Trapped Ashes 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Trapped Ashes 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Trapped Ashes is an incredible and under-the-radar horror-anthology deserving of a cult following. The horror anthology gem is presented in the same vein of horror anthologies like Tales from the Crypt, Creepshow, and other haunting tales of the macabre done in anthology form. Produced by Dennis Bartok (Solomon King – Restoration) and Yoshifumi Hosoya (Sleepy Heads, Home Sweet Hoboken), Trapped Ashes is a must-see cult anthology feature-film featuring a collaboration of filmmakers including Joe Dante, Ken Russell, Sean Cunningham, Monte Hellman, and John Gaeta. Executive produced by Michael Frislev (Land, On the Road), Trapped Ashes features a script by Dennis Bartok, founder of Deaf Crocodile.

On a Hollywood Tour, seven complete strangers find themselves at a spooky old-school House of Horrors with their host requesting each stranger to confess their deepest secrets and strangest memories. As the seven strangers find themselves sharing their own stories, the anthology starts, delving into each short-film with the House of Horrors interludes connecting and bridging the short anthology stories.

Ken Russell’s “The Girl with Golden Breasts” explores a plastic surgery horror nightmare when an aspiring actress decides to get a boob job to help her get better roles in the industry only to find complications stem from her plastic surgery using repossessed tissue from the deceased for her implants, which come to life on their own as blood-sucking breasts determined to survive and keep her youthful by draining blood from victims who have sex with her. Sean Cunningham’s “Jibaku” explores a tumultuous relationship between an unhappy married woman and her husband, an architect, as the couple visit Japan and encounter a dead monk along the strange and macabre trip overseas.

Monte Hellman’s “Stanley’s Girlfriend” is a bewitching tale of two Hollywood friends in the 1950s who both become enamored by the seduction of Stanley’s girlfriend. One is a hot-shot director and the other a screenwriter. Both men become seduced by the same woman as the pair find themselves in over their heads during a noir-meets-horror style b-movie charmer of the macabre. John Gaeta’s “My Twin, The Worm” explores an unlikely twin bond formed with a Goth girl and her unexpected twin while inside their womb – as the tale unfolds and evokes a horrific atmosphere. Joe Dante directs the wraparound anthology feature-film bridging together the shorts and providing more spooky thrills for anthology aficionados.

Trapped Ashes has a cult fanbase but it deserves a wider audience as one of the best horror anthologies I have ever seen – and I say that as an enormous fan of Tales from the Crypt – for the same audience, this should be required viewing. The production is off-the-charts creative and there are so many enjoyable elements. Trapped Ashes feels like a must-see event movie from the get-go with all the big names that were involved.

The production design by Robb Wilson King (Scary Movie, Rush Hour) is scary impressive and the design elements of the wraparound story are especially compelling. The spooky house vibes are a throwback recalling an earlier era of horror filmmaking and it is a perfect compliment to the entire production. Throwbacks to classic genre horror done with style.

The art direction by Michael Corrado (Kung Fu, Colony) is engaging and a lot of fun, too. The art style is creative and above expectations. The art style certainly evokes Tales from the Crypt and fans of that beloved cult television series will have a great time with this anthology.

The costumes by Toni Burroughs-Rutter (Crying Freeman, Samurai Girl) are well-done and work well for the entire ensemble. The costumes are well thought out and effective during each of the standalone shorts featured in the anthology (as well as the wraparound segment). A great effort all round.

Trapped Ashes features an incredible score by the brilliant Japanese composer Kenji Kawai (Ghost in the Shell, Ringu). Kawai is one of the most gifted composers in the history of cinema. Kawai is no ordinary composer but one of the most versatile and gifted in the entire medium. As a longtime fan of Kawai, there’s something magnetic about his music – some of my favorite film scores of all time are by the genius Kawai – and I am pleased to say that Kawai delivered a classic score for Trapped Ashes.

Featuring incredible special effects, Trapped Ashes features award-winning special effects artist Robert Skotak (Aliens, Terminator 2: Judgement Day) contributing something special indeed. Trapped Ashes is a visual feast for the eyes and it doesn’t disappoint. The special visual effects contributions by Roy Knyrim, Robert Paller, and Michael Taglianetti add to the fun. The visuals are so inventive and the special effects feel perfect for the genre movie madness that Trapped Ashes provides in spades.

The cinematography by Zoran Popovic (The Munsters, Clean) is incredible and a major highlight of the film – even more so now that Trapped Ashes has been beautifully restored from the original camera negative. The cinematography is essential to the horror filmmaking and Trapped Ashes is a visually stunning film. There is much to appreciate about the visual language of the cinematography.

Edited by Marcus Manton (Pumpkinhead, American Ninja), Trapped Ashes is well paced and the flow of the filmmaking is exceptional. Manton is a top-notch editor and someone with a perfect understanding of the craft of editing – some of the editorial expertise used on Pumpkinhead is utilized here. The pace of Trapped Ashes is excellent and this is especially important for an anthology of stories from multiple directors.

