Trick R Treat To Receive Theatrical Rerelease Treat

Peter Paltridge

Well-Known Member
Staff member
Warner Bros and Legendary have announced an arrangement with Fathom to screen the cult horror classic Trick R Treat, first released in 2007, on big screens around the country this October. If you missed seeing this in theaters....then you're just like every other human on Earth. Believe it or not, Trick R Treat was NEVER released theatrically. This is the first time.

Why? Well, the 2000s were a bad decade for the horror genre. There were bright spots, but what made it to the screen tended to be the weakest sauce possible, relying on jump scares and moldy tricks instead of anything fresh. It was believed that, with ticket sales for horror as low as they were, an anthology movie would be "too quirky" to succeed. So it was released direct to video, and there it found its audience.

For those who have never seen the film, here's what you get: “Trick R Treat weaves together sinister stories set on Halloween night: a high school principal, Dylan Baker (Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man 3) moonlights as a serial killer; a young virgin’s, Anna Paquin (X-Men franchise) search for the right man turns horrific; “Emma” Leslie Bibb (“The White Lotus”) and her husband discover the cost of ignoring holiday rituals; and a cantankerous old man, Brian Cox (“Succession”) faces Sam in a terrifying showdown." Who's Sam? He's the character on the poster art; the little trick or treater who's actually a deadly killer.

There's more: the screening will also include a featurette on the development of the film, and director Michael Dougherty’s 1996 animated short Season’s Greetings, which was the first appearance of the Sam character. Both the film and the short will be presented in 4K for the first time.

Trick R Treat will screen in participating theaters across two nights, October 14 and 16. Check the listings to find the showing nearest you.
 
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I never knew Trick R Treat had such a troubled history. It is strange that a movie with such strong performances from actors like Anna Paquin and Brian Cox was never shown in theaters until now. The fact that it was considered "too quirky" makes me appreciate it even more. I enjoy horror that challenges typical formulas, and this film seems to do that in every segment. I am curious to see how the stories are connected on the big screen. The 4K presentation will probably make Sam even more disturbing, and I like that they included the original short film. I think this is an excellent opportunity to experience a hidden gem that has grown in reputation over the years.
 
I find it fascinating that a movie so beloved today never got a theatrical release. It makes sense, given the time it came out, but it is still surprising because Trick R Treat feels timeless. The way the movie weaves different stories together is very clever, and I think it has influenced many horror films that came after it. I am particularly interested in seeing the film in theaters because the big screen can enhance the suspense and atmosphere. The addition of the 1996 animated short is also a good choice, as it shows the origins of Sam and gives more context to the movie.
 
I like that Trick R Treat is finally getting recognition for its creativity. Horror films in the 2000s often lacked originality, but this movie avoided that trap. Each story feels different, but they all contribute to the overall Halloween theme. I think seeing the film in 4K will give more life to the details, and watching the original animated short will show how the character of Sam evolved. It is interesting that some actors in the film are well-known, but the movie itself stayed under the radar for years. This is a good way for new fans to discover it.
 
I never had a chance to see Trick R Treat when it first came out, so this theatrical release is a perfect opportunity for me. I like anthology movies, and I think the way this film ties multiple stories together around Halloween is smart. I am curious about how the principal’s story and the old man’s encounter with Sam will feel on the big screen. I have read that the movie is more clever than most horror films from the 2000s, which relied too much on cheap scares. I feel like seeing it in 4K with other fans will make the horror and humor stronger.
 
I never understood why Trick R Treat did not get a theater release back in 2007. The stories are creative, and the actors bring life to their roles. Seeing Anna Paquin and Brian Cox in such different contexts is fun and eerie at the same time. The film does a good job showing the consequences of ignoring traditions, which feels unique for a horror movie.
 

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