Written By: Sam Santiago
There is no better day to explore one of the most infamous chapters in slasher history than Friday the 13th. Red Shirt Pictures and Synapse Films release "Hearts of Darkness: The Making of “The Final Friday”, a documentary that goes behind the scenes of "Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday", one of the most controversial and unconventional entries in the "Friday the 13th" franchise. The documentary is hitting shelves on April 14th, 2026, and we highly recommend you guys get on it, as it is an epic look at Jason Goes To Hell.
Featuring never-before-seen footage and new interviews with cast and crew, the documentary offers an in-depth look at a film that continues to spark debate more than thirty years later.
The film follows first-time director Adam Marcus as he recalls his childhood obsession with filmmaking, his unexpected connection to the original "Friday the 13th", and the experience of directing a major studio horror sequel at just 23 years old. The documentary also features interviews with Kane Hodder, the actor who brought Jason Voorhees to life, and a wide range of cast and crew who reveal the creative risks, on-set drama, and rocky reception of a film that defied audience expectations.
Winner of the Best Documentary award at the 2025 Ravenheart International Film Festival, "Hearts of Darkness" arrives as a fully loaded two-disc special edition Blu-ray, promising fans the definitive account of the ambitions, challenges, and legacy of the wildest film in the Voorhees saga.
Watch The Trailer For "HEARTS OF DARKNESS: THE MAKING OF THE FINAL FRIDAY" BELOW
Disc One: The Film
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Feature documentary in high definition 1080p (1.78:1)
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English DTS HD MA 5.1 Stereo Surround / English 2.0 Stereo
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Audio commentary with director Michael Felsher and producer Adam Marcus
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Audio commentary with producers Adam Marcus, Allie Rivera Quiñonez, and Debra Sullivan; editor Eric Beetner; and writer Peter M. Bracke
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Original R-rated trailer
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Optional English subtitles
Disc Two: Extras
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Secrets & Lies – Cast and crew reflect on producer Sean S. Cunningham’s complicated history with Jason Goes to Hell
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Hellish Melodies – Interview with composer Harry Manfredini
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Almost Steven – Interview with actor Jonathan Penner
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Cut to the Bone – Interview with editor David Handman and assistant editor Patrick Don Vito
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Never Say Dead – Producers Adam Marcus and Debra Sullivan with editor Eric Beetner
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Ward’s Big Break – Interview with actor Adam Cranner
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Perfect for the Part – Interview with casting director David Giella
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Extra bits: Baby Stephanie, Creighton Duke, Getting the Credit, The Missing Creature, On-Set Stories, Set Design & Locations
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Artwork gallery
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Alternate titles
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Fan testimonials
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Footage from the 2025 Gardena Cinema premiere with Q&A highlights
Fans will also find artwork galleries, alternate titles, fan testimonials, and footage from the 2025 premiere at the Gardena Cinema, including Q&A highlights.
Limited Edition Details
This strictly limited two-disc edition is capped at 1500 units and includes a double-wall o-card slipcover and six double-sided collector cards with writing and illustrations by producer Adam Marcus. The set will be available exclusively through the Synapse Films website and select genre retailers, including Diabolik DVD and Orbit DVD. Once sold out, a standard edition will follow, containing only the feature documentary without the bonus disc or collectible cards.
For horror fans, collectors, and Jason Voorhees enthusiasts, this release makes Friday the 13th 2026 the perfect day to revisit one of the franchise’s most divisive films and experience its story like never before.
