Home » Halloween » Halloween Movie Review Goosebumps (2015) / Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween [DVD] – Didiar

Halloween Movie Review Goosebumps (2015) / Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween [DVD] – Didiar

2025-09-08 Halloween

SaveSavedRemoved 0

Deal Score0

0

Deal Score0

Goosebumps (2015) and Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween [DVD] Review: A Nostalgic Halloween Double Feature

The Goosebumps franchise, born from the wildly popular book series by R.L. Stine, has captured the imaginations of generations with its blend of horror and humor. Bringing these stories to the big screen was a daunting task, but the 2015 Goosebumps film and its 2018 sequel, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween, attempted to translate the spirit of the books for a modern audience. This review dives deep into both films, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and overall appeal, particularly focusing on their availability and enjoyment on DVD. We’ll also consider their suitability for various age groups and how they compare to other family-friendly Halloween movies.

Reliving Childhood Fears (and Fun): The Allure of Goosebumps

The Goosebumps books were a staple for many kids growing up in the 90s and early 2000s. The simple yet effective horror tropes, combined with a healthy dose of humor, made them accessible and enjoyable, even for younger readers who might otherwise shy away from scary stories. The films attempt to capture this same essence, appealing to both nostalgic adults and a new generation of young viewers. The appeal lies in the familiar monsters, the slightly cheesy special effects (which often add to the charm), and the overall lighthearted tone. Unlike more serious horror movies, Goosebumps offers a safe and fun way to experience the thrill of being scared. This is particularly important for younger children who might be easily frightened by more intense content. The DVD format further enhances this accessibility, providing a convenient and affordable way to enjoy these movies at home, whenever the mood strikes, especially during the Halloween season. Consider this your guide to a safe scare, perfect for family movie nights or a spooky solo viewing.

The original Goosebumps (2015) faced the challenge of weaving together numerous monsters from the book series into a cohesive narrative. It achieved this by making R.L. Stine (played by Jack Black) a character in his own story. The premise is simple: Stine’s manuscripts contain real monsters, and when they are accidentally released, it’s up to him and a group of teenagers to recapture them. This self-aware approach acknowledges the source material and allows for a wide range of classic Goosebumps creatures to make an appearance, from Slappy the Dummy to the Lawn Gnomes. The film’s humor is often broad, but it works well for its target audience, and the special effects, while not groundbreaking, are effective enough to bring the monsters to life. The DVD release offers a straightforward way to watch the movie, often including bonus features like deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes looks, adding to the overall viewing experience.

Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018) takes a slightly different approach, focusing on a new set of characters and a different storyline. This time, the story revolves around a haunted house and a magical book that brings Halloween decorations to life. While Jack Black returns briefly as R.L. Stine, the sequel focuses more on the young protagonists and their efforts to stop Slappy the Dummy from wreaking havoc on their town. While some critics felt that the sequel lacked the originality and charm of the first film, it still offers a fun and entertaining experience for fans of the franchise. The emphasis on Halloween themes makes it a particularly appropriate choice for viewing during the spooky season, and the DVD provides a readily available and affordable way to add it to your Halloween movie collection.

DVD Specifics: Picture Quality, Sound, and Bonus Features

Let’s address the elephant in the room: physical media in the age of streaming. While streaming offers convenience, DVDs still hold value for several reasons. They provide a tangible copy of the film, ensuring you can watch it regardless of internet connectivity or subscription services. They often include bonus features not available on streaming platforms, and they can be more affordable than purchasing digital copies. In the case of Goosebumps and Goosebumps 2, the DVD releases offer a reliable and accessible way to enjoy these movies, especially for families with young children who may not have access to streaming services or who prefer the simplicity of popping in a disc.

The picture and sound quality of the Goosebumps and Goosebumps 2 DVDs are generally good, especially considering the target audience and the films’ production budgets. While they may not offer the same level of detail as a Blu-ray or 4K release, they are perfectly adequate for viewing on standard televisions. The sound is clear and well-balanced, ensuring that dialogue is easily understandable and that the spooky sound effects are effective.

