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Halloween (1978)
Halloween (1978) poster
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3.8

Halloween (1978)

Horror, Thriller • 1h 33m

Overview

Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween Night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.

Director: John Carpenter

Best English-Friendly Release

Upcoming Release

UK Arrow 4K Blu-ray possibly teased?

Best Audio Release

Format

UHD Blu-ray

UHD Tiers

Excellent
Australia Imprint 4K Blu-ray
Superior Imports
Australia Imprint 4K Blu-ray > Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray:

better encode by FiM

Disappointing
Shout:

bad compression, issues with the mono track

Featured Lists

National Film Registry

Year of Induction: 2006

TSPDT

2026: #581
2025: #593
2024: #586
2023: #612
2022: #612

Length

93 mins

Type

Movie

Alternative Titles

John Carpenter's Halloween

Last Updated

16 days ago

Contributors

Best English-Friendly Release
Upcoming Release

UK Arrow 4K Blu-ray possibly teased?

Best Video Release
Best Audio Release
Format
UHD Blu-ray
UHD Tiers
Excellent
Australia Imprint 4K Blu-ray
Superior Imports
Australia Imprint 4K Blu-ray > Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray:

better encode by FiM

Disappointing
Shout:

bad compression, issues with the mono track

Featured Lists
National Film Registry

Year of Induction: 2006

TSPDT
2026: #581
2025: #593
2024: #586
2023: #612
2022: #612
Length
93 mins
Type
Movie
Alternative Titles
John Carpenter's Halloween
Last Updated
16 days ago
Contributors

Part of Halloween

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Halloween II poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Australia Imprint 4K Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

UK Arrow 4K Blu-ray possibly teased?

Best English-Friendly:

Australia Imprint 4K Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

UK Arrow 4K Blu-ray possibly teased?

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Australia Imprint 4K Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

UK Arrow 4K Blu-ray possibly teased?

Best Audio:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray, 1990 CBS/Fox LaserDisc: Original Ultra Stereo mix on the Shout Factory 4K is sourced directly from the 1990 Laserdisc

Best English-Friendly:

Australia Imprint 4K Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

UK Arrow 4K Blu-ray possibly teased?

Best Audio:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray, 1990 CBS/Fox LaserDisc: Original Ultra Stereo mix on the Shout Factory 4K is sourced directly from the 1990 Laserdisc

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Pick your poison between Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray (better encode, incorrect color space) or Paramount 4K Blu-ray (correct color space, worse encoding)

Maybe the included remastered Blu-ray by Shout! Factory is better than both?

Best Video:

Pick your poison between Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray (better encode, incorrect color space) or Paramount 4K Blu-ray (correct color space, worse encoding)

Maybe the included remastered Blu-ray by Shout! Factory is better than both?

Best Audio:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray has noticeable sync issues, Paramount 4K Blu-ray doesn't

Best English-Friendly:

Pick your poison between Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray (better encode, incorrect color space) or Paramount 4K Blu-ray (correct color space, worse encoding)

Maybe the included remastered Blu-ray by Shout! Factory is better than both?

Best Video:

Pick your poison between Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray (better encode, incorrect color space) or Paramount 4K Blu-ray (correct color space, worse encoding)

Maybe the included remastered Blu-ray by Shout! Factory is better than both?

Best Audio:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray has noticeable sync issues, Paramount 4K Blu-ray doesn't

Halloween poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Universal 4K Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

Universal 4K Blu-ray

Halloween Kills poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Universal 4K Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

Universal 4K Blu-ray

Halloween Ends poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Universal 4K Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

Universal 4K Blu-ray

Featured in National Film Registry

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High Society poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray is a VistaVision remaster, FiM encode

Best Audio:

Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray's new Atmos is based on the original tracks and the mono is said to be excellent

Best English-Friendly:

Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray is a VistaVision remaster, FiM encode

Best Audio:

Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray's new Atmos is based on the original tracks and the mono is said to be excellent

The Searchers poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

1988/1990 WB Hi-Fi VHS, crystal clear, albeit with some distortion in louder areas

The 4K Blu-ray reuses the same poor mastering used on the 2006 WB Blu-ray, only with a completely unnecessary bass cut and extra noise reduction.

