‘Hysteria: Season One’ Blu-ray Review
Stars: Bruce Campbell, Julie Bowen, Anna Camp, Emjay Anthony, Chiara Aurelia, Kezii Curtis | Created by Michael Scott Kane
In October of 2024, just in time for Halloween, Peacock released the first season of a new horror series, Hysteria! This series would have all the earmarks of the slasher films of the 80s, and is even set in the late 1980s. To make it even better, the series stars Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead).
After one very short season run on Peacock and airing on SyFy Channel and USA Network, the show was cancelled. And thus, the promising horror series was over. The only way you could relive this show was to stream it on Peacock. Well, not anymore. Universal Home Entertainment have now given this series a Blu-ray release!
When a beloved varsity quarterback disappears during the “Satanic Panic” of the late 1980s, a struggling high school rock band of outcasts realizes they can capitalize on the town’s sudden interest in the occult by building a reputation as a Satanic metal band, until a bizarre series of murders, kidnappings and reported “supernatural activity” triggers a leather-studded witch hunt that leads directly back to them.
If you love slasher films of the 1980s, Hysteria! has all the things you love. There are the jump scares, the campiness, horrifying imagery and all the cool 80s vibe complete with the 80s hairstyles, clothes and set design. The acting is just what you would expect from an 80s slasher series, and the direction of the episodes brings a nice flow to the series.
For slasher fans, Hysteria! is a hugely enjoyable experience. And the 80s feel is so well done that you would swear this was shot in the 80s. It is a shame that it was cancelled after one season. But don’t worry about a cliffhanger. Non-spoiler here, it is left open, but it’s still a satisfying conclusion.
The eight episodes of season one have been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and are presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The transfers are gorgeous! The coloursare warm and inviting, yet pop like a box of crayons. The picture is crisp and clean, and the audio is clear. These episodes look spectacular in HD.
As for bonus features, there are none! I found that a real shame. As a physical media fan myself, one of the best parts of DVD and Blu-ray is the bonus features. These are extra bonuses that you don’t get to see on streaming services. But still having a physical copy of the series is pretty cool. And if you have a real nostalgic love for 80s slasher films, Hysteria! will be right up your alley.
**** 4/5
Hysteria: Season One is out now, in the US, on Blu-ray from Universal.
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