Fright Night Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Fright Night" delivers a strong 1080p transfer, providing both clarity and detail in various lighting conditions. The daytime sequences are particularly impressive with impeccable stability, razor-sharpness, and revealing even the finest details such as skin textures, blood vessels, and clothing seams. These scenes boast bright hues with perfectly balanced colors in natural skin tones and green grass. However, while nighttime and dark scenes retain their sharpness and stability, they fall slightly short as detail diminishes, occasionally bordering on crush.

Despite its merits, the Blu-ray is not without flaws. The opening scenes present significant issues with problematic blue tint affecting skin tones and textures becoming unconvincing. There are instances where Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) results in substantial detail loss, particularly noticeable in early scenes with Jerry and young Yelchin opposite Farrell. The dark chase sequences maintain clarity and detail without crush, indicating that nothing is genuinely lost in the darkness. However, these moments of brilliance are overshadowed by the subpar early sequences which mar the overall viewing experience. Noise and aliasing are commendably controlled, but the inconsistency in video performance detracts from what could otherwise be a stellar transfer.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack of "Fright Night" offers an overall enveloping and immersive experience that befits the horror genre’s demands. The audio presentation delivers precision in its atmospherics and high-energy action sequences, with a robust low-end that adds significant body and power, enhancing the chilling nature of the film. Particularly strong are the explosions and heavy club beats, providing focus and atmosphere, especially prominent in chapter fifteen. The added surround channels are utilized effectively to create a fully immersive environment, whether through lingering thunder, the din of busy school hallways, or the support of more intense music and action sequences.

However, while dynamics are perfect and dialogue is always clear and centered, the soundtrack occasionally falls short in terms of surround activity, which can become a blur rather than offering the anticipated localized movement and distribution. The thunder and bass thump, especially in the opening sequence, are noteworthy, but the track lacks numerous demo-worthy sequences needed for a top-tier horror film experience. Despite these shortcomings, the overall balance of the track remains natural. Music is robust, spacious, and detailed throughout its range. The imaging is wonderful, sound placement impeccable, ensuring that even artificial effects blend seamlessly into the mix. Nonetheless, more localized dialogue and room-splattering effects would have significantly elevated the auditory experience.

In summary, "Fright Night's" DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack is a quality effort with key strengths in clear dialogue delivery, dynamic range, and immersive soundscapes. Nevertheless, it misses opportunities for more striking surround engagement that could have set it apart as an exemplary audio experience in horror cinema.

The Blu Ray extras for "Fright Night" offer a varied but concise collection of supplementary materials that complement the main feature well, though their brevity might leave some wanting more. The headline piece, "The Official How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie Guide," provides an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the film's creation, featuring insights from cast and crew on various elements, including character development and special effects. Other notable inclusions are the character-specific spoof "Peter Vincent: Come Swim in My Mind," an extended cut of the amateur film "Squid Man," and a music video by Kid Cudi. While some features like the bloopers and the short scenes might seem minimal, they add a layer of light-heartedness to the package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Peter Vincent: Come Swim in My Mind: A brief, in-character segment offering an overview of Vincent's show.
• The Official How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie Guide: An overview of the movie's elements by cast and crew.
• Deleted & Extended Scenes: Several scenes cut or extended from the final film.
• Squid Man: Extended & Uncut: The full amateur film seen in the movie.
• Bloopers: A compilation of flubs, laughs, and mistakes.
• Music Video: "No One Believes Me" by Kid Cudi.
• DVD Copy: Included as a bonus along with the Blu Ray.

"Fright Night" (2011), a remake of the 1985 cult classic, offers an entertaining, if somewhat derivative, vampire thriller experience. The plot centers around suburban teen Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) who suspects his new neighbor, Jerry Dandrige (Colin Farrell), is a vampire after a series of mysterious disappearances. With the help of Peter Vincent (David Tennant), a Vegas showman with a penchant for vampire lore, Charley faces off against Jerry in a blend of suspenseful and humorous high-stakes confrontations. While the narrative builds some intriguing characters and dynamics initially, it eventually falls into predictable chase sequences, with only a few characters receiving significant development.

The film distinguishes itself with technically polished execution and a stylish veneer, reflecting modern horror aesthetics. However, it lacks the visceral edge and originality found in superior genre films like "30 Days of Night," opting for a milder, though competent, horror approach. Colin Farrell commands the screen with charismatic menace as Jerry, delivering the film's standout performance. Unfortunately, other characters, such as Yelchin’s Charley and Poots’ Amy, fulfill more generic roles without much depth or memorable impact.

Despite some limitations in character development, "Fright Night" manages to deliver a solid horror movie experience. The vampire lore is wisely incorporated in a self-aware, fun manner, maintaining a balance between humor and horror. Jerry is rendered both charming and terrifying, though some of the special effects verge on the cartoonish. While David Tennant’s Peter Vincent provides an interesting premise, his character is ultimately underutilized. Overall, this remake doesn't redefine the genre but offers enough entertainment to stand above more recent lackluster vampire films.

"Fright Night," both a remake and a film bearing similarities to other vampire-centric narratives, doesn't redefine the genre but provides a welcome change with its brooding, menacing antagonist. The horror elements take center stage, though the comedic aspects are subtly woven in. Performances vary from notable to forgettable; some characters add little value to the plot. Special effects fluctuate in quality, offset by a high-production sheen that enhances the overall viewing experience. Despite these mixed elements, the film remains a watchable and enjoyable endeavor, albeit not one that leaves a lasting impact.

The Blu-ray release maintains the film's highs and lows. Video and audio performances are commendable, living up to the standards one would expect from Disney/DreamWorks. While dark scenes are particularly well-handled, displaying good contrasts and clarity, the Blu-ray’s supplementary content is lacking, much to the disappointment of avid fans looking for in-depth extras. With an initial price point that feels steep given the offering, this Blu-ray becomes more attractive at a discounted price.

In conclusion, "Fright Night" is a worthwhile rental for horror-comedy enthusiasts seeking a blend of thrills and subtle humor. The high-quality audio and visual elements on the Blu-ray ensure a decent home viewing experience, even if it falls short on additional content. For collectors, waiting for a price drop might be the best approach.