Additional Info:

Even putting resolution aside, the Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray has the best video, the old Blu-ray master and earlier DVD both had massive issues with colour.

That said, picture on the 4K Blu-ray isn't perfect, with strange posterized magenta glints and some instances of DNR: https://bsky.app/profile/dagscott.bsky.social/post/3leahavqi7k2l

The Searchers poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

1988/1990 WB Hi-Fi VHS, crystal clear, albeit with some distortion in louder areas

The 4K Blu-ray reuses the same poor mastering used on the 2006 WB Blu-ray, only with a completely unnecessary bass cut and extra noise reduction.

Additional Info:

Even putting resolution aside, the Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray has the best video, the old Blu-ray master and earlier DVD both had massive issues with colour.

That said, picture on the 4K Blu-ray isn't perfect, with strange posterized magenta glints and some instances of DNR: https://bsky.app/profile/dagscott.bsky.social/post/3leahavqi7k2l

The Terminator poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2013 MGM Blu-ray, or 4K Blu-ray if you MUST have the mono mix, 2001 MGM DVD for a purist version with original colors and the international mono mix

Upcoming Release:

Capelight 4K Steelbook and Mediabook announced for 2026

Best Video:

2013 MGM Blu-ray for non AI transfer, 2001 MGM DVD for a purist version with original colors and the international mono mix

Best Audio:

1991 Image Entertainment LaserDisc for the US mono mix, 2001 MGM DVD for the International mono mix

Comparison between the US and International mixes: https://vimeo.com/246332731

Additional Info:

The 4K Blu-Ray and the 2001 MGM DVD have exclusive extras.

Best English-Friendly:

2013 MGM Blu-ray, or 4K Blu-ray if you MUST have the mono mix, 2001 MGM DVD for a purist version with original colors and the international mono mix

Upcoming Release:

Capelight 4K Steelbook and Mediabook announced for 2026

Best Video:

2013 MGM Blu-ray for non AI transfer, 2001 MGM DVD for a purist version with original colors and the international mono mix

Best Audio:

1991 Image Entertainment LaserDisc for the US mono mix, 2001 MGM DVD for the International mono mix

Comparison between the US and International mixes: https://vimeo.com/246332731

Additional Info:

The 4K Blu-Ray and the 2001 MGM DVD have exclusive extras.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2015 Lionsgate Blu-ray or 35mm scan for Theatrical Cut

For the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is the older pre 2017 transfer, but has DNR.

Best Video:

2015 Lionsgate Blu-ray (missing the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, which is on the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is DNRed)

2017 StudioCanal 4K Blu-ray (and subsequent 4Ks) is heavily denoised and smoothened. Alternatively, 35mm scans for the theatrical cut  is also available. For the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is the older pre 2017 transfer, but has DNR.

Best Audio:

Original Kodak/ORC CDS mix 5.1: likely on the Artisan DVD and other Pioneer Japan DVD.
Original Dolby Stereo SR: USA Widescreen LaserDisc and others.

Differences and review of the mix. There are earlier stereo mixes and many subsequent remixes on DVDs but it is unclear how many of them are really unique.

Additional Info:

2017 Blu-Ray (which has the DNRed transfer), the 2009 Skynet Edition Blu-Ray, and the 2000 Ultimate Edition DVD have exclusive extras. The 2003 Extreme Edition DVD has some exclusive easter eggs.

Best English-Friendly:

2015 Lionsgate Blu-ray or 35mm scan for Theatrical Cut

For the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is the older pre 2017 transfer, but has DNR.

