Scream Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Scream Blu-ray Movie Review

Paramount has released the 1996 Wes Craven Horror film 'Scream' to the Blu-ray format. The 1080p presentation has been remastered and features new and improved video over the old 2011 release. One new supplement has been included, and Paramount has returned most of the legacy extras from the original release. The disc includes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. At time of writing, there is no sign of the other three films ('Scream 2,' 'Scream 3,' 'Scre4m') on Blu-ray with remastered video. Note that Paramount has released the film to the UHD format; this Blu-ray is not included in that release.

Scream Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Paramount's newly remastered Blu-ray release is excellent. I cannot comment specifically on how this compares to the original 2011 release. However, judging by that review's screenshots this is a serious improvement in all areas. The old Blu-ray appeared to be heavily processed while this one is very organic with flattering, natural grain and well-defined detailing. The picture fires on all cylinders in all scenes, leaving behind any trace of heavy-handed processing, revealing a pleasing presentation that may not match the UHD for complexity and supremely fine detail but that does offer sharp elements across the board. Faces and clothes are obviously highlights for the remastered 1080p picture's excellence, both showcases for the firm, fine, precision accuracy now apparent in the release. The picture is very faithful to its film roots, never straying from that flattering, lightly grainy appearance, even in the darkest and most visually challenging scenes. Daytime exteriors are obviously a big win for textural might, with good lighting revealing every freckle and bit of applied makeup in key scenes, such as when Sidney speaks with Gail outside the school after punching her the night before midway through the movie.

Color reproduction is excellent, too. Primaries pop, again in daylight but also in evenly lit interiors. There are no shortage of bright eyes, red lips, and clothes of a variety of 90s colors that are well served by the Blu-ray's carefully considered color palette output, featuring neutral contrast with only the occasional, and sometimes barely perceptible, push to warm. Black levels are terrific, whether nighttime exteriors or the black Ghostface killer attire. Whites are bright and intense and skin tones are faithful to natural complexion. The picture appears free of source blemishes and encode abnormalities. This is a high class presentation from Paramount.

Scream Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

I do not have access to the original disc but it is very likely that this is the same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless presentation from the 2011 disc. For a full audio review, please click here.

Scream Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Paramount brings Scream to Blu-ray with most of the legacy extras from the 2011 disc (note the absence of a trailer collage) and included one new extra in the form of a retrospective/thinly veiled pitch for the new 2022 Scream film. Below is a list of what's included. The new extra has been reviewed. For full coverage of the legacy content, please click here. A digital copy code is included with purchase. This release ships with a non-embossed slipcover.

• Audio Commentary: Director Wes Craven and Writer Kevin Williamson.
• NEW! A Bloody legacy: Scream 25 Years Later (1080p, 7:29): A look back with key cast and crew (and newcomers to the 2022 Scream film) at this original film's legacy, its novelty, influences of Halloween and Williamson's own experiences in life, the Ghostface killer and the famous mask, and Wes Craven's direction.
• Production Featurette.
• Behind the Scenes: Included are On the 'Scream' Set and Drew Barrymore.
• Q&A with Cast and Crew: Included are What's Your Favorite Scary Movie? and Why Are People So Fascinated By Horror Films?

Scream Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Scream remains a very effective genre film and a loving homage to all things Horror cinema. Paramount's newly remastered Blu-ray breathes new life into the film, offering a quality filmic image that is quite the upgrade from the 2011 disc. No new audio track is included, but the legacy 5.1 lossless track is still very good. One new extra is included in addition to most of the 2011 legacy supplement. Highly recommended.