While growing up with mono as the norm I deeply miss this version of the movie; it’s what was released to the theaters, it’s what I remember watching on TV, VHS and Laserdisc.
With each passing version of Halloween being available I’ve been hoping that they’d go back to the original mono soundtrack. I can’t stand the ‘new’ Stereo version with the added music and sound effects and what a slap in the face the mono version they released, it’s basically the stereo version in mono; what an insult.
So, which version do the fans really want out? Original Mono or the Stereo version or does that not even matter to the fans anymore. Post below…
The original mono version was the first way that I saw the film and that is what I prefer. There is just something intangible about that version of the film that sets it apart from the later releases.
So am I. BIG TIME. I’ve spent my entire adult life acquiring decent surround set-ups, and while I do love Halloween in “surround”, I really don’t like the added sound effects - especially during the stormy escape scene - and I do miss the original Mono soundtrack. That’s why I still have my Criterion Halloween Laserdisc and the player set-up to my system.
Now, if we could just get a decent surround mix from Halloween II, on a remastered Blu-ray, I’d be a happy camper!!
Mono all the way. I also listen to the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre in Mono.
And there is a mono track on the DVD, isn’t there? I select that each and every time I watch Halloween.
There is a difference. The corny new synth sounds on the stereo mix aren’t there. and the music sounds better too on the mono track.
That mono mix is the new mix sadly, it isn’t the old mix. Anchor Bay did the exact same thing when they did Phantasm as well; they just used the stereo mix and mixed it to mono.
Anchor Bay did the exact same thing when they did Phantasm as well; they just used the stereo mix and mixed it to mono.
Let me give you an example of where there is a difference.
And this is on the THX Anchor Bay DVD, the Dean Cundey one.
Watch the part where The Shape attacks Annie from the back seat in stereo mix, then the mono mix. The synth sting sounds totally different in the stereo and sounds much better in the mono.
There are other examples, too many to list here.
Yeah, I too go on; the rain and the thunder, the gun shots and the stingers sadly are not the original ones heard in the original releases of VHS, TV and Laserdisc. Uggh, anything they did to re-vamp it to a more modern sound…sucks! Sadly, many people today don’t know that there is a huge difference. Just look at the lack of responses and what people like.
Do you know if this is the same case on the Texas Chainsaw Massacre DVDs or Blu-ray?
Also, I have the Criterion Collection laserdisc of Halloween, which has a mono mix.
I will listen to that sometime to see if I hear a difference.
You know I’m not sure what the difference is, it’s been waaaayyyy to long since I first seen this movie in theaters back in 78 when first released. Over time iv’e adapted to the new sound that is recorded for movies in theaters and On blu-ray and dvd’s. I would love to hear it in mono and see what the difference is. This is almost or I should say the exact same comparison that people make or use to make about records verses cd’s, I haven’t heard vinal records in soooo long it’s that same for me iv’e adapted to the new sound that gets recorded on cd, and IMO always thought the cd sound was more crisp and clearer than the old vinal, especially since I never really took care of my vinal’s and hated when I would play a vinal record and hear all that crackling and poping sound when my vinal record wasn’t kept in good condition. So it would be interesting to hear it in mono and then hear it again today just to see for myself which I like better, just my 2 cents lol… Dean
The mono mix on Texas Chainsaw is the original mix; DVD or Blu-ray…Don My, Jr. is here for the Easter weekend…I just asked him.
The Criterion mono mix s the original mix…hell they can just take it from there.
I’m also still waiting for JAWS to come out in the original mono mix with the original music…not the added score for the home video versions. Sadly, this has never been available except for the broadcast premier on TV.
I’ve always preferred the mono version and the grainy look of the original VHS release.
I have a weird thing happen with my Halloween VHS, a very early 80s copy,can’t find it right now or I’d check.
On my VHS tape, I can hear sound effects before they happen in the film.
For example, when Laurie discovers Annie on the bed, and there is that loud high note that plays, on my tape you can hear that high note very faintly on the audio track a couple of seconds before it comes up at full volume. This happens throughout the videotape on other parts with loud music stings or audio cues.