Best Video:

2015 Lionsgate Blu-ray (missing the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, which is on the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is DNRed)

2017 StudioCanal 4K Blu-ray (and subsequent 4Ks) is heavily denoised and smoothened. Alternatively, 35mm scans for the theatrical cut  is also available. For the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is the older pre 2017 transfer, but has DNR.

Best Audio:

Original Kodak/ORC CDS mix 5.1: likely on the Artisan DVD and other Pioneer Japan DVD.
Original Dolby Stereo SR: USA Widescreen LaserDisc and others.

Differences and review of the mix. There are earlier stereo mixes and many subsequent remixes on DVDs but it is unclear how many of them are really unique.

Additional Info:

2017 Blu-Ray (which has the DNRed transfer), the 2009 Skynet Edition Blu-Ray, and the 2000 Ultimate Edition DVD have exclusive extras. The 2003 Extreme Edition DVD has some exclusive easter eggs.

Toy Story poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Original theatrical render: 35mm scans or 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

Digital render: 2010 3D Blu-ray

Best Video:

Original theatrical render: 35mm scans or 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

Digital render: 2010 3D Blu-ray (every version since the 2000 DVD release including the 2D 2010 Blu-ray has animation errors. The majority of those were corrected for the 3D rerelease.) The 4K Blu-ray is merely upscaled from the 2K render.

Best Audio:

Stereo Mix: 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

5.1 AC3 Mix: 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

5.1 DTS Mix: 1997 Disney DTS LaserDisc level corrected

Additional Info:

The 1997 DTS LaserDisc is a virtually untouched transfer of the theatrical 5.1 mix and should theoretically sound the best being that DTS has higher bitrates than AC3. However, the original pressing of the DTS LaserDisc has an error where the right channel is 8.5db lower than the rest. This is an easy fix in a program like Audacity, and if you can find a corrected transfer, like the ones on various fan projects online, it should be the best sounding version of the film.

The AC3 audio on Side 2 of the CLV LaserDisc has the LFE channel muted. This was left intact for the CAV release.

The 2005 UK DVD has an error where one of the shots is brightened up way too high (when the rest of the toys hold onto Slinky as he clings onto Woody during the moving truck rescue). Plus the end credits are interlaced (the PSP UMD video is the only way to get that version of the credits without interlacing).

The 4K Blu-ray has a further remixed Atmos track.

Toy Story poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Original theatrical render: 35mm scans or 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

Digital render: 2010 3D Blu-ray

Best Video:

Original theatrical render: 35mm scans or 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

Digital render: 2010 3D Blu-ray (every version since the 2000 DVD release including the 2D 2010 Blu-ray has animation errors. The majority of those were corrected for the 3D rerelease.) The 4K Blu-ray is merely upscaled from the 2K render.

Best Audio:

Stereo Mix: 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

5.1 AC3 Mix: 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

5.1 DTS Mix: 1997 Disney DTS LaserDisc level corrected

Additional Info:

The 1997 DTS LaserDisc is a virtually untouched transfer of the theatrical 5.1 mix and should theoretically sound the best being that DTS has higher bitrates than AC3. However, the original pressing of the DTS LaserDisc has an error where the right channel is 8.5db lower than the rest. This is an easy fix in a program like Audacity, and if you can find a corrected transfer, like the ones on various fan projects online, it should be the best sounding version of the film.

The AC3 audio on Side 2 of the CLV LaserDisc has the LFE channel muted. This was left intact for the CAV release.

The 2005 UK DVD has an error where one of the shots is brightened up way too high (when the rest of the toys hold onto Slinky as he clings onto Woody during the moving truck rescue). Plus the end credits are interlaced (the PSP UMD video is the only way to get that version of the credits without interlacing).

The 4K Blu-ray has a further remixed Atmos track.

The Empire Strikes Back poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

OG: "4K80" on the high seas. If not, Disney 4K Blu-ray

Special Edition: "4K97_V" or "D+97_V" on high seas.