The bonus features included on the DVDs vary, but typically include deleted scenes, gag reels, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and trailers. These extras can add value to the overall viewing experience, providing insights into the making of the films and offering additional entertainment for fans.

Consider this table summarizing the key differences between the DVD releases:

Scaring Up Some Fun: Suitable for Family Movie Nights

Both Goosebumps films are rated PG, making them suitable for most families with young children. While they contain some scary moments and monster appearances, the overall tone is lighthearted and humorous, preventing them from being too frightening for younger viewers. However, it’s always a good idea to preview the movies before watching them with very young children to ensure they are not too sensitive to the content.

The films are particularly well-suited for Halloween movie nights, offering a fun and festive alternative to more intense horror movies. The themes of monsters, haunted houses, and spooky creatures align perfectly with the Halloween season, and the films’ humor and lighthearted tone make them enjoyable for the whole family.

Practical applications extend beyond simple entertainment. These films can be used as a springboard for discussions about fear, overcoming challenges, and the importance of friendship. They can also inspire creativity, encouraging children to write their own Goosebumps-style stories or create their own monster costumes.

Here’s a comparison with similar family-friendly Halloween movies:

As you can see, Goosebumps sits comfortably within the realm of family-friendly Halloween entertainment, offering a balance of scares and laughs suitable for a wide age range.

Beyond the Screen: Educational and Creative Opportunities

The Goosebumps franchise offers more than just entertainment; it can also be a valuable tool for fostering creativity and literacy in children. The books and films often spark an interest in reading and writing, encouraging children to explore their own imaginations and create their own stories.

In an educational setting, the Goosebumps books can be used to teach literary concepts such as plot, character development, and theme. The films can be used as a visual aid to enhance understanding and spark discussions. Students can analyze the films’ narrative structure, character motivations, and special effects. They can also compare and contrast the films with the original books, exploring how the stories have been adapted for the screen.

At home, the Goosebumps films can be used as a springboard for creative activities. Children can write their own Goosebumps-style stories, draw their own monsters, or create their own Goosebumps-themed crafts. They can also put on their own Goosebumps plays or create their own Goosebumps movies using their smartphones or tablets.

Practical product applications for educators include using scenes from the movies to illustrate storytelling techniques or to analyze character archetypes. For parents, the films can provide a fun and engaging way to spend time with their children while also fostering their creativity and literacy skills. Furthermore, creating custom Goosebumps trivia games adds another layer of interactivity and learning.

These films, combined with the extensive book series, offer a rich tapestry of content that extends beyond simple viewing pleasure, promoting both educational and creative growth in young audiences.

Is It Worth the Scare? Final Thoughts on the Goosebumps DVDs

The Goosebumps (2015) and Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween DVDs offer a fun and accessible way to enjoy these family-friendly Halloween movies. While they may not be cinematic masterpieces, they capture the spirit of the Goosebumps books and provide a lighthearted and entertaining experience for viewers of all ages. The DVD format offers a reliable and affordable way to add these movies to your collection, ensuring that you can enjoy them whenever the mood strikes, especially during the Halloween season.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Goosebumps franchise or a newcomer looking for a fun and spooky movie to watch with your family, these DVDs are worth considering. They offer a nostalgic trip back to childhood, a healthy dose of scares and laughs, and a reminder that even the scariest monsters can be defeated with a little courage and a lot of humor. So, pop in the disc, dim the lights, and get ready to experience the Goosebumps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are the Goosebumps movies too scary for young children?

A: The Goosebumps movies are rated PG, indicating that they may contain some material that is not suitable for all children. While they do feature monsters and scary situations, the overall tone is lighthearted and humorous, preventing them from being too frightening for most young viewers. However, it is always a good idea to preview the movies before watching them with very young children to ensure they are not too sensitive to the content. Consider your child’s individual temperament and tolerance for scary material when making your decision. Some children may find the monsters and special effects unsettling, while others may enjoy the thrill of being scared in a safe and controlled environment. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to watch the Goosebumps movies with your child is a personal one, and it is important to consider your child’s individual needs and preferences.

