Not all horror movie franchises are created equal. Let's face it, with different writers and directors from each sequel, there's a strong chance that you are going to have some very strong or really poor installments.
Silent Night, Deadly Night is one of those franchises.
The first movie was released during the same time as A Nightmare on Elm Street and was even outpacing that beloved film at the box office. Until that is, Silent Night, Deadly Night was pulled from the theaters due to angry mothers and fathers complaining about the film's potential to ruin Christmas. They even formed groups, such as CITIZENS AGAINST MOVIE MADNESS, to help put a stop to the moral-corrupting influence of the film.
It worked, but it also made me want to see the movie all the more. I begged my Mom to take me to see it, but she (and my Dad) refused. The thought of this refusal really cracks me up, now. By 1987 the film had grown popular enough to spawn a sequel (of course), but then it spawned more of them, which can be found on this new Blu-ray release from Vestron Home Video.
I have been lucky to review almost every release in the Vestron Collector's Series Horror/Sci-Fi library and they really do an excellent job remastering the films, as well as providing a ton of extras.
This release is no exception:
Prepare for a trilogy of pure terror with this collection of films from the Silent Night, Deadly Night series. In Better Watch Out!, it's a very bloody Christmas after Ricky Caldwell, the notorious "Killer Santa Claus," awakens from a six-year coma with one thing on his mind: murder. In Initiation, a reporter's investigation into a mysterious death leads her into the clutches of a cult that's chosen her as its new queen, and The Toy Maker stars entertainment legend Mickey Rooney as a toy maker whose creations display some very human - and deadly - tendencies.
Each one of these films brings a unique, and somewhat off-kilter perspective to this series, not to mention some really cool appearances by Hollywood icons Mickey Rooney, horror royalty Bill Mosley and even the writing and directing of Brian Yuzna (Society and Bride of Re-Animator) and of course, Clint Howard (Evilspeak, Rock 'n Roll High School).
From the Brain-hat wearing Killer in part 3, to the witches' coven/death cult of part 4 to the riff on Pinocchio, (Joe Petto is the toy maker...get it JOE PETTO?!) in part 5, there is something for everyone in this series.
Where this series really excels is in the loving attention to detail, as each movie is presented in 1080p High definition, 16x9 (1.33:1) video quality with English 2.0 DTS HD master audio.
Keep in mind these movies had mico-budgets at the time they were made and were direct-to-video releases, so there are no elaborate set pieces to gloat over, or amazing stunts/explosions to take advantage of the upgrades, however, they look and sound excellent. The dialog is always front and center, and the night scenes, albeit a tad grainy in spots, look great as well.
You will be thoroughly impressed with the look and feel of each installment, as the artifacts of the VHS age have been brought into the 21st century. They are sure to deck the halls with blood and gore this holiday season.
Where Vestron always shines is with the extras, and they continue with their high quality with tons of audio commentaries, interviews, behind-the-scenes, not to mention original trailers, and still galleries.
If you are a completist and have the other Vestron releases, or the first two Silent Night, Deadly Night releases, then you owe it to yourself and your collection, to pick these up.
Whether you're a Krampus or Claus fan you're sure to enjoy a spicy holiday season with the Silent Night, Deadly Night Collection.
Pour some spiked eggnog, throw a log on the fire, and hope that St. Nick took you off the Naughty list.
Overall Grade: C
Purchase your copy of Silent Night, Deadly Night (3-Film Collection) from Amazon. This release has been provided to FlickDirect for review purposes.
Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out!
- Audio Commentary with Film Historian Jarret Gahan
- "Outshine the Brain Cap" - An Interview with Actor Bill Moseley
- "Monte & Me" - An Interview with Creative Consultant Steven Gaydos
- "For a Live Audience: Silent Night, Deadly Night 3" - An Interview with Executive Producer Richard Gladstein
- Trailer
- Still Gallery
Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation
- Audio Commentary with Director Brian Yuzna
- Our Man Ricky with Clint Howard
- "Ritualistic Behavior" - An Interview with Screenwriter Woody Keith
- "Twisted Visions" - An Interview with Surrealistic Design & Effects Artist Screaming Mad George
- "For a Live Audience: Silent Night, Deadly Night 4" - An Interview with Executive Producer Richard Gladstein
- Trailer
- Still Gallery
Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker
- Audio Commentary with Director-Cowriter Martin Kitrosser
- "The Best Presents" - An Interview with Producer-Cowriter Brian Yuzna
- "Pino's Truth" - An Interview with Actor Brian Bremer
- "The Most Toys" - An Interview with Surrealistic Design & Effects Artist Screaming Mad George
- "For a Live Audience: Silent Night, Deadly Night 5" - An Interview with Executive Producer Richard Gladstein
- Trailer
- Still Gallery
