Terror in the Aisles Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

Terror in the Aisles Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 17, 2020

This is quite a time for “Terror in the Aisles” to come out on Blu-ray. It’s a documentary about the thrill of seeing horror and suspense entertainment with the full-throated power of a large audience, creating an unforgettable communal experience. We don’t have much of that these days, leaving the 1984 release a wonderful reminder of how special moviegoing can be, especially when the crowds are filled with marijuana-smoking, physically active ticket-buyers responding in full to the might of fright films. It also helps to have stars Nancy Allen and Donald Pleasence around, with the pair making brief appearances and providing lively narration for the endeavor. Trips to the theater aren’t quite as fun or comforting as they used to be, but “Terror in the Aisles,” while working with simple creative goals, secures just how special a night at the multiplex with a rowdy audience can be.

“Terror in the Aisles” is overseen by director Andrew J. Kuehn, the mastermind behind Kaleidoscope Films, a company that developed a sterling reputation in the movie industry through the editing of trailers. Decades of experience with some of the top titles in Hollywood turned Kuehn into a marketing superstar, and he cashes-in some of that power with “Terror in the Aisles,” which provides the appearance of a documentary, but it’s more of a clip show highlighting the lure of horror movies. This is Kuehn’s valentine to genre entertainment, joining his editors on a trip around big screen trends and triumphs, with Pleasence and Allen offering some guidance with their presence, looking to class up the effort by exploring the psychological experience of a theater visit.

Kuehn creates a movie theater atmosphere to help set the scene, investigating other ticket-buyers as they respond to the clips on the screen, shouting help, sampling drugs, and studying fear. “Terror in the Aisles” strives to be a college lecture on the nature of such an experience, discussing topics such as the appeal of violence, use of sex and nudity in the genre, escapism, and archetypes. Such analysis doesn’t get very far, but the screen journey is eventful and candor is appreciated (Allen openly laments the repeated use of women as tormented objects in these pictures), supplying some intellectual substance to what’s basically a tour of cinematic achievements.

Terror in the Aisles Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation provides a typical Universal catalog visual experience. The film clips used in the movie aren't really the focal point of the Blu-ray experience, offered in reasonably good condition from studio sources, with tasteful cropping to fit the documentary experience. Theater shots emerge with some softness, offering a basic examination of faces and costumes. Interior dimension is flat. Delineation is adequate. Grain is processed, lacking a natural film-like appearance. Colors are slightly muted, with new material enjoying acceptable primaries.

Terror in the Aisles Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is simple but effective, offering a loud, forceful listening event. Frontal power come through to support the documentary as it oversees suspense sequences and scenes of shock. Narration is crisp, with defined voices during theater visits, securing dramatic emphasis, especially from Pleasence. Clips are acceptable, balanced with the rest of the endeavor. Scoring offers pronounced support with satisfactory instrumentation. The soundtrack selection, "They're Not Very Nice," also comes through with ideal clarity.

Terror in the Aisles Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Alternate Television Cut (95:21, SD) is offered. Interestingly, this appears to be a workprint of a softer version of "Terror in the Aisles," highlighting editorial marks and shifting aspect ratios. Alternate clips are utilized, and additional segments are presented, including a slightly different ending. For fans of the movie, this is an intriguingly bizarre viewing experience.

• Commentary features pop culture historian Russell Dyball.

• "Scene Stealer" (3:57, HD) is a video conference interview with Nancy Allen, who recalls her initial hiring for "Terror in the Aisles," accepting a straight offer to work for a single day on the compilation film. Director Andrew J. Kuehn is remembered, with his love of the genre driving enthusiasm for the project. Allen recalls interacting with the movie theater extras, fielding questions about her work, and she expresses her disappointment over not meeting co-star Donald Pleasence after she learned of his casting, hoping to have a moment with the cult star. The interviewee recounts her first viewing of "Terror in the Aisles" on VHS, and remains stunned that the movie still triggers fan recognition.

• "Dancing with Masters" (4:55, HD) is a video conference interview with composer John Beal, who details his professional relationship with director Kuehn, creating music for his trailer company for years before the "Terror in the Aisles" assignment. Working with an extensive line-up of horror movie clips, Beal was tasked with editing classic scores and creating new pieces of music for the feature, using multiple sound-alike offerings to replicate distinct themes without inviting lawsuits. The recording process is recalled, and Beal seems disappointed with the addition of the song, "They're Not Very Nice," adding how the track tends to divide fans. The interviewee closes with an appreciation for "Terror in the Aisles," which help to put his name out there, providing new professional opportunities.

• "Master Class" (8:58, HD) is a video conference interview with editor Greg McClatchy, who explores his time with Kuehn and his Kaleidoscope Films, which became a revolutionary force in the world of creating trailers. Sensing an opportunity, Kuehn set out to create a "tone poem" to horror cinema, and the success of "Terror in the Aisles" triggered plans for a sequel, "Dancing in the Aisles," though the arduous process of licensing clips killed future productions. McClatchy admits some of the titles used in the feature are strange, moving away from pure genre offerings, and his job was to create a story with all the selections. The procuring of hosts is recalled, with Pleasence an instant hire, and the interviewee shares the Times Square inspiration for the rowdy audience in the picture. Amazingly, "Terror in the Aisles" was subjected to MPAA pushback, giving the endeavor an X rating, necessitating cuts to already R-rated content.

• Trailers and T.V. Spots (23:08, HD) supply marketing materials for movies showcased in "Terror in the Aisles," including "Jaws," "Rosemary's Baby," "Marathon Man," "The Fog," and "Halloween II."

• T.V. Spot (:33, SD) supplies one commercial for "Terror in the Aisles."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:31, SD) is included.

Terror in the Aisles Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Kuehn aims to elevate "Terror in the Aisles" with moviemaking deconstruction, turning to an archival interview with Alfred Hitchcock to explain audience manipulation. It's all very interesting, but the real highlights here are the expertly edited clips from iconic features (including "Jaws," "Psycho," "Halloween," "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," "Alien," and "Rosemary's Baby") and cult favorites ("Scanners," "The Thing," and "Ms .45"), creating a propulsive viewing experience, especially for film fanatics who live for this type of entertainment. A few of the selections are screwy ("Vice Squad" and "Nighthawks" are used as examples of delicious villainy, while "Midnight Express" is included in the suspense segment), and the production makes a terrible choice by adding a limp pop song to the comedy segment. Mistakes are periodic, but the sheer joy of "Terror in the Aisles" isn't dampened, providing a needed overview of filmmaking glory with dark visions of doom, which is always best served with a theater filled with nervous moviegoers.