Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Dead of Night Blu-ray Movie Review

A famed British anthology feature with spooky short-form storytelling

Dead of Night is an acclaimed British anthology feature with multiple segments set in a macabre world. From producer Michael Balcon (Chu-Chin-Chow, The Ghoul), the feature delves into a world where a group of unacquainted strangers meet one another and feast in discussing some good, old-fashioned haunted tales. Each segment brings together a unique cast of characters and short-form stories that revolve around the supernatural. The most famous segment in the entire feature (The Ventriloquist's Dummy) is heralded a an iconic and influential short.

As with many anthology feature production, Dead of Night employs the concept of enlisting the hand of multiple directors to bring the frightening vision to the screen with unique perspectives and artistic techniques in each story. The segments entitled The Ventriloquist's Dummy and Christmas Party are both by director Alberto Cavalcanti (Song of the Sea, A Real Woman), Golfing Story is directed by Charles Crichton (A Fish Called Wanda, The Stranger in Between), Hearse Driver and Linking Narrative are by Basil Dearden (Sapphire, The Blue Lamp), and The Haunted Mirror is by Robert Hamer (Kind Hearts and Coronets, It Always Rains on Sunday).

There are a number of impressive components to the filmmaking on display: from the eerie score by Georges Auric (The Wages of Fear, Roman Holiday) to the haunting black and white cinematography by Stanley Pavey (Shoot First, Pink String and Sealing Wax) and Douglas Slocombe (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Lion in Winter). Featuring a spooky screenplay written by John Baines (The Blue Lagoon, The Hands of Orlac) and Angus MacPhail (Spellbound, The Good Companions), the surprise of each story is part of the attraction. Viewers await surprises as each story unfolds into the next like a novel.

Trek into unknown territories of imagination

Dead of Night is the type of feature which shuffles around in regards to its storytelling abilities: some of the segments are much more interesting than others (The Haunted Mirror was spooky and fantastic while The Ventriloquist's Dummy was a gem). Other segments in the film (such as Christmas Party and Golfing Story) are less appealing. There's something fantastic about anthology storytelling: one gets to experience a wider range of stories and perspectives behind-the-scenes. However, with such territory, there's always the risk of some short-form stories feeling like relative duds compared to the standout pieces. Dead of Night is no exception to this rule.

Perhaps due in part to the fact that Dead of Night is considered highly influential to many other horror and supernatural anthology features produced in the years following its release, the filmmaking didn't strike as big a chord with me as I anticipated. This might be because I was already so accustomed to the very things which other films “borrowed” from it with the heavy influence being worn on those features sleeves and later transcribed into even more horror productions.

The film is worth a view in terms of its historical context but some viewers might actually feel as though this production is a tad underwhelming if seeing it for the first time. While there is a certain charm to its gothic filmmaking (and the segment of The Ventriloquist's Dummy was a total delight and also my favorite in the feature), there are other areas in which the film simply didn't connect with me as strongly (and the film relies on humor much more-so than expected for this type of compilation). I'd suggest experiencing this work to see an early example of horror anthology filmmaking but the end result is a film that will not necessarily inspire a revisit in the future.

Dead of Night Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Featuring a brand new 4K restoration of the film, Dead of Night arrives on Blu-ray from distributor Kino Lorber in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded presentation is generally impressive with good depth and detail present. However, there is print damage on the scan, despite the new 4K scan. One can still see some scratches and a thin line on the right side of the image which shows some deterioration (especially during the last segment of the film, the most famous of the segments, The Ventriloquists Dummy).

It was unfortunate to see that there was some print damage to this transfer and the somewhat heavy, dark line (as can be seen in both screenshot #19 and screenshot #20) on the far right on the image. In some respects, even with a brand new 4K restoration this is a disappointing presentation which has some impressive aspects but which could seems to miss the mark of greatness. One gets the sense that the feature could have used more repair and restorative efforts. At least it's good that Kino is providing viewers with the complete and uncut original British version of the film (which should be considered an excellent point for fans of Dead of Night to consider).

Dead of Night Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Dead of Night features a noteworthy lossless DTS HD Master Audio sound presentation. The dual mono audio presentation is a highly capable one which does an effective job of preserving the fine detail of the original audio design. Dialogue reproduction is exceptional on the release and while the track sounds somewhat flat (without many surprises to its mono track), the clarity which is present is worthwhile. I noticed no distracting pops, cracks, or hiss on the audio track to diminish the overall presentation. Optional English subtitles are provided for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Dead of Night Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Note: While not listed as an extra on the release, it's also worth mentioning in this section that this edition contains the complete original and uncut British version of Dead of Night.

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Tim Lucas

Remembering Dead of Night Documentary (HD, 1 Hr. 15 min. 36 sec.) is the meat and bones of the supplemental package on this release. This is an impressive feature-length documentary which features an engaging and in depth discussion on the film and its significance to the development of classic anthology storytelling. There is a wide range of thoughts and opinions shared on the production (as well as information given regarding the features many imitators influenced over the years). This is a superb bonus feature (in my opinion) and it should be considered as an essential view for fans of the film. Though I was not as enamored with the film as some viewers, this supplement discussing the impact of Dead of Night clearly makes the release one which is even more worthwhile to fans, and serious enthusiasts will adore the wealth of information and discussion which is found on this piece. Each of the individuals included in the documentary shares their views with clear adoration and love for the filmmaking. Clocking in at over an hour long, there is simply so much to chew on with this documentary and fans will be satisfied.

Trailers for other Kino Lorber releases: The Spiral Staircase (SD, 2 min.), The Lodger (SD, 2 min. 16 sec.), The Undying Monster (SD, 1 min. 04 sec.), Tales of Terror (SD, 2 min. 21 sec.), and Twice-Told Tales (SD, 2 min. 43 sec.)

Dead of Night Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Simultaneously spooky and enchanting at the same time, Dead of Night is an important anthology feature which helped to pioneer the short-form anthology format for cinema. Fans of classic science fiction and horror anthology productions (with the likes of The Twilight Zone or Tales from the Crypt making their huge mark) will find it worth checking out. While I wasn't as enamored with the film as some critics have been with it over the years, the historical significance of the film makes it an interesting experience nonetheless.

Dead of Night is enjoyable and can help expand upon one's understanding of the legacy of anthology storytelling. The Blu-ray features a generally impressive presentation and a top-notch supplemental package which fans of the film will greatly appreciate. Containing the fully uncut original British version of Dead of Night, Kino's release features a 4K scan and should be considered as appealing to big fans of the film looking to obtain the complete cut.