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

ADDITION: Code Red Blu-ray (January 2021): Code Red has re-released their previous 2019 Blu-ray of Jeff Lieberman's "Just Before Dawn" (which was an upgraded version of their 2013 Blu-ray release), this time without the slipcover. Other than that, this would appear to be the same transfer. Much like the older (and also Region 'Free') 88 Films Blu-ray, the Code Red also includes the longer 102-minute extended international cut of the film, sharing the disc space with the 91-minute uncut U.S. version. Code Red talks about this being painstakingly restored from the original 35mm internegative. Both the U.S. and the extended edition are in 1.78:1 1080p though the extended cut seems to be cropped on all sides of the frame but the left, looking a little more 'zoomed-in'. This is true of both the Code Red and 88 Films discs, the only difference is that the code red features slightly less pink in the reds, showing more natural skin tones and realistic looking scenery. The extended cut (and a few instances in the U.S. version) feature some frame damage, typically for a frame at a time, though some sequences (Extended only) had a vertical green line running through the left half of the frame. The bitrates are interesting as well, with the 88 Film's Blu-ray showing a maxed out number in the mid 30's for the U.S. cut and a very low bitrate for the extended cut. Code Red's Blu-ray features a supportive bitrate in the lower-to-mid-20's yet the extended cut is improved over the 88 Film's. This is where we notice the improvement. It would seem that this 'painstaking' restoration Code Red spoke of may apply more to the extended cut here, which does visibly benefit from cleaned up debris/scratches/blips yet with an otherwise similar picture (when compared to the 88 Blu-ray). The short of it is this; I would say that the Code Red wins for the extended cut but the U.S. version is more of a toss-up, depending on whether you prioritize a slightly better color scheme or a slightly better bitrate. Both are fine choices.

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88 Films Blu-ray release features a 24-bit linear PCM 2.0 English mono track (with a 2.0 16-bit Dolby TrueHD audio track for the longer cut), whereas the Code Red release opts for a 16-bit DTS-HD Master audio track for both versions of the film. Brad Fiedel is responsible for the film's score. The sounds of the woods, and waterfalls and streams combined with Fiedel's score create quite a mood and while there are some instances of hiss, both Blu-rays offer a solid experience, though if forced to choose I would go with the 88 films. There are optional English subtitles on both the Code Red and the 88 Films discs, though only for the U.S. uncut version. Both Blu-rays are Region 'Free'.

When comparing the two Blu-rays (Code Red and 88 Films) let's start with what is only on the 88 Release. 88 Films Blu-ray of just before Dawn features a fantastic audio commentary with author and critic Justin Kerswell and Calum Waddell, two slasher aficionados. As a slasher fan myself, I was riveted throughout the commentary. The two discuss everything from other slasher films, to "Just Before Dawn"'s failed release, and they note that one of the things that puts this film above the rest is the lovely cinematic work of Dean and Joel King. "Jeff Before Dawn" is a 10-minute interview with the director who explains how the project came to him as a script entitled 'The Last Ritual' involving a snake ritual. He also mentions that with all of his changes to the script, he wanted something like the Jon Voight character from "Deliverance" to be a woman in his film. "Grindhouse All Stars'' is a 35-minute documentary featuring director Lieberman, Roy Frumkes (STREET TRASH), Matt Cimber (BLACK SIX) and Joe Ellison (DON’T GO IN THE HOUSE) sharing memories of the the grindhouse picture. There are two theatrical trailers and an on-location stills gallery from Jeff Liebermans’s personal archive. Also included is a collector’s booklet by Calum Waddell. All of the above mentioned special features are sadly missing from the Code Red Blu-ray of "Just Before Dawn", though there are some interesting newly produced interviews here, with stars Gregg Henry (14-minutes), Jamie Rose (16-minutes), Chris Lemmon (28-minutes) and producer David Sheldon (31-minutes). These are all worth a watch for fellow "...Dawn" fans, as their recollections are quite vivid. Also included here is a vintage featurette; "Lions, Tigers, and Inbred Twins'' with Lemmon, Rose, Sheldon, Actor John Hunsaker (Mountain Twins) and Writer Mark Arywitz. This featurette runs about 51-minutes and is sorely missing input from director Lieberman (though I am told that his footage was excised for this release for some reason). Trailers for five other films round out the Code Blu-ray disc's extras.

What can I say about "Just Before Dawn" other than it is one of the strangest and most enjoyable pictures of the 'backwoods slasher' sub-genre. What else can you expect from the director of "Blue Sunshine" and "Squirm"? Both Code Red and 88 Films have transfers that are restored from the original 35mm Internegative, yet I would give Code Red the slightest edge, if not just for their somewhat more cleaned up extended international version, and better colors for the U.S. cut. That said, I much prefer the extras on the 88 Films Blu-ray release, as the commentary is a must-listen for fans. Since both Blu-rays are Region 'Free', the choice is up to the fans.

Colin Zavitz