The Screaming: Collector's Edition – Visual Vengeance (Blu-ray/CD Combo)

Release Date: USA, 2000
Director: Jeff Leroy
Writer: Jeff Leroy
Cast: Vinnie Bilancio, Wendi Winburn, Elizabeth Barris, John F. Goff, Tim Gannon, Curt Swobel, David Lipson, Daniella Green, Linda Serbu, Erin Horne, Tanya Taskila, Joe Haggerty, Debbie Monroe, Kelly Boczek, David Billotti, Florence Lipson

Release Date: May 12th, 2026
Approximate Running Time: 83 Minutes 33 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio / 1080 Interlaced / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo English
Subtitles: English SDH
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $34.95

"College student Bob Martin rents a room from the alluring Crystal Traum, who introduces him to her New Age religion, Crystalnetics. Soon, Bob's health and mindset dramatically improve. But when a detective reveals a string of mysterious deaths tied to the cult, Bob uncovers the chilling truth—and must face a slew of cloaked assassins, monsters, and the cult's charismatic alien leader." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 1.5/5

Here’s the information provided about the transfer, "Director-approved SD master from original tape elements."

The Screaming comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 42.8 GB

Feature: 18.9 GB (The Screaming), 18.6 GB (The Screaming: Reborm)

This transfer looks like one would expect considering the limitations of its video source. That said, the screenshots give you a clear idea of what to expect.

Audio: 2.5/5

This release comes with one audio option, a Dolby Digital stereo mix in English with removable English SDH. Although dialogue comes through clearly and everything sounds balanced, things are limited range-wise.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a Visual Vengeance trailer for The Screaming (1 minutes 5 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), the original trailer for The Screaming (2 minutes 8 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), a trailer for The Screaming: Reborn (1 minute 37 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an image gallery with music from the film playing in the background (stills/home video art/articles), an interview with composer Jay Woelfel (6 minutes 57 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), a featurette titled Screaming and Screaming Again: The Making of The Screaming (8 minutes 45 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an audio commentary with Tony Strauss of Weng’s Chop Magazine for The Screaming, a director-remastered alternate version of film titled The Screaming: Reborn (82 minutes 16 seconds, 1.66:1 aspect ratio, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an audio commentary with director Jeff Leroy, producer Dave Sterling and actor Vinnie Bilancio for The Screaming: Reborn, a CD with composer Jay Woelfel's original score, reversible cover art featuring original VHS art, a 'Stick your own' video store sticker sheet (first pressing only), a collectible folded mini-poster, and a limited-edition O-card slipcover (first pressing only).

Other extras are Visual Vengeance trailers for Rat Scratch Fever, Werewolf in a Woman’s Prison, and The Witches' Sabbath.

Summary:

A cash-strapped college student rents a room from a woman who tries to push her new-age religion on him. Is she trying to save his soul or does she have something more nefarious planned for him?

The Screaming is a horror parody that takes aim at Scientology. While the film does not explicitly mention Scientology, several aspects of Crystalnetics, the new-age religion featured in the film, closely resemble it. Another clear nod to Scientology is that one of Crystalnetics's most prominent members is an action movie star.

Although the narrative does a good job establishing its characters, there are no real surprises, and things tend to move a deliberate pace that creates too many lulls. The narrative is at its best during moments where the protagonist, a cash-strapped college student named Bob Martin, uncovers the truth behind Crystalnetics. Unfortunately, there are too many moments that feel like padding to expand the running time.

For all of The Screaming’s faults, most of the performances exceed expectations because of the cast's enthusiasm, especially Vinnie Bilancio’s portrayal of Bob Martin. The Screaming’s greatest asset is Jay Woelfel's score, which does a superb job reinforcing the mood. While the director’s alternate version, The Screaming: Reborn, is an improvement over the original, it still has its flaws. Ultimately, The Screaming suffers from many of the trappings that befall ultra-low-budget horror cinema and is only recommended to the most dedicated fans of these types of films.

Visual Vengeance gives The Screaming a first-rate release that comes with the best possible audio/video presentations, an alternate version of the film, and a wealth of bonus content.

Written by Michael Den Boer