Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Nightmares Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 23, 2023

Director John D. Lamond has been open about his inspiration for 1980’s “Nightmares” (aka “Stage Fright”), using the screaming success of 1978’s “Halloween” to support his concept for a horror endeavor, which follows a shattered young woman’s entrance into the predatory ways of the theater scene. Lamond replicates John Carpenter’s use of subjective camera sequences, hoping to bring a little Michael Myers magic to his take on slasher entertainment, with this killer making use of broken glass to dispatch various targets. “Nightmares” has the foundation to make something happen with its display of theater-world egos and oversexed males, but Lamond doesn’t have enough here to fill his run time, creating an empty directorial exercise that struggles to conjure any sort of scary business.

Traumatized by the death of her mother at a young age, Helen (Jenny Neumann) has tried to become a well-adjusted person, channeling her interests into acting, scoring a role in a new stage comedy, joined by her co-star, Terry (Gary Sweet). Dealing with the demands of the part and her controlling director, Helen also feels pressure from men, losing her grip on sanity as all the physical and psychological abuse splits her in two. Her private breakdown develops during rehearsals, with cast and crew targeted by a motivated killer looking to slaughter lascivious men.

Helen hasn’t had it easy in life, with her pain exposed in the opening sequence of “Nightmares,” where the child witnesses the death of her mother while dealing with a handsy man during a night drive. Helen is confronted with an evil understanding of sexual contact, and such an education follows her through life, where she develops into a woman men can’t seem to help themselves around. The screenplay (by Colin Eggleston) has a “Halloween”-esque start, but it doesn’t sink its teeth into slasher business, preferring to emphasize social improprieties, as Helen is immediately targeted for seduction by Terry, while others around the production of the play also would like a piece of the new hire. “Nightmares” attempts to stage kill scenes and build something of a mystery about Helen, but Lamond is more of a blunt instrument as a filmmaker, waving off style and tension as he periodically concentrates on genre moves, showing greater interest in sexploitation than horror.

Nightmares Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.40:1 aspect ratio) presentation deals with mild judder and some wear and tear. Detail reaches about as far as possible, capturing a light sense of skin particulars, and costuming is adequately textured. Cavernous theater interiors are softer but passably dimensional, along with limited exteriors. Colors are satisfactory, exploring period fashion and stage design. Greenery is lively. Skin tones are natural. Delineation isn't always strong, with shadow play losing some frame information.

Nightmares Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix struggles more with age, with dialogue exchanges on the fuzzy side, triggering some shrillness. Popping is periodic, and a few very brief dropouts are encountered during the listening event. Scoring isn't crisply defined, but suspense support is appreciable. Sound effects are blunt.

Nightmares Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (six pages) features an essay by film historian Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.

• Commentary features director John D. Lamond and filmmaker Mark Hartley.

• Extended Interviews (28:06, HD) are taken from the 2008 documentary, "Not Quite Hollywood," featuring director John D. Lamond, actress Nina Landis, and cinematographer Garry Wapshott.

• Deleted Scenes (9:04, SD) are provided.

• "Confessions of an R-rated Filmmaker" (8:09, SD) is an older interview with director John D. Lamond.

• Image Gallery (1:21) collects poster art and publicity shots.

• T.V. Spot (:26, HD) offers one commercial for "Nightmares."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (3:19, HD) is included.

Nightmares Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

It's a little odd to watch "Nightmares" fumble horror interests, with theater prep and colliding egos more interesting to watch than stalk-and-kill sequences. Helen's fried headspace is also lamely defined, making for an uninteresting protagonist/antagonist/object of desire. "Halloween" is the jumping off point, but Lamond doesn't make any noticeable effort to do something inspired with his big lift, submitting to genre routine and sketchy psychology (leading to an underwhelming climax), missing a chance to make something memorable with this understanding of male vulgarity.