Hatchet [Blu-Ray]

The Blu-Ray version of Hatchet features a new commentary track with director Adam Green and actor/stunt-man Kane Hodder, along with the original DVD commentary track with Green and three of the lead actors. From discussions on the many referential nods throughout the movie to the ubiquity of horror remakes as of late — noting that fans shouldn't pay to see them if they object, since studios don't care what they make as long as there is an income involved — it's clear that Green is a bread and butter horror geek. You know, one of those guys that runs off to every fan expo or starts up an internet message board about their favourite horror villain, networking at any event they can weasel their way into. But the difference between Hatchet and most first-time features by these sorts of folks is that Green actually shows innate filmmaking abilities, which have only improved in his follow up movies, Spiral and Frozen. Noting the conventions of the genre — primarily in a gory, nudity-heavy, '80s capacity — this parade of picking off stereotypical victims starts with a freakish child being teased (here, named Victor Crowley), hidden from the world and eventually killed and/or mutilated by evil kids. Inevitably, he resurfaces years later to wreak havoc on a ragtag group of tourists lost while exploring the Louisiana bayou (exchange this with Camp Crystal Lake, Haddonfield or Elm Street and you get the picture). Deliberately campy — buckets of blood splash across the screen every time a kill happens — and aware of the typical murder schedule and outcome of a film of this nature, much of the humour and referential material limits audience appeal to those with films like Friday the 13th, Pumpkinhead, Sleepaway Camp, Halloween and many, many more in their lexicon. Perhaps this is why Green's films give off an inside joke feeling, never quite crossing over into mainstream territory. Regardless, it's fun to see Candyman, Jason and Freddy Krueger in a movie, with the casual ripping in half of heads and torsos, along with some Bayou Beaver humour. Also included with the Blu-Ray are supplements on the financing and "Making of," along with discussions about the make-up/gore effects, Victor Crowley and creating a good kill. A gag reel is also available, which has some highly amusing alternate takes and dialogue.