Fright Night Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Fright Night" by Twilight Time, with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, emerges as an appreciable upgrade for cult enthusiasts. Supervised by Grover Crisp, noted for his work on the restoration of Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver," this release boasts a freshly-made 4K master derived from either an immaculate interpositive or the original 35mm camera negatives. Despite the budget constraints and less-than-ideal filming conditions of its time, the transfer retains a distinct mid-80s cinematic feel. The image is slightly soft but avoids excessive noise reduction, maintaining a nostalgic charm. While dark scenes exhibit occasional crush, particularly in Jerry's cellar, and optical effects contribute to some softness, close-ups present better-than-average fine detail. This presentation shows a marked improvement over its standard definition counterpart.

The video is enveloped in a thin layer of film grain, enhancing its cinematic quality. The contrast balance is superb, with crisp, clean whites that enhance visibility even in distant scenes. Details are impressively defined for a vintage film, highlighting elements like the interior design of Jerry's house and the foliage around Charley's neighborhood. Despite some minor variances in black levels, which remain generally intense and true, providing substantial depth. Background information and minor details are discernible even in low-lit settings and nighttime sequences. Moreover, the color palette is significantly boosted with richly saturated primaries that retain a natural look without appearing artificially enhanced. This results in an exceptional upgrade that preserves the vibrant atmosphere of this beloved comedy-horror classic.

The Blu-ray release of "Fright Night" offers a noteworthy DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that maintains the integrity of its original Dolby stereo design while providing a substantial audio improvement over previous editions. Dialogue and effects are anchored predominantly in the front, ensuring crisp and precise reproduction that never falters; however, certain sequences, like the intense first battle between Jerry and Charley, utilize nicely placed discrete channel effects that enhance the surround experience. Brad Fiedel's score, a standout element of the audio presentation, percolates with remarkable clarity and fidelity, offering distinct detailing in the instrumentation that resonates with depth and room-penetrating clarity.

While the soundstage exhibits commendable channel separation and imaging, making it feel wide and balanced with excellent warmth and fidelity, it is primarily a front-heavy mix. Subtle atmospheric effects in the rear channels add to the immersive quality without distracting from the main auditory experience. Acoustics are sharp and lifelike, particularly in interior scenes, though the LFE is notably lacking, especially apparent during the nightclub sequence where the music suffers from an absence of bass extension—a likely consequence of the original source rather than the codec.

Overall, this lossless mix does not push modern home theater systems to their limits but offers fans an engaging and faithful auditory experience. Brad Fiedel's original score, which is also available as an isolated track, is exceptionally clear and detailed, making this Blu-ray audio presentation a stunning listen that surpasses expectations and will undoubtedly be appreciated by enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray extras for "Fright Night" provide a comprehensive and engaging look into the film, adding significant value with a host of exclusive materials. These features are a marked improvement over previous barebones releases on VHS, Laserdisc, and DVD. The inclusion of the isolated score in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 is especially noteworthy, featuring Brad Fiedel’s effectively creepy music. This attention to audio detail enhances the horror film's atmosphere, making it more immersive. The bonus content is sure to appeal to fans of the movie and the genre alike, offering a perfect mix of nostalgia and new insights.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, featuring Brad Fiedel's creepily effective music.
• Trailer #1: HD; 1:23
• Trailer #2: HD; 1:29

Tom Holland's 'Fright Night' emerges as a nostalgic homage to classic horror films, cleverly interweaving humor and suspense. It blends teenage anxieties with supernatural thrills, centering on Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale), who suspects his neighbor Jerry Dandridge (Chris Sarandon) is a vampire. With playful nods to Alfred Hitchcock's suspense, the film's charm lies in its balance between youthful antics and genuine tension. Roddy McDowall's portrayal of Peter Vincent, an ex-horror film star turned TV host, adds a delightful layer of irony and homage to genre icons like Vincent Price and Peter Cushing.

Technically, Holland's directorial prowess shines in sequences like the nightclub scene and Amy’s (Amanda Bearse) seduction by Jerry, illustrating a masterful use of atmosphere, style, and composition. Special effects, though dated, contribute to the film’s nostalgic appeal, reserving their best for climactic moments. Performances from Stephen Geoffreys as Evil Ed to Sarandon's suave and menacing Jerry infuse the film with an engaging energy and creativity. Despite its low-budget origins, 'Fright Night' remains endearing for its tongue-in-cheek tribute to 1960s and ’70s Gothic horror rather than relying on 1980s gratuitous gore.

In essence, 'Fright Night' taps into the charming lo-fi attributes of classic horror while playfully critiquing contemporary trends of its time. It may not be an undiscovered masterpiece, but it undeniably carries an ineffable allure that captivates and amuses genre enthusiasts both nostalgic for the past and appreciative of its self-aware humor. The Blu-ray release ensures this cultural touchstone remains accessible, resonating anew with each viewing.

Tom Holland's "Fright Night" is an affectionate and entertaining tribute to classic horror cinema, cleverly blending humor and scares. The film notably achieves a fine balance between well-worn horror tropes and fresh narrative elements that prevent it from becoming stagnant. A large part of the film’s charm and effectiveness stems from the expertly pitched performances: William Ragsdale captures the rising panic perfectly, Stephen Geoffreys delivers over-the-top antics, Chris Sarandon embodies an oily menace, and Roddy McDowall provides a comically fearful portrayal reminiscent of Don Knotts.

The Blu-ray edition by Twilight Time boasts remarkable video and audio quality that enhances viewing pleasure, despite some of the special effects showing their age. While the extras included may be sparse with only one notable supplement, the quality of the transfer makes it an appealing item for collectors and fans. The film's production design and atmospheric styling successfully modernize old horror tropes, adding a nostalgic yet fresh take to the genre.

In conclusion, "Fright Night" stands out as a sweet and good-natured film that offers more than just simple scares. It's humorous, filled with engaging performances, and provides genuine chills. Despite its age, it manages to feel timeless and fun. This Blu-ray release is highly recommended for enthusiasts of classic and cult horror cinema.