Featuring a screenplay written by Dennis Bartok, the founder of Deaf Crocodile, Trapped Ashes is a great and under-appreciated horror script. Trapped Ashes is such a fun blast and every story in the anthology is entertaining. Trapped Ashes is sure to become a bigger cult classic with horror anthology fans in the years to come. For some reason, Trapped Ashes seems to have passed by the radars of many genre fans despite building a cult following over the years. Bartok perfectly combines horror, old-school chills, and comedy for a fun time.

Trapped Ashes may now become one of my favorite horror anthologies. Directed by Sean S. Cunningham (Friday the 13^th, DeepStar Six), Joe Dante (Gremlins, Piranha), John Gaeta (visual effects chief on The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded), Monte Hellman (Ride in the Whirlwind, Road to Nowhere), and Ken Russell (The Devils, Altered States), Trapped Ashes features so much horror talent that it comes as no surprise that the end results are so impressive. The only thing that surprises me is that it has taken so long for a cult fanbase to develop for Trapped Ashes.

Trapped Ashes should be considered as required viewing for anyone who appreciates these genre filmmakers. (For the record, as much as I love horror anthologies, these don’t always work as well as planned – take, for example, the “Masters of Horror” series with feature-length episodes from some genre icons – only some were entertaining and worthwhile.) Trapped Ashes has plenty to offer and I enjoyed the entire film. A must-see for horror fans. (Take note, Tales from the Crypt aficionados).

Trapped Ashes 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on 4K UHD by Deaf Crocodile, Trapped Ashes is presented in HEVC / H.265 in 2160p native 4K resolution. Trapped Ashes has received an extensive new 4K restoration completed by Deaf Crocodile. The 4K restoration is stunning. Dennis Bartok, chief creative officer and owner of Deaf Crocodile, wrote the screenplay and did a fantastic job restoring the film for physical media. The HDR grade is well-done, too. The HDR is not as pronounced as on some 4K presentations but subtly provides superb colors and depth to the visual fidelity.

The transfer is pristine and this is an incredible presentation. The naturally filmic image is first-rate and the encoding handles the visuals and cinematography flawlessly. The entire experience is extraordinary on 4K UHD. A perfect presentation of the cult horror film and it is hard to imagine anyone walking away even a smidgen disappointed. Stunning.

Trapped Ashes 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. The lossless, high-resolution 24-bit depth audio is crystal clear. The audio presentation has also received a new restoration by Deaf Crocodile. The audio restoration is of the original master audio tapes sourced from the original camera negative. The lossless encoding is incredible and a thing of beauty for home theater enthusiasts. The surround sound track is engaging and creative as a sound design, too. The score is also mixed well with the soundstage. It is marvelous to experience master audio tapes perfectly restored from original elements. The audio restoration process is a perfect match to the high fidelity of the video presentation.

Trapped Ashes 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The limited edition release (exclusive to the Deaf Crocodile web store) features a deluxe chipboard art box and a booklet. The limited edition artwork is incredible and a thing of beauty in hand. The set is a wonderful addition to any collection and the packaging is simply stunning. The standard edition is also beautiful and comes in a clear case. The standard edition is housed inside of the deluxe limited edition for those who opt for the limited set.

Deaf Crocodile releases include an inserted QR code card. The QR code card provides a link to additional transcribed bonus content for each release. Once you follow the QR code with your smartphone or smart device, the device will provide you with a link to more transcribed bonus content.

New Interviews with Cast & Crew:

Cast members Tahmoh Penikett & Tygh Runyan and Production Designer Robb Wilson King (HD, 1:28:43)

Director John Gaeta, cast members Jayce Bartok, Scott Lowell and Lisa Tribble, producers Yuko Yoshikawa & Yoshifumi Hosoya, and cinematographer Zoran Popovic (HD, 1:18:12) is a lengthy discussion featuring a wide assortment of participants. The assembled interviews are by Deaf Crocodile's Dennis Bartok. The interviews were conducted exclusively for Deaf Crocodile on May 25^th, 2024.

Producer Mike Frislev of Nomadic Pictures (HD, 40:06)

"Hollywood Parasite: Hysteria in Trapped Ashes" (HD, 15:01)

New Audio Commentary by Stephen Bissette

"A Look Inside" – A 5 Part Archival Making-Of Documentary:

The Making of Trapped Ashes (SD, 5:54)

The Girl with the Golden Breasts (SD, 7:14)

Jibaku (SD, 5:54)

Stanley's Girlfriend (SD, 6:42)

My Twin, the Worm (SD, 6:10)

Stanley's Girlfriend – Director's Cut (SD, 28:20)

The Girl with the Golden Breasts – Original Cut (SD, 26:03)

Trapped Ashes 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Trapped Ashes is one of my favorite discoveries of the past year. A cult horror film with a growing fanbase, Trapped Ashes is a must-see for genre enthusiasts who appreciate horror and genre anthologies such as Tales from the Crypt and Creepshow. An essential Deaf Crocodile release.

Deaf Crocodile has restored Trapped Ashes from the original camera negative and original master audio tapes. The Blu-ray release also comes jam-packed with bonus features – hours upon hours of incredible supplements. The release is a treasure trove for genre fans. Highly recommended.