5.8 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
A football star throws a party for his friends. Two insane killers escape from a nearby asylum on that same night, and in their efforts to elude authorities, wind up at the party.
Starring: Joseph Paul Manno, Ron Thomas, Randy Lundsford, Megan Wyss, Janette CaldwellHorror | 100% |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Three-disc set (3 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 5.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
As explored in the supplementary material on this release, 1987’s “Night Screams” had a lot of difficulty in the editing room. The first cut of the film came up short, inspiring some to attempt to add padding to the feature to help bring it to a sellable run time. However, instead of using more footage from the original shoot to do so, outside sources were utilized, including sequences from 1981’s “Graduation Day” and, weirdly enough, adult movies, with John Holmes, Seka, and Honey Wilder suddenly showing up in the endeavor. Delivery of these additions isn’t completely clunky, sold as television and VHS viewing for couples trying to entertain themselves, but it’s an odd creative choice, and would probably be more intrusive in a more exciting picture. “Night Screams” hopes to add some bloodshed to the slasher genre, but there’s little effort to really dig into suspense, with director Allen Plone failing to inspire a more heated understanding of horror with this meandering attempt at violent entertainment.
Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray
The Theatrical Cut is "Night Screams" is the only version offered in 4K, which is sourced from a 35mm original camera negative. The results are mighty
impressive, delivering a strong sense of detail throughout the viewing experience. Skin particulars are open for examination, and costuming remains
fibrous with period outfits. Living spaces offer nice depth and a full look at decorative additions. Exteriors retain appealing dimension. Colors are active,
with bold primaries on clothing choices, bringing out brighter reds and blues. Blood is exact. Club lighting runs compellingly hotter. Greenery is distinct.
Blacks are deep, preserving evening action and shadow play. Highlights are tasteful. Grain is nicely resolved. Source is in good condition. Jumps to
added footage are perhaps even more noticeable on the UHD, making for an interesting understanding of the editing process on the movie.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides a fresh understanding of dialogue exchanges. Emotional activity is easily understood, along with performance choices. Synth support is sharp, bringing a crisp electronic creep to suspense sequences. Soundtrack selections are also defined, with compelling instrumentation. Sound effects are blunt but appreciable.
"Night Screams" has a few weird moments, including a full performance from the Sweetheart Dancers troupe, with the production stopping to watch these bedazzled performers bust a move on a nightclub dance floor. The writing also adds plenty of red herrings and supporting players to increase the mystery of it all, keeping the effort loaded with people to meet and follow. However, actual tension is seldom encountered in "Night Screams," which is run-of-the-mill stuff from uninspired filmmakers trying to make B-movie magic happen in the wilds of Kansas. To highlight the desperate nature of the picture, scenes from the endeavor are repeated during the end credits, really identifying the push to get this feature to something of a run time. Actual screen suspense wasn't as prioritized.
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