Upcoming Release:

2027 Original Trilogy restoration/50th anniversary rerelease clips leaked plus release confirmed

Best Video:

OG: "4K80" on the high seas

Special Editon: "4K97_V" or "D_97_VI" on the high seas. If not, the 4K Blu-rays are generally considered an improvement over the 2011 Blu-rays. (although both restorations are DNR'ed and have issues).

Best Audio:

OG: LaserDisc audio is the best option for the Dolby Stereo mixes. 70mm six-track mix is included in 4K80 (taken from an actual 70mm print). There are 16mm rips of the mono mix.

Special Edition: Cinema DTS or1997 LaserDisc for the Special Edition.

Best English-Friendly:

OG: "4K80" on the high seas. If not, Disney 4K Blu-ray

Special Edition: "4K97_V" or "D+97_V" on high seas.

Upcoming Release:

2027 Original Trilogy restoration/50th anniversary rerelease clips leaked plus release confirmed

Best Video:

OG: "4K80" on the high seas

Special Editon: "4K97_V" or "D_97_VI" on the high seas. If not, the 4K Blu-rays are generally considered an improvement over the 2011 Blu-rays. (although both restorations are DNR'ed and have issues).

Best Audio:

OG: LaserDisc audio is the best option for the Dolby Stereo mixes. 70mm six-track mix is included in 4K80 (taken from an actual 70mm print). There are 16mm rips of the mono mix.

Special Edition: Cinema DTS or1997 LaserDisc for the Special Edition.

Return of the Jedi poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

OG: "4K83" or "OTD83" on the high seas

Special Edition: "4K97_VI" or "D+97_VI" on the high seas

Upcoming Release:

2027 Original Trilogy restoration/50th anniversary rerelease clips leaked plus release confirmed

Best Video:

OG: "4K83" or "OTD83" on the high seas

Special Edition: "4K97_VI" or "D+97_VI" on the high seas

Best Audio:

OG: LaserDisc audio is the best option for the Dolby Stereo mixes (and usually included in fan restorations). There are 16mm/TV rips of the mono mixes.

Special Edition: Cinema DTS or 1997 LaserDisc for the Special Edition.

Best English-Friendly:

OG: "4K83" or "OTD83" on the high seas

Special Edition: "4K97_VI" or "D+97_VI" on the high seas

Upcoming Release:

2027 Original Trilogy restoration/50th anniversary rerelease clips leaked plus release confirmed

Best Video:

OG: "4K83" or "OTD83" on the high seas

Special Edition: "4K97_VI" or "D+97_VI" on the high seas

Best Audio:

OG: LaserDisc audio is the best option for the Dolby Stereo mixes (and usually included in fan restorations). There are 16mm/TV rips of the mono mixes.

Special Edition: Cinema DTS or 1997 LaserDisc for the Special Edition.

Star Wars poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

OG: "4K77" or "D+77" on high seas.

Special Edition: "4K97_IV" or "D+97_IV" on high seas.

Upcoming Release:

2027 Original Trilogy restoration/50th anniversary rerelease clips leaked plus release confirmed

Best Video:

OG: "4K77" or "D+77" on high seas.

Special Edition: "4K97_IV" or "D+97_IV" on high seas.

Best Audio:

OG: LaserDisc audio is the best option for the Dolby Stereo mixes (and usually included in fan restorations). There are 16mm/TV rips of the mono mixes.

Special Edition: Cinema DTS or 1997 LaserDisc for the Special Edition.

Star Wars poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

OG: "4K77" or "D+77" on high seas.

Special Edition: "4K97_IV" or "D+97_IV" on high seas.

Upcoming Release:

2027 Original Trilogy restoration/50th anniversary rerelease clips leaked plus release confirmed

Best Video:

OG: "4K77" or "D+77" on high seas.

Special Edition: "4K97_IV" or "D+97_IV" on high seas.