Q: Are there any major differences between the Goosebumps (2015) movie and the Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween movie?

A: Yes, there are several key differences between the two Goosebumps movies. The first film, Goosebumps (2015), features R.L. Stine (played by Jack Black) as a central character, and the plot revolves around a group of teenagers accidentally releasing monsters from his manuscripts. This film showcases a wide variety of classic Goosebumps monsters, creating a larger-scale and more diverse monster mash. In contrast, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween focuses on a new set of characters and a more localized story centered around a haunted house and Halloween decorations coming to life. Jack Black makes only a brief cameo as R.L. Stine in the sequel, and the primary antagonist is Slappy the Dummy. While both films offer a similar blend of horror and humor, the first film is generally considered to be more original and engaging due to its unique premise and larger cast of monsters.

Q: Are the bonus features on the Goosebumps DVDs worth watching?

A: The bonus features on the Goosebumps DVDs can add value to the overall viewing experience, especially for fans of the franchise. These extras typically include deleted scenes, gag reels, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and trailers. The deleted scenes offer a glimpse into moments that didn’t make the final cut, while the gag reels provide lighthearted entertainment and showcase the cast’s camaraderie. The behind-the-scenes featurettes offer insights into the making of the films, including the special effects, monster design, and the actors’ experiences. These bonus features can enhance your appreciation for the films and provide additional entertainment for fans who want to delve deeper into the Goosebumps universe. They are a worthwhile addition for those who enjoy exploring the creative process behind the movies.

Q: How do the Goosebumps movies compare to other family-friendly Halloween movies?

A: The Goosebumps movies offer a unique blend of horror and humor that sets them apart from other family-friendly Halloween movies. While films like Hocus Pocus rely more heavily on comedy and lighthearted themes, and movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas incorporate darker and more surreal elements, the Goosebumps movies strike a balance between scares and laughs. They provide a safe and entertaining way for children to experience the thrill of being scared without being overwhelmed by intense or graphic content. Compared to more intense Halloween movies like Monster House, the Goosebumps movies are generally more suitable for younger viewers. Ultimately, the best family-friendly Halloween movie depends on individual preferences and tolerance for scary material, but the Goosebumps movies offer a solid option for those seeking a fun and spooky experience.

Q: Are the Goosebumps DVDs a good alternative to streaming services?

A: While streaming services offer convenience and a vast library of content, the Goosebumps DVDs still hold value for several reasons. Firstly, owning a physical copy of the films ensures that you can watch them regardless of internet connectivity or subscription availability. This is particularly useful for families who may not have reliable internet access or who prefer the simplicity of popping in a disc. Secondly, the DVDs often include bonus features that are not available on streaming platforms, providing additional entertainment and insights into the making of the films. Finally, DVDs can be a more affordable option than subscribing to multiple streaming services, especially if you only want to watch a few specific movies. For families with young children who may not have access to streaming services or who prefer the tangible nature of physical media, the Goosebumps DVDs offer a reliable and accessible way to enjoy these movies.

Q: Can the Goosebumps movies be used for educational purposes?

A: Absolutely! The Goosebumps movies, along with the books, can be valuable tools for educational purposes. In a classroom setting, the books can be used to teach literary concepts like plot development, character arcs, and thematic analysis. The movies can then serve as a visual aid to reinforce these concepts and spark discussions. Students can analyze the films’ narrative structure, character motivations, and even the effectiveness of the special effects. A comparative analysis of the books versus the film adaptations can further enhance critical thinking skills, prompting students to consider how stories change across different mediums. At home, parents can use the movies as a springboard for creative writing exercises, asking children to write their own Goosebumps-style stories or design their own monsters. Even simple activities like creating trivia games based on the movies can boost memory and engagement with the material. The Goosebumps franchise provides a fun and accessible entry point into storytelling and media analysis for young audiences.

Price: $7.33
(as of Sep 08, 2025 10:10:38 UTC – Details)