Fright Night Blu-ray Review

The latest Blu-ray edition of "Fright Night," encoded in AVC at 1080p within a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, offers a commendable improvement over its predecessor. The transfer, reportedly sourced from a 4K scan, shows a marked enhancement in brightness which unveils additional details, especially in the film's many dark sequences. This upgrade also brings the grain structure into sharper focus, contributing to an overall cinematic feel. However, the release is not without its issues. Some reviewers have noted new anomalies, such as minor instances of macroblocking, visible primarily during panning shots—for example, around 23:19 and 43:28. These artifacts are fleeting and generally only noticeable when pausing and advancing frame-by-frame, so while they do exist, their impact varies depending on individual sensitivity.

Moreover, this 30th Anniversary Edition retains the qualities that made the original Blu-ray release noteworthy, enhanced by a fresh 4K master. Fine object and textural details remain impressively well-defined for a film from 1985, notably improving upon the standard definition version. The film's inherent cinematic quality is maintained by its thin layer of grain and increased sharpness, particularly in well-lit environments. The color palette benefits from saturated and vibrant primaries without appearing overly manipulated, giving scenes an energetic visual presence. While black levels occasionally waver, they remain sufficiently deep to provide excellent contrast and depth to low-light scenes.

Despite some minor drawbacks, this Blu-ray release of "Fright Night" stands out for its improved brightness and clarity, offering a noteworthy upgrade for fans of this cult classic.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Fright Night" offers a comprehensive and impressive auditory experience, retaining many characteristics from the original theatrical run while incorporating modern enhancements. This release includes both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 options. The 2.0 track accurately reproduces the original Dolby Stereo design from its theatrical exhibition, providing an authentic listening experience with outstanding fidelity and balanced channel separation. This stereo track has a warm, lifelike acoustic profile with sharp detailing that enhances mid-range instrumentation and offers a wide soundstage.

Conversely, the 5.1 mix, though not significantly different from prior releases, showcases excellent overall fidelity and surprising dynamic range. Dialogue and primary effects are centrally anchored, ensuring clarity and precision. Discrete channel effects are thoughtfully implemented in key moments, such as the battle sequences between Jerry and Charley, enhancing the immersive element of the mix. Ambient rear-channel effects are subtle but effective, contributing to the soundscape without overwhelming it.

However, the LFE is somewhat lacking in both audio options, particularly evident during the nightclub sequence where the bass extension is notably deficient. This shortfall is likely due to the source material rather than any limitations in the current codec. Nevertheless, Brad Fiedel’s score stands out as the highlight of the audio presentation, benefiting from excellent clarity and depth in the low-end frequencies. The isolated score track is a particularly noteworthy feature, allowing fans to fully appreciate the intricacies and richness of the music. Overall, this lossless audio mix delivers a robust and engaging listening experience that remains faithful to the original while offering enhancements that contemporary audiences will appreciate.

The Blu-ray extras for "Fright Night" are comprehensive and rich in content, providing deep insights into the making of the film and its legacy. Highlighting the offerings is a substantial amount of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, supplemented by two audio commentaries featuring in-depth discussions moderated by Tim Sullivan and Jeremy Smith. The "First Ever Fright Night Reunion Panel" captures candid memories and laughs from the cast reunion at Fear Fest 2, while the "Shock Till You Drop Presents Choice Cuts" segments offer detailed conversations with Tom Holland, illuminating the film's production and narrative. The inclusion of an isolated score in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 adds a pristine auditory experience for enthusiasts. All this is rounded off with original trailers and a still gallery from Tom Holland's archives, making it a must-see for any fan.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Tom Holland, Actors Chris Sarandon & Jonathan Stark, Moderated by Filmmaker Tim Sullivan: In-depth conversation about the film.
• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Tom Holland, Actors William Ragsdale & Stephen Geoffreys, FX Artist Randall Cook, Moderated by Journalist Jeremy Smith and Filmmaker Tim Sullivan: Another detailed panel discussion.
• First Ever Fright Night Reunion Panel - Fear Fest 2: Q&A from the 2008 event.
• Shock Till You Drop Presents Choice Cuts with Tom Holland and Ryan Turek: Three segments of interviews about various aspects of the production.
• Vintage EPK with Behind the Scenes Raw Footage: Extensive behind-the-scenes content with timecode caption.
• Stills and Memorabilia Gallery from the Tom Holland Archive: Collection of high-definition stills.
• Original Theatrical Trailer G Rating: Theatrical trailer.
• Original Theatrical Trailer R Rating: Another cut of the theatrical trailer.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in high-definition audio.