Best Audio:

OG: LaserDisc audio is the best option for the Dolby Stereo mixes (and usually included in fan restorations). There are 16mm/TV rips of the mono mixes.

Special Edition: Cinema DTS or 1997 LaserDisc for the Special Edition.

Shrek poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2011 Blu-ray (4K Blu-ray is upscaled; former PDI animator Jonathan Gibbs confirms the film was originally rendered at 1828 pixels wide to save file space)

Best Video:

2011 Blu-ray (4K Blu-ray is upscaled; former PDI animator Jonathan Gibbs confirms the film was originally rendered at 1828 pixels wide to save file space)

Best Audio:

Cinema DTS

Additional Info:

The old 2 disc DVD has extras missing from 4K Blu-Ray

Shrek poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2011 Blu-ray (4K Blu-ray is upscaled; former PDI animator Jonathan Gibbs confirms the film was originally rendered at 1828 pixels wide to save file space)

Best Video:

2011 Blu-ray (4K Blu-ray is upscaled; former PDI animator Jonathan Gibbs confirms the film was originally rendered at 1828 pixels wide to save file space)

Best Audio:

Cinema DTS

Additional Info:

The old 2 disc DVD has extras missing from 4K Blu-Ray

Paris Is Burning poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion 2k transfer

Best English-Friendly:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion 2k transfer

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Best Video:

Fabulous Films 4K Blu-ray, some caps

Additional Info:

disc info

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Fabulous Films 4K Blu-ray, some caps

Additional Info:

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Sony Columbia Classics Vol 4 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

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UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Sony Columbia Classics Vol 4 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Sony Columbia Classics Vol 4 4K Blu-ray (review)

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1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Italy Koch Media Blu-ray

Best Video:

Italy Koch Media Blu-ray is not stretched compared to US Shout! Factory and UK Arrow Blu-rays

As for the color grade, unsure whether the Italy or US/UK Blu-ray is more accurate to the theatrical colors.

Best Audio:

Arrow Blu-ray has lossless original stereo

Additional Info:

Shout! Factory Blu-ray has the most extras with a lossless isolated score

Best English-Friendly:

Italy Koch Media Blu-ray

Best Video:

Italy Koch Media Blu-ray is not stretched compared to US Shout! Factory and UK Arrow Blu-rays

As for the color grade, unsure whether the Italy or US/UK Blu-ray is more accurate to the theatrical colors.

Best Audio:

Arrow Blu-ray has lossless original stereo

Additional Info:

Shout! Factory Blu-ray has the most extras with a lossless isolated score

The Thing poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Universal 4K Blu-ray. Maybe Turbine Blu-ray instead for better audio?

Best Audio:
The Thing poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Universal 4K Blu-ray. Maybe Turbine Blu-ray instead for better audio?

Best Audio:
In the Mouth of Madness poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Arrow 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Arrow 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Shout! Factory Blu-ray has slightly less rolloff of the higher frequencies

Best English-Friendly:

Arrow 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Arrow 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Shout! Factory Blu-ray has slightly less rolloff of the higher frequencies

Vampires poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray is a strong upgrade in PQ compared to a poor old Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray sound was improved compared to the old mixes.

Vampires poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray is a strong upgrade in PQ compared to a poor old Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray sound was improved compared to the old mixes.

Ghosts of Mars poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Scream Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Scream Factory 4K Blu-ray. caps by cinemaniac, which look great but the old Sony master doesn’t look too bad and Indicator has a Fidelity encode

Best English-Friendly:

Scream Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Scream Factory 4K Blu-ray. caps by cinemaniac, which look great but the old Sony master doesn’t look too bad and Indicator has a Fidelity encode

Christine poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Sony 4K Blu-ray or Carlotta 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Sony 4K Blu-ray and France Carlotta 4K Blu-ray are similar

Christine poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Sony 4K Blu-ray or Carlotta 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Sony 4K Blu-ray and France Carlotta 4K Blu-ray are similar

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Halloween (1978) backdrop

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