Comparing the revamped ‘Halloween’ to the 1978 original

“Halloween” (1978)

If you are looking for a thrilling classic this spooky season, the original “Halloween” offers eerie suspense preceding heart-pounding jump scares. The unmistakable allegro piano featured throughout to introduce the notorious Michael is a perfect late ‘70’s element, as it gave me major “Jaws” vibes, and it is bound to be stuck in your head when you are trying to fall asleep at night. The plot really hits home because all the action takes place in the same quiet neighborhood where two best friends are babysitting across the street from each other. The people behind the scenes did a great job making up for a lack of special effects by making Michael’s stuffy breathing prominent, which has become such an iconic trait of his. The way the ending ties all the murders together makes for a climax that is guaranteed to chill your bones. I think the 1978 version of “Halloween” is an ideal example of a well-plotted horror movie that will have you looking over your shoulder for a masked guy with a knife for only, like, a day or two.

“Halloween” (2018)

I was very happy to see an improvement in Jamie Lee Curtis’ acting skills. It felt as if for her Michael had not gone anywhere, and it was well done in that her past is not forgotten. With the remixed theme song employed, the new version certainly hits you with a reminiscent wave that turns out to be very intense as you anticipate the reunion of Laurie and Michael. The biggest difference from the original is obviously the modern special effects that make scenes totally gory and difficult to watch, adding an element of scariness that was not present in the 1978 version. The killings are way more graphic and the set workers were not shy in using fake blood. The amping up of detail in Michael’s mask was a fantastic addition, helping to revamp the phenomenon. One modern aspect that I did not love was how the story felt forcefully dynamic rather than being more like a classic thrasher movie, but at the same time that sure made for a roller coaster of a film.

Overall, I would say the new “Halloween” kept me far more engaged, but it was almost too gross to the point it was a little unpleasant. I appreciated the limited special effects in the 1978 version, but at times it was a little bit of a snooze fest. In terms of which I liked better, I would say the new version. However, I would have been less excited to see it without having seen the original version. I recommend both, as “Halloween” is a traditional scare that can be enjoyed every year.

Email Liv Charbonneau at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @CharbonneauLiv.