Review: 'Friday The 13th' 40th Anniversary Steelbook is the Definitive Edition

The year 1980 was a significant one for politics, events, and entertainment. Former actor Ronald Regan won the United States Presidential election, revered musician John Lennon was shot and killed by a crazed fan, and the cable news channel CNN debuted. And in May of 1980, "Friday the 13th" became a sleeper hit at the box office and began a series of films which continue to this day.

Returning to Camp Crystal Lake in the year 2020 has never looked better. Paramount releases "Friday the 13th – 40th Anniversary" in a brand new steelbook, featuring the original theatrical cut and its restored unrated edition. The latter has scenes of gore that were trimmed by the MPAA and deemed too horrific for theaters.

The "Friday the 13th" filmmakers have candidly spoken about how they blatantly ripped off 1978's horror classic "Halloween." From its depiction of naughty and nubile teenagers getting slaughtered in grisly ways, to the audience following the killer in point-of view camera shots, movie-goers flocked to see the first "camp horror" film even though it was redundant.

Its influence on entertainment culture continues, and 40 years later is the perfect time to take a look back at "Friday the 13th." There've been numerous Blu-ray releases over the years, including box sets and one-off releases.

Featuring all previous DVD and Blu-ray special features (including a fun-filled reunion with the cast and crew), Paramount's 40th-anniversary edition Blu-ray is the definitive one.

"Friday the 13th – 40th Anniversary"
Blu-ray
$39.99
www.Paramount.com