One Dark Night Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "One Dark Night" showcases an AVC encoded image with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. While the release includes an initial note from Code Red acknowledging the lack of pristine source materials, the viewing experience remains quite engaging. Despite noticeable softness, the presentation retains reasonable detail, particularly in design elements and makeup effects. Facial details and textures in costuming are discernible, although wear and tear are evident through damaged frames, rough reel changes, minor scratches, and speckling. The grain is thick but maintains a filmic quality, offering a pleasant cinematic experience.

Longtime fans of "One Dark Night" should temper expectations for meticulous restoration, as the 1080p transfer resembles a 35mm reel preserved since the film's original release in 1982. Although some might find this roughness a detriment, it adds an authentic collector’s aesthetic to the film. The grain is occasionally heavy but not intrusive, allowing for appreciable detail. The overall filmic appearance benefits from pronounced colors, healthy flesh tones, and generally good black levels and contrast. However, some scenes exhibit thick black levels and slightly hot contrast, which might not cater to everyone's preferences. Occasional speckling and scratches are present but are not overly distracting, encapsulating the charm of an aged, low-budget film that has remained untouched for decades.

The English DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix on "One Dark Night" offers a somewhat tempered auditory experience. Reviewers consistently noted that dialogue exchanges are adequately clear, allowing for easy comprehension of panicky performances. However, the overall sound mix feels dense and flat, with music elements lacking precision and clarity. Audio effects, while effective, come across as blunt and somewhat crunchy, suggesting a lack of refinement in the sound design.

Volume seems to be a recurrent challenge, with many mentioning the need to significantly increase it beyond typical viewing levels. Additionally, persistent hums, hissing, and popping noises are notable throughout, though not particularly obtrusive to the point of distraction. The mix's softer side is apparent from the outset, but scenes set in the mausoleum fare slightly better; these sequences exhibit an echo effect that adds a layer of depth and atmosphere. The scoring and visceral "squishy" effects of zombie moments are highlighted, yet the spatial separation of sound elements leaves much to be desired.

Despite its shortcomings, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix works sufficiently for what "One Dark Night" attempts to deliver. It is not a pristine sound environment but it is functional. The mix does make some compromises on audio dynamics and range but manages to support the film's eerie and tense ambiance effectively enough.

The Blu-ray extras for "One Dark Night" are comprehensive, offering an enriching dive into its production and personnel. Highlighting two engaging audio commentaries featuring Tom McLoughlin and collaborators, the disc provides insightful perspectives into the film's making. The standout feature is the SD quality Workprint titled "Night in the Crypt," giving fans a glimpse of the film in its nascent form with unfinished effects. In addition, a 38-minute behind-the-scenes footage captures authentic production moments, showcasing crew interactions and set dynamics. The extensive array of HD interviews with key cast and crew members, including Tom McLoughlin, E.G. Daily, Michael Schroeder, and others, pivoting from the film to broader career reflections, enriches the viewing experience. Complementing this are technical discussions from the cinematographer and special effects artist, a personal scrapbook segment from Paul Clemens, and a nostalgic theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary #1: Features Tom McLoughlin and Michael Hawes.
• Commentary #2: Features McLoughlin and Michael Schroeder.
• Workprint: Early version titled "Night in the Crypt."
• Behind the Scenes: Collection of on-set footage.
• Interview with Tom McLoughlin: Recorded at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
• Interview with E.G. Daily: Career overview.
• Interview with Michael Schroeder: Entertaining production anecdotes.
• Interview with Hal Trussel: Cinematographer's insights.
• Interview with Nancy McLoughlin: Personal experiences on set.
• Interview with Craig Stearns: Production designer's technical tales.
• Interview with Paul Clemens: Make-up effects explanations.
• Scrapbook by Paul Clemens: Contains collectible horror icon images.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material.

Tom McLoughlin's One Dark Night (1983) offers a refreshing alternative to the gore-heavy horror films of its era. The movie follows Julie Wells (Meg Tilly), a high school student determined to join an elite clique called The Sisters by spending a night in a mausoleum. The mausoleum, however, harbors a dark secret: the telekinetic powers of recently deceased psychic vampire Raymar, who intends more than just staying put behind his marble walls. This premise creates a palpable sense of eerie anticipation, borrowing elements from both horror and psychological thrillers like Poltergeist. McLoughlin adeptly builds suspense, though the film's pacing drags initially, demanding patience from its audience as it slowly sets the stage.

The movie splits its focus between Julie's ordeal in the mausoleum and another subplot featuring Olivia (Melissa Newman), Raymar's daughter, unraveling her father's sinister past. Olivia's investigations add layers of intrigue but sometimes feel like padding. With Adam West playing Olivia’s pragmatic husband Allan, the movie splices domestic drama into its horror framework, though these moments lack the urgency and impact needed to match the intensity within the mausoleum. While Meg Tilly’s portrayal of Julie injects vulnerability and resolve into her character, the supporting cast, including Robin Evans as the vindictive Carol and Elizabeth Daily as Leslie, adds texture to the high school melodrama sub-thread.

The low-budget constraints are evident, yet the film leverages its limitations by focusing on atmosphere over extravagant effects. The mausoleum's claustrophobic set showcases McLoughlin's ingenuity, fostering an unsettling environment perfect for the supernatural occurrences that follow. As Raymar’s undead army comes to life, there’s an inherent goofiness that undercuts the fright but simultaneously injects dark humor reminiscent of McLoughlin’s later work, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. For fans of schlocky horror cinema, One Dark Night is an entertaining watch that provides chills and chuckles in equal measure.

Tom McLoughlin's "One Dark Night" shines brightly in its Blu-ray release, an offering that pays homage to the unique charm of 80s horror cinema. The film builds up slowly, cultivating an eerie atmosphere laden with suspense and subtle supernatural elements. When the climax finally arrives, it's an exhilarating surge of low-fi special effects and intense confrontations with the undead that will satisfy those who cherish the era’s horror aesthetics. Meg Tilly delivers a gripping performance as the lead, navigating through a series of terrifying encounters that are both visually striking and narratively compelling.

From a technical perspective, Code Red has excelled with this Blu-ray edition, presenting a commendable visual quality despite not having undergone an exhaustive restoration. The video transfer maintains the film's original grain and color palette, enhancing its nostalgic appeal. While the audio can occasionally feel dense, it doesn't detract significantly from the viewing experience. Where this release truly stands out is in its comprehensive bonus features, including multiple interviews, commentary tracks, and a work print cut of the film. These extras provide invaluable insights and will keep devoted fans thoroughly engaged.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "One Dark Night" is not just a nostalgic trip but an essential addition for fans of 80s horror. Though it takes time to reach its explosive finale, the journey is well worth it for the ultimate payoff. With solid technical delivery and extensive supplementary content, Code Red has crafted a must-have package that underscores the film's enduring appeal and reinforces its classic status within the genre.