Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		2.5
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.5

Night of the Strangler Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 8, 2021

1972’s “The Night of the Strangler” doesn’t feature a single strangulation. There’s a drowning, a snake bite, several shootings, and even a Monkee, but nobody is murdered via strangulation. So why the title? A marketing hook is the most likely answer, promising ticket-buyers a chance to watch gruesome acts of death executed by a variety of killers. Sadly, “The Night of the Strangler” isn’t a lurid production sliding neatly into grindhouse-style entertainment, but something a bit more static from director Joy N. Houck Jr., who battles inert storytelling while the writing actually touches on some interesting ideas concerning racism. Strangulation fans will have to seek their thrills elsewhere.

Denise (Susan McCullough) has returned home from college, shocking her brothers Vance (Mickey Dolenz) and Dan (James Ralston) with news of her pregnancy and wedding to a black man. Dan refuses to acknowledge such an offense, while Vance is dealing with Dan’s relationship with his ex- girlfriend. When Denise’s fiancé is murdered and she’s killed by an unknown threat, Father Jessie (Chuck Patterson) arrives to console Vance and figure out what’s going on, joining Lt. De Vivo (Michael Anthony) as he investigates what’s quickly becoming a serial killer case.

“The Night of the Strangler” is at its best when dealing with rising tensions between Dan and his younger siblings. The businessman is a hotheaded racist and an overall bad brother, happy to marry Vance’s ex-girlfriend, even inviting him to the ceremony. He’s an ideal villain for the picture, but the screenplay is more interested in creating a mystery involving multiple murders tied to the killing of Denise’s lover, which brings Lt. De Vivo in to investigate, joined by Father Jessie. The detective elements of “The Night of the Strangler” aren’t terribly compelling, and they dominate the viewing experience. Offering cheap thrills are the murder sequences, which explore the shock of a snake bite, blunt shootings, and an elaborate plan to push a poison arrow into the back of one character. Again, everything but a strangulation occurs in the feature.

Night of the Strangler Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation doesn't offer fine detail, dealing with basic understanding of faces and locations. Color isn't defined, with a reddish tint to the viewing experience. Source is hit with wear and tear, including jumpy frames, scratches, and speckling.

Night of the Strangler Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA mix doesn't struggle with unintelligibility, but voices aren't crisp during dialogue exchanges, fighting age and recording limitations. Scoring supports with a slightly muddier sound. A deep buzzing noise runs through most of the listening event.

Night of the Strangler Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material for this title.

Night of the Strangler Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Night of the Strangler" isn't a strong whodunit, though the resolution has some bite to it, mixing simmering rage with the Vietnam-era militarization of the average American. It's not an especially riveting sit, but the production has some interesting ideas on the state of the world in the 1970s, offering a teensy bit of social commentary to go with its showcase of human suffering.