I was nine when I watched my first episode of “Are You Afraid the Dark?” Even as a kid I loved all things dark and spooky. That hasn’t changed since I became an adult. When I heard the news that the series was coming back as a limited series event I was eager to recapture a bit of nostalgia.
So, how does the new limited series event stack up? I am happy to report that I am more than pleased. Even as an adult, I truly enjoyed all three episodes that make up the DVD.
The story follows a new girl at school who is invited into the mysterious Midnight Society but to join she has to create a truly terrifying tale. And boy does she succeed. However, after joining the group her story comes to life bringing the dark carnival she sees in her nightmare to light. The group finds themselves on a mission to save a school mate and defeat the evil ringmaster.
I couldn’t help but get the feeling the new story is darker than the episodes I remember from decades ago (Geez I just made myself feel old). Not that I’m complaining.
The special effects were fantastic and boy did they pull off the dark and twisted carnival well, to the point where I thought to myself, ‘I wish it was real. I want to go!’ The cinematography is nothing to sneeze at either.
Lyliana Wray (Top Gun: Maverick, Black-ish) stars as the new girl, Rachel, and did a fantastic job. In fact, the entire cast did a great job, including Sam Ashe Arnold (Best.Worst.Weekend.Ever.), Miya Cech (Rim of the World, Always Be My Maybe), Jeremy Taylor (IT: Chapter Two, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween), and Louise, played by Tamara Smart (Artemis Fowl, The Worst Witch). The Carnival of Doom’s ringmaster, Mr. Tophat, is played by Rafael Casal (Blindspotting) who did a wonderful job of capturing the evil nature of his character.
There was only one negative thing I found about the DVD, there’s a brief blip when the episodes meet. That could have been a little better edited, but it wouldn’t stop me from watching it again.
The DVD’s special features include three other tales of terror that you really should check out, “Tale of Laughing In the Dark,” The Tale of the Ghastly Grinner,” and “The Tale of the Dead Man’s Float.”
“Are You Afraid of the Dark” is definitely a DVD I recommend. 5 out of 5 is the score it gets. You should definitely pick up a copy for your kids, nieces or nephews, or for yourself (there’s no shame in it). It is the perfect way to introduce your little one to the world of horror. It’s out on DVD Tuesday, August 11, 2020, from Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment.
