‘Dan Curtis’ Dead of Night’ Blu-ray Review
In 1975, Dan Curtis introduced television audiences to a horror anthology that would go on to become a classic: Trilogy of Terror. Two years later, he returned with another chilling anthology, Dead of Night.
Kino Lorber has been doing a fantastic job bringing Dan Curtis’ films to Blu-ray, including Burnt Offerings, Late Night Mysteries, and Classic Monsters. Now, fans can add 1977’s Dead of Night to that list – fully restored on Blu-ray. It’s a real treat for horror enthusiasts, offering Curtis’ signature blend of suspense, atmosphere, and unforgettable performances.
From the legendary dark minds of producer-director Dan Curtis (Dark Shadows, The Night Stalker, Trilogy of Terror) and writer Richard Matheson (Tales of Terror, The Last Man on Earth, The Twilight Zone) comes this thrilling triptych of spellbinding stories. Second Chance – After buying an antique automobile, Frank (Ed Begley Jr.) restores the vehicle to its original condition. Along with the car, Frank is suddenly transported back in time to the year 1926. Based on a story by Jack Finney (Invasion of the Body Snatchers). No Such Thing as a Vampire – Alexis (Anjanette Comer), the mistress of an old mansion, is terrified of vampires. When her husband (Patrick Macnee) calls in a friend (Horst Buchholz) to examine her, a macabre and bloody scheme unfolds. Bobby – In the dead of night, a boy (Lee H. Montgomery), thought to be deceased, surprises his despondent mother (Joan Hackett) at the family beach house, bringing her both extreme joy and overwhelming terror.
Dan Curtis is a masterful filmmaker. The three screenplays are written by Richard Matheson from his stories, although the first segment, “Second Chance”, he adapted from a story by Jack Finney. All three segments are a great mix of mystery and horror, making for a wonderful viewing experience.
Kino Lorber has transferred this TV anthology film to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. When you think that this is a TV movie, it is hard to believe how gorgeous this film looks on Blu-ray. The colours are perfect, the picture is crisp and clean, and the audio is clear as a bell. I was thoroughly impressed with how great this print looks. In addition to a simply gorgeous looking print, Kino Lorber Studio Classics added a good amount of bonus features, including a rarely seen TV Pilot. Take a look at what is included on this Blu-ray:
Special Features:
- NEW Audio Commentary by Audio Commentary by Novelist and Critic Tim Lucas
- Introduction by Jeff Thompson, Author of The Television Horrors of Dan Curtis
- Dead of Night – A Darkness At Blaisedon (HD Up-Res): 1969 TV Pilot (51:53)
- Robert Cobert’s Music Score Highlights
- No Such Thing as a Vampire: Deleted Scenes
- Deleted Extended Opening Title Sequence
- Newly Commissioned Cover Art by Tom Hodge/The Dude Designs
The inclusion of a great audio commentary and an awesome introduction by Jeff Thompson are great. But in my opinion, the best bonus would have to be the TV Pilot Dead of Night: A Darkness At Blaisedon – this spooky little mini-movie is a perfect companion to the anthology film.
Dan Curtis’ features never cease to entertain, and Dead of Night is no different. Kino Lorber really made this Blu-ray something special here. The entertaining mystery/horror anthology, coupled with the TV pilot, makes this new Blu-ray of Dead of Night an absolute must-own.
***** 5/5
Dead of Night is out now on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber.
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