NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Eureka Blu-ray (October 2020): Eureka Classics premieres Robert Englund's "976-Evil" on an all new dual-layered Blu-ray disc. The film is presented with an impressively maxed-out bitrate, which certainly aids the image quality when the film is in motion. There are a number of clever camera setups and unique sets throughout the film, though the darker scenes could have benefited from a stronger contrast ratio (with some background darkness looking a little splotchy and lacking a layered definition). Grain is present, though some scenes it is more obvious than others. The film's extended version made exclusively for VHS is also available on this Blu-ray from the special features gallery (discussed further below). This 4x3 presentation is not cropped but rather the matte is opened up on the top and bottom of the frame, sometimes showing a better symmetry and more interesting details than the Theatrical. Another oddity is that white (paper, outfits, walls, etc. even in some caps below) looks appropriately white in the VHS SD release yet teal/green on the main feature. This is just a little nitpicky as the overall color scheme isn't too tinted in one way or the other, in fact certain neon lights and the elaborate finale show a hue that is anything but dull. Most likely, this scan is not from the original negative (I could be wrong but couldn't find any info in the press release).

Eureka Classics' release of "976-Evil" gives us 2 audio options, either a DTS-HD Master audio 5.1 surround track, or a linear PCM 2.0 Stereo. While there are some rather effective separation effects during certain dramatic scenes, I was also impressed by the effective use of the channels for downbeat moments. There are a handful of songs from Thomas Chase, and Steve Rucker. The film has optional English SDH subtitles on this Region 'B' Blu-ray from Eureka.

As mentioned above, Eureka have included the extended cut as a bonus feature (available through the extras menu). This 4x3 SD release was made exclusively for VHS and TV and features some extra scenes and dialogue. Gorehounds might be disappointed that most of this new footage is just more talking. A great rundown of the extra scenes can be found HERE. Director Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger) begins his commentary by reminding the audience (especially those that weren't alive at the time) of the ubiquitous 976 numbers from the past, and how the idea for this picture came about. Englund, always a popular and friendly character at various horror conventions, is lively and keeps the track from ever getting stale. Englund is joined by his wife Nancy (they met while she was the set decorator on this particular movie). Eureka has included 3 interviews, 2 with special effects legends Howard Berger and Kevin Yagher (11-minutes and 19-minutes, respectively) and one with producer Lisa M. Hansen lasting around 18 minutes. There is also a limited Edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Craig Ian Mann for the first 2000 Blu-rays.

Robert Englund's "976-Evil" is perhaps not well-known to most, though it is absolutely worth checking out. Fans of "Carrie"/"Christine" and "Nightmare on Elm Street" will see some similarities. Eureka Classics have a pretty decent amount of extra features here worth checking out, from the rather engaging commentary with the Englunds to the interviews with the crew. The best bonus is certainly the extended VHS cut. The Eureka Blu-ray is recommended to horror fans.

Colin Zavitz