Blu-Ray Review: Great Horror Movie ‘Let Me In’ Gets Special-Edition Treatment

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CHICAGO – Matt Reeves’ “Let Me In” was one of the most divisive choices on my ten best of 2010. I stand by it in every way, especially after checking out the great Blu-ray from Overture and Anchor Bay. With a spectacular HD transfer and some great special features, this is the best horror release of a season packed with them as the Halloween 2010 films start to hit the home format.

Blu-Ray Rating: 5.0/5.0

The remake of “Let the Right One In” hits many of the same exact notes as the original, including some that are shot-for-shot, but it plays like a cover song of a great tune, featuring most of the same words and notes but striking its own tone. I think what has thrown off so many fans of the original is that I will openly admit that the best imagery from the first film was not improved upon including the scene where we discover what happens when a vampire is not asked in but comes anyway and the climactic pool sequence. But Reeves creates his own powerful imagery, including an amazing car crash sequence. “Let Me In” was both inspired by one of the best vampire movies ever made and stands as one at the same time. Both can be true.

Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Road”) and Chloe Grace Moretz (“Kick-Ass”) star in the remake, relocated to 1983 Los Alamos, New Mexico. A young boy named Owen has been bullied by kids and ignored by adults. He has few friends until he meets the mysterious Abby, a “girl” who has just moved into their apartment complex with her guardian (Richard Jenkins). Shortly after their arrival, Abby’s father figure begins to venture into this snow-covered world to find food for his “daughter” but a few mistakes on the part of a man who seems to have aged past the point where he could be effective leads Abby into danger.

Let Me In
Photo credit: Overture Pictures

Abby and Owen grow closer as his only friend inspires him to take action against the bullies at school. When Owen learns about Abby’s true nature, he has to decide if he wants to stay close to a murderous creature or go back to being alone? “Let Me In” is a horror movie about adolescence that brilliantly breathes in the cold air of New Mexico and builds tension in ways that most horror directors don’t even attempt much less accomplish. Greig Fraser’s cinematography is stunning. Michael Giacchino’s score is strikingly beautiful (along with absolutely-perfect pop music choices including a great scene cut to “Burnin’ For You” by Blue Oyster Cult), and Reeves fully understands the art of space vs. close-up in the world of horror. “Let Me In” is one of the most expertly-directed films of the year.

And it looks spectacular in HD. Anchor Bay/Overture spared no expense, which I was concerned that they would after the horrendous box office showing of “Let Me In.” They clearly knew that the critical raves will lead to audience finding this horror gem and so have treated it like a “Special Edition” for a blockbuster film. Reeves appears on an informative commentary and the film even includes a full-length picture-in-picture format that offers interviews and behind-the-scenes details while the film plays. It’s one of the best HD horror releases in some time. You’re not a fan of the genre if you don’t own it.

Special Features:
o Audio Commentary with Director Matt Reeves
o From the Inside: A Look at the Making of Let Me In
o The Art of Special Effects
o Car Crash Sequence Step-by-Step
o Dissecting Let Me In
o Deleted Scenes
o Trailer Gallery
o Poster Gallery
o Digital Copy

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com [email protected]