FREAKY Blu-ray Review: Killer Special Features Include Director’s Commentary and Easter Eggs
Starring Kathryn Newton, Vince Vaughn, Misha Osherovich, Celeste O’Connor
Written by Michael Kennedy, Christopher Landon
Directed by Christopher Landon
One of my Top 10 Horror Movies of 2020, Blumhouse’s Freaky, is here on Blu-ray, and you’re going to love the special features. Director Christopher Landon, who found success with horror comedies Happy Death Day and Happy Death Day 2U, has outdone himself with his new film Freaky. The film tells the story of a teenager named Millie (Kathryn Newton), who is attacked by the maniacal serial killer the Blissfield Butcher (Vince Vaughn), and ends up switching bodies with him. If Millie doesn’t figure out how to switch back in 24 hours, she will be trapped in the body of the Butcher forever. Milie’s lovable best friends, Nyla (Celeste O’Connor) and Josh (Misha Osherovich), are along for the hilarious, blood-soaked ride as they try to figure out the mystery of body switching.
What makes Freaky so highly enjoyable is the way it pays homage to so many beloved horror movies like Scream and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Freaky is fueled by witty, and sometimes meta, dialogue and in-your-face kills, but what makes this film an especially fun watch is the way Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton believably become each other’s characters. This movie is funny, intense, and bloody, and it’s obvious that it’s meant to be Christopher Landon’s love letter to his favorite horror movies. I had the pleasure of discussing the creative process of making Freaky with Landon a couple of months ago and you can read our interview here.
The Freaky Blu-ray is packaged in an embossed cover titled “The Killer Switch Edition,” and contains the Blu-ray, DVD, and digital versions of the movie. Along with the film, the special features include four featurettes, deleted scenes, and a director’s commentary. My favorite special feature is Christopher Landon’s audio commentary in which he reveals tons of easter eggs hidden in the film and behind-the-scenes stories about making the movie. I already loved Freaky but watching the film with Landon’s audio commentary is absolutely delightful.
One of the featurettes showcases the secrets behind some of the film’s most over-the-top, blood-splattered kills, while another analyzes Millie’s role as the film’s final girl. There is also a featurette that dives into how Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton made body switching look so genuine and effortless. You can read my interview with Kathryn Newton where we discuss how she became the Butcher, as well as the bloody effects, here.
If, like me, you’re a fan of Freaky, you need these special features in your life. The “Killer Switch Edition,” which includes the Blu-ray, DVD, and digital versions of Freaky is available on February 9th.
-
Freaky Blu-Ray
Summary
“The Killer Switch Edition” Freaky Blu-ray package boasts killer special features, including easter eggs and a delightful director’s commentary.