Tom Holland’s 1985 classic, "Fright Night," continues to draw attention for its clever homage to the stylistically atmospheric horror cinema of yesteryear. This Blu-ray release from Twilight Time comes as a Limited Edition and proves to be a treat for genre enthusiasts. Holland's intent is clear: he aims to craft a narrative rich in suspense, mystery, and gothic flair, much like the beloved Hammer Films. The film's protagonist, Peter Vincent, portrayed by Roddy McDowall, embodies this homage, playing a washed-up actor reminiscent of iconic genre figures such as Vincent Price and Peter Cushing. This meta-commentary on the state of modern horror movies is executed with a tongue-in-cheek sophistication that appeals to die-hard fans and new viewers alike.

The film's technical merits are also notable. Holland's competency behind the camera shines, particularly during the nightclub sequence and the scenes involving Amy's seduction by the vampire Jerry, played by Chris Sarandon. Despite some dated elements, this sequence underscores Holland's directorial prowess and his commitment to merging classic horror aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities. The interplay of Kent Beyda’s editing and Holland’s camerawork results in a rhythm and flow that enhances the film's tension and atmosphere. Indeed, these technical choices allow the movie to straddle homage and modernity effectively.

Twilight Time's Blu-ray release utilizes the same master as the original but benefits from a different encode. The 30th Anniversary edition is lauded for its supplementary material, adding value for collectors who appreciate extensive behind-the-scenes insights. Though some controversy exists over perceived video flaws, these issues do not detract from the overall viewing experience. It remains a must-have for "Fright Night" aficionados, encapsulating both nostalgia and a fresh appreciation for Holland’s directorial debut that cleverly bridges the gap between old-school gothic horror and its modern resurgence.

The 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of Tom Holland's 'Fright Night' is a much-anticipated release, celebrated for its clever homage to classic horror cinema. This new edition honors the film’s atmospheric styling and successfully reintroduces vintage tropes with a modern twist, offering a delightful combination of cheesy fun and fright. With excellent video and audio quality, this re-release stays true to the original's essence but incorporates a noticeable improvement in brightness, providing incrementally more detail throughout the movie. Enthusiasts will appreciate the visual enhancement despite some visible compression issues on screens ranging from 44 to 72 inches.

Moreover, this edition boasts an exhaustive array of supplemental content that stands heads and shoulders above the initial release. This diverse package of bonus materials not only enriches the viewing experience but also serves as a compelling draw for collectors and die-hard fans. Although imperfections persist, these minor distractions do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment and value that this release provides. The tongue-in-cheek performances by the cast further elevate its entertainment quotient, striking a perfect balance between homage and fresh innovation.

As my dear, departed Ma used to say, Life isn't fair, and likewise neither are Blu-ray releases. Home theater enthusiasts always hope for (and often demand) perfection, but it's an often elusive quest. With that in mind, is this new, improved Fright Night perfect, or even an improvement? Well, the answer to the first part is easy: no, there are imperfections here. Personally, I wasn't overly bothered by the compression issues, though I also have to state that they were easily visible on screens ranging from 44 to 72 inches. I preferred the somewhat brighter look to this version, as it offered incrementally more detail throughout. The supplemental package on this release is also heads and shoulders above the first release. It's kind of a moot point since this second release has already sold out, but for what it's worth and taken as a whole with caveats noted, Fright Night comes Recommended.