Video: How Does the Disc Look?

The film’s theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 is presented in anamorphic video “mastered in high definition"- Despite a grainy Paramount Pictures opening logo, this quickly looks confident. The best part of this transfer is the fact that it is very consistent looking, which couldn’t be said with parts I, II and IV (III is pretty solid). Blacks are very deep but notably faded a bit all the way through the film. Granted, Part V is not a very dark film such as I, II and especially IV. Grain is admirably fine and consistent whether it’s a day or night scene.

Colors are a tad washed out (even director Danny Steinmann notices it in the commentary), though primaries of blues and reds definitely exhibit a nice pop. Variations of green foliage have some problems with a burnt green tone that has faded a tad. Skintones appear harmonious within the schemes of the color palate.

The rigid camera shots, decent black levels and very clean transfer support remarkably good shadow detail, which enhances the film’s depth of small object detail and finely grained textures during close ups. No noticeable edge halos are present nor do any compression problems arise. This transfer looks much better than expected and certainly trumps the video transfers of the prior films.

Audio: How Does the Disc Sound?

The disc includes a new Dolby Digital 5.1 track. Like the 5.1 remixes of prior Friday films released this year, this sequel also extracts Harry Manfredini’s underrated score and brings it into stereo through the front speakers. A treat is that one can literally hear distinct instrumentation between the left and right speakers supported by a better dynamic range. The rest of the production hammers away, with a narrow dynamic range, through the center speaker. Dialogue has been recorded fairly well.

Surrounds are a weak, languid mush of everything, even during rain scenes where the soundscape really could have opened up. Bass is usually weak, save for the score, though probably its best exercise is during the opening credits, when the hockey mask blasts through the title. Otherwise, don’t anticipate fireworks. This remix is notably better than the narrow, mono mixes, but certainly don’t expect a whiz bang revelation.

The other language tracks are original English, Spanish and French 2.0 mono. Optional subtitles are provided in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Also included are English Closed Captions.