Inspired by Season’s Greetings, an animated short created by Trick ‘r Treat writer and director Michael Dougherty, this film tells the story of the night of Halloween in Warren Valley, Ohio. It’s nonlinear the way it all plays out (think Pulp Fiction) and several of the stories cross over. They all have one thing in common — Sam, a little trick or treater dressed in pajamas and a burlap sack for a mask. If anyone goes against the rules of the holiday, he’s there to ensure they pay for it.

I love the look of Sam. For the first part of the movie, I was sure he was just a little trick or treater who was left behind by his friends and was witnessing everything going on. Once you realize what he’s doing, you start rooting for the little guy.

From a couple who take down their decorations too soon to an obese boy who can’t stop smashing pumpkins, everyone gets their reward. There’s also the school principal and potential serial killer Steven Wilkins, the elderly recluse Mr. Kreeg (the always great Brian Cox), a gang of kids trying to frighten Rhonda with the Halloween School Bus Massacre urban legend and a group of four girls out to party (including Anna Paquin as a shy virgin). Each of their tales will all be intertwined, complete with murder, gore, werewolves, zombies and finally, Sam’s secret face.

This feels like the great lost 1980’s horror movie and I loved every single minute of it. They’ve been teasing a sequel for a few years and now I can’t wait for everyone to get their act together. Writer/director Michael Dougherty was also behind the film Krampus.

The Arrow Video limited edition Trick ‘r Treat release has a brand new 4K restoration by Arrow Films, approved by writer-director Michael Dougherty.

Extras include brand new audio commentary with writer-director Michael Dougherty moderated by James A. Janisse & Chelsea Rebecca from Dead Meat Podcast; an archival audio commentary by Michael Dougherty, conceptual artist Breehn Burns, storyboard artist Simeon Wilkins and composer Douglas Pipes; interviews with actor Quinn Lord, production designer Mark Freeborn, director of photography Glen MacPherson, costume designer Trish Keating and creature designer Patrick Tatopoulos; Mark Freeborn Remembers Bill Terezakis, a new tribute to the late make-up effects designer; archival features and interviews; Season’s Greetings, a short film from 1996 directed by Michael Dougherty with optional director commentary; school bus VFX comparison; deleted and alternate scenes with optional commentary by director Michael Dougherty; FEARnet promos; a Sam O’ Lantern; a storyboard and conceptual artwork gallery; behind the scenes gallery; a comic book set in the Trick ‘r Treat universe and a trailer.

It’s all inside a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck and has a double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck, six postcard-sized artcards and an illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Becky Darke and Heather Wixson.

You can get this from MVD.