Annabelle: Creation

A mere four weeks ago, I saw "Annabelle: Creation" in the movie theater. It was obviously at the end of its run, as the Blu-ray incarnation has suddenly been released. The murderous doll that was quietly introduced at the end of "The Conjuring" gets her second movie in what will surely be a never-ending horror franchise.

So why the rush to Blu-ray? Well, Halloween season just passed, although the home entertainment official release date was on the clever October 31st. But "Annabelle 2" ran its course at the multiplexes and did good box office business. If you're a fan of the growing "Conjuring" series, then this offshoot film should be added to one's collection.

I find the hugely successful "Conjuring" franchise to be tepid at best, but the latest "Annabelle" fares well with atmosphere and an actual story. The origin tale of how the demonic doll came to fruition at a creepy orphanage has all of the horror tropes one can expect, yet still manages to cause tension.

Director David Sandberg ("Lights Out") helms this "Annabelle" film and gets featured quite prominently in the special features on Warner Bros. Blu-ray. He explains his reasoning for leaving various scenes on the cutting room floor in the "Deleted Scenes" featurette. Sandberg's biggest regret is deleting the scenes that expand on Sister Charlotte's back-story.

"The Conjuring Universe" has producer James Wan explaining how "Annabelle: Creation" fits into the grand scheme of the horror franchise and this brief featurette has small snippets from the upcoming "The Nun" spin-off film. Two horror shorts, "Attic Panic" and "Coffer," both feature the same actress and are effective, suspenseful little tales.

"Annabelle: Creation"
Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack
$35.99
www.warnerblu.com