Movie:
When Good Ghouls Go Bad was originally released earlier this year on DVD and then premiered on TV for Halloween. Based on a story by R.L. Stine, the film was directed by Patrick Read Johnson. Starring in the film are Christopher Lloyd (Uncle Fred) and Joe Pichler (Danny Walker).

Twelve-year-old Danny and his father have just moved back to Walker Falls, Minnesota, to live with their grandfather, Uncle Fred, while his dad gets the old Walker Chocolate Factory up and running. He soon discovers, however, that the town doesn't celebrate Halloween. Twenty years ago, Curtis Danko was burned alive in the school's kiln while working on a mysterious statue. His charred ashes left a note promising his return should Halloween ever be celebrated there again. With the help of his recently deceased grandfather, Danny must find out what really happened to Curtis so the children of Walker Falls can celebrate Halloween again.

When Good Ghouls Go Bad is a fun Halloween movie that will appeal to both adults and kids. The characters in the film are all well developed and have interesting back-stories that are slowly revealed during the course of the film. Lloyd, who I haven't seen much lately in film, is fantastic. However, the film does get a bit too silly in places. For example, the movie explains the dead rising because of an overabundance of firefly bug juice that has accumulated over the years in the ground. Oook.

Picture:
When Good Ghouls Go Bad is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The transfer is fantastic with vibrant, bold, and well-saturated colors, natural flesh tones, and rich blacks. There does seem to be some minor edge enhancement, but it is easily overlooked.

Sound:
When Good Ghouls Go Bad is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby 2.0 Surround, both in English. For the most part, the 5.1 track is center channel based, with the front and rear surrounds used for ambient effects and the occasional surround effect. Dialogue throughout is crisp and clean with no distortion that I detected. Optional subtitles are available in English and Spanish.

Extras:
The sole extra is an eleven-minute featurette that is mainly promotional and has interviews with the supporting actors, the producer, and the director. The basic storyline is covered, as well as some comments on the adaptation of the story and the challenges of filming some of the special effects.

Summary:
When Good Ghouls Go Bad is a terrific Halloween movie for the whole family. Though the DVD has little in the way of extras, the disc is priced right at a reasonable $20. Recommended.