. Lastly, there’s “Orphan: First Kill”, which was new enough to warrant a standard 4K release but didn’t receive one at the time of its initial launch. Furthermore, it’s not particularly popular with fans or growing as a cult classic. In fact, it seems that many have already moved on from “Orphan” and forgotten about this prequel.
This collection of horror movies from Paramount doesn’t seem particularly compelling compared to their past releases. It’s not something that feels essential for most viewers, unless you’re a dedicated fan of several of the films included. The additional features are enjoyable, but they don’t quite make this set a must-buy.
The real saving grace here is that the actual discs themselves are fantastic. The movies may not be ones that you’re dying to have in your collection, but Paramount did a great job with all of the transfers and remasters. Personally, Friday the 13th Part II takes the cake; there’s something about that cheap ’80s slasher look that translates so well to 4K when done properly. Orphan: First Kill technically looks and sounds the cleanest, which should come as no surprise, given that it was released just a couple of years ago.
The Paramount Scares Vol. 2 isn’t bad as a 4K release from a studio that has been consistently delivering in 2024. If you enjoy some movies in this collection, you won’t be let down. However, when compared to Volume 1, it falls short significantly in terms of its overall selection quality.
Paramount Scares Vol. 2 is available now. A copy was provided for the purpose of this review.
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2024-10-08 05:10