Bonus Features: ‘Halloween Ends’ extras can’t make up for a disappointing finale

Four years ago, director David Gordon Green breathed new life into the most iconic horror franchise of all time.

“Halloween” (2018) brought the icon Michael Myers into the modern day in a way that upped the violence and gore, while still staying true to the terrifying roots of the franchise. The reboot was a hit and could have easily stood on its own as a one-off film, but Green was set on a new “Halloween” trilogy from the start.

“Halloween Kills” followed and the sequel marked a steep decline in quality, and unfortunately the finale, “Halloween Ends,” is more of the same. The third and final film in Green’s trilogy hits 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital this month with a Collector’s Edition home release loaded with extras.

As far as the film itself goes, on one hand I admire “Halloween Ends “for taking a chance and changing up the classic Michael Myers formula. On the other, I don’t really think its twist works. 

The most acclaimed and revered horror franchise in film history reaches its epic, terrifying finale as Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) faces off for the last time against the embodiment of evil, Michael Myers (James Jude Courtney). Michael hasn’t been seen for four years after the events of Halloween Kills. Laurie lives with her granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) and has chosen to liberate herself from fear and rage and embrace life. When a young man, Corey (Rohan Campbell), is accused of killing a boy he was babysitting, a cascade of violence and terror is ignited with a final confrontation between Laurie and Michael unlike any ever captured on screen. Only one of them will survive.

I know it’s been four years in the world of the story, but the complete 180-degree turn by both Laurie and Michael is too strange of a starting point. For a movie meant to wrap up decades of confrontation between these two characters, the focus is placed largely on Allyson and newcomer Corey, creating an odd conclusion. The character of Corey is an excellent addition to the cast and Campbell delivers a dynamic performance – it’s just far too late to be introducing a character this important in the final chapter of the trilogy.

Still, some elements work, and it definitely sheds an interesting look at fear culture and yes, trauma. It’s still plenty entertaining, it just doesn’t all work.

For fans of the franchise, the home release is certainly worth your while. The 4K transfer is excellent, with impeccable details and rich, dark colors, while the Atmos audio track provides the perfect eerie audio for the film and John Carpenter’s score.

The real draw here, though, is the extras. The home release boasts over 30 minutes of behind the scenes interviews and deleted/extended scenes, in addition to a very informative commentary track.

Let’s take a look at all the bonus features the home release has to offer.

Special Features on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital

• Deleted and Extended Scenes
  • Michael Shakes Things Up
  • Joan’s Bunny Slam
  • Corey Reflects Upon Himself
  • Ronald’s Stuck at Work
  • Margo Gets the Boot
  • Joan’s Recipe for Disaster
• Ending “Halloween” – “Halloween” could never truly end without a decisive showdown between Laurie and Michael. Explore the creative team’s approach to crafting the film’s final sequence.
• Final Girl – The iconic Jamie Lee Curtis discusses the legacy of Laurie Strode and what playing the character has meant to her.
• No Place Like Haddonfield – Filmmakers and cast reveal some of the secret ingredients that make “Halloween” productions so special and their personal feelings on being a part of such a classic franchise.
• Gag Reel
• A Different Threat – As Haddonfield evolves to a new era, we examine how the evil within has also evolved.
• The Visions of Terror – See how various production departments came together to achieve the film’s unique visual style.
• Twisted Deaths – An up-close look at some of the gruesome death scenes.
• Feature Commentary with co-writer/director David Gordon Green, actors Andi Matichak and Rohan Campbell, co-producer/first assistant director Atilla Salih Yücer, and production assistant Hugo Garza

“Halloween Ends” releases December 27 on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital.