Scream Factory adds another great film to their Collector's Edition series and gives it the proper treatment it deserves! Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is a MUST-HAVE for horror fans!
“”Behind The Mask is original and weirdly delicious, and executed with gory aplomb.” – Los Angeles Times
You know legendary maniacs Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger. Now meet Leslie Vernon, the next great psycho-slasher. Nathan Baesel (Invasion) stars as Vernon, a good-natured killing machine who invites a documentary film crew to follow him as he reminisces with his murder mentor (Scott Wilson, The Walking Dead), evades his psychiatrist/nemesis (Robert Englund, A Nightmare On Elm Street), deconstructs Freudian symbolism, and meticulously plots his upcoming slaughter spree. But when the actual carnage begins, where do you draw the line between voyeuristic thrills, mythic evil, and good old-fashioned slasher movie mayhem? Angela Goethals (24) and Zelda Rubinstein (Poltergeist) co-star in this ingeniously twisted and award-winning shocker that Film Threat hails as “a masterpiece.”
When a documentary film crew is trusted with the tricks of the trade from a serial killer, they get more than they bargained for as their morals overrule their journalistic integrity when they begin to feel sorry for the subjects as Leslie Vernon, a self-proclaimed serial killer sets his targets on a group of unsuspecting victims.
What’s so great about Behind the Mask is the fact that it is so tongue-in-cheek that anyone who has seen a Friday the 13th film, or a Nightmare on Elmstreet film will appreciate the mockumentary style as a normal film crew gets a firsthand look behind the scenes as the killer is eager to share all the secrets to becoming a horror icon such as Chucky, Freddy, or Jason. As the film gets started, keeping in mind this is taking all the rules of horror films and putting a rational spin on them, its brilliantly set up to have the rare glimpse into the lives of the killers who seem normal on the surface, having friends and dinner parties, getting advice for work, and pouring their hearts out in what they feel is a life worth living. For them, they are the flip side of the coin that balances out the good from the evil, a necessity in life that continues to keep everything in check. Simply hearing the rationale for the rules that we all know apply to horror films help fuel the hilarity of the film, making it a one of a kind experience that any fan of the genre should go through.
Leslie Vernon is a great addition to the roster of slasher villains, with his wit, humor, and his clear dedication to his craft. Although he isn’t going to be as frightening as his peers, that isn’t the point; it’s the spirit and uniqueness of the film that makes it memorable, and ensures that fans of the genre will absolutely love Leslie Vernon. The film also hosts quite a few easter eggs for horror fans, with cameos by Kane Hodder, Zelda Rubinstein, and Robert Englund, as well as imagery from iconic horror films such as the girls playing jump rope in the background taken from Nightmare on Elm Street. I’m sure I missed quite a few others, which is one of the reasons this will have so much re-watch value.
The third act does take a more traditional horror film approach, leaving the mockumentary style behind as the characters behind the camera become more involved with the story. This transition can seem a bit strange technically, as the entire tone of the film changes. However, as you watch the film and gradually make it to the third act, you see that it is a necessity as the story and characters are propelled forward.
Video
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1 boasting a new HD master from the digital intermediate. Being a documentary style film, the quality is made to look home-made, with excessive grain and lack of sharpness and detail. Since this is done purposefully, the lack of quality plays perfectly to the style of the film, and in that aspect it’s done well.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The audio track isn’t anything special, as most of the film is simply dialogue, and in the same style as the video, made to sound like a student-made documentary with no real equipment but small microphones that each person in front of the camera is equipped with.
Special Features
Scream Factory has provided a ton of extras for this set, all worth checking out, especially the new interviews with the cast and crew, who talk about revisiting the characters in a sequel.
On this set you’re going to see:
- NEW HD Master From The 2K Intermediate
- NEWJoys And Curses – Interviews With Actors Angela Goethals, Ben Pace, And Co-writer/Co-producer David Stieve
- NEW Before The Mask: The Comic Book– An Interview With Comic Book Artist Nathan Thomas Milliner
- Audio Commentary With Co-writer/Director Scott Glosserman, Moderated By Filmmakers Adam Green And Joe Lynch
- Audio Commentary With Nathan Baesel, Angela Goethals, Britain Spelling, And Ben Pace
- The Making Of Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie VernonFeaturette
- The Casting Of Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon Featurette
- Deleted And Extended Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is a must-see for any horror fan, as it plays off the genre so ingeniously you’ll be laughing every step of the way. Scream Factory has given this a great treatment as always, and is a perfect addition to their Collector’s Series.