Blu-ray Review: DEATHDREAM a.k.a. DEAD OF NIGHT (1974)

 

DEATHDREAM  a.k.a. DEAD OF NIGHT (1974)

Directed by:  Bob Clark

Distributed by:  Blue Underground / MVD

  This is one of those movies I have always seen the cover for, but for whatever reason just never have watched.  I'm not sure why I have never watched it, but I was glad I finally got to with this new 4K release from Blue Underground.   Here is a brief plot synopsis from the Blue Underground website:

In this shattering variation on “The Monkey’s Paw,” grief-stricken suburban parents (Academy Award® nominees John Marley of THE GODFATHER and Lynn Carlin of FACES) refuse to accept the news that their son Andy (Richard Backus) has been killed in Vietnam. But when Andy returns home soon after, something may be horribly wrong: Andy is alive and well… or is he? Produced and directed by Bob Clark (BLACK CHRISTMAS) and written by Alan Ormsby (DERANGED), DEATHDREAM was one of the very first films to confront the domestic ravages of the Vietnam War and remains one of the most chilling horror films of all time. 

DEATHDREAM was released under several different titles, including DEAD OF NIGHT, THE NIGHT WALK and THE NIGHT ANDY CAME HOME, and marked the grisly debut of gore effects legend Tom Savini (DAWN OF THE DEAD). In honor of its 50th Anniversary, Blue Underground is proud to present this acclaimed shocker in a brand-new restoration, scanned in 4K 16-bit from the 35mm negative with Dolby Vision HDR, overflowing with exclusive new and archival Extras!

  I had no idea going into this that it was Tom Savini's first special effects credential.   That was fun to find out, as I am a huge Tom Savini fan.   There is a short documentary on the special features about Tom Savini and his early films.  Definitely check that out after you are done watching the film.   

  The film opens with war flashback scene showing the main character, Andy, getting shot and killed in Vietnam.    His Mom prays for Andy to come home that same night, and in a case of be careful of what you wish for, her prayer is answered and he shows up at their door in the middle of the night.

  Unfortunately for Andy's family, he is not the same when he returns.  He is very quiet and has no appetite...well, except for blood!!

  I have to admit the film is a slow burner, almost more like a family drama film at times instead of a horror movie.  Bob Clark knows his horror films, though, and I have to admit he got me good with one of the best jump scares I have seen in a while.  It was so predictable too....I can't believe that got me!  Ha!  I obviously won't tell you what it is, as I don't want to spoil it, but it's a classic that I should have seen coming!

  Andy's make up, especially toward the end of the film when he is literally rotting away, is very disturbing and very well done.   I guess we can thank Mr. Savini for that!    While slow at times, the creepy factor is very high throughout the entire film.  It definitely kept me entertained, and I can see myself giving this one a revisit somewhere down the line. 

 DEATHDREAM is available now in a 4K UHD/Blu Ray combo pack and is loaded with the following special features:

Disc 1 (4K UHD Blu-ray) Feature Film + Extras:

• Audio Commentary #1 with Co-Producer/Director Bob Clark
• Audio Commentary #2 with Writer/Make-Up Artist (Uncredited) Alan Ormsby
• NEW! Audio Commentary #3 with Film Historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson
• Theatrical Trailer

Disc 2 (Blu-ray) Feature Film + Extras:

• Audio Commentary #1 with Co-Producer/Director Bob Clark
• Audio Commentary #2 with Writer/Make-Up Artist (Uncredited) Alan Ormsby
• NEW! Audio Commentary #3 with Film Historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson
• A Recollection With Star Anya Liffey and Writer/Make-Up Artist Alan Ormsby
• Notes For A Homecoming – Interview with Composer Carl Zittrer
• Flying Down To Brooksville – Interview with Production Manager John ‘Bud’ Cardos
• Tom Savini: The Early Years
• Deathdreaming – Interview with Star Richard Backus
• NEW! The First Andy – Interview with Actor Gary Swanson
• Screen Test with Original Andy, Gary Swanson
• Alan Ormsby Student Film
• Alternate Opening Titles
• Theatrical Trailer
• Still Galleries

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K UHD + Blu-ray