5.1 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
10 college students go camping, when they get there, they tell scary stories to each other.
Starring: Matt Borel, Gil Glasgow, Patrick Byers, Mary Agen Cox, Robin BradleyHorror | 100% |
Mystery | 6% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 16-bit)
BDInfo corrected, should be 16-bit (my error)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
1979’s “Screams of a Winter Night” is notable for being one of the few horror films of the era to offer frights to a wider audience, securing a PG-rating for this drive-in release. It’s also a picture that was heavily edited, with the anthology feature dropping one of its segments after a test screening, losing nearly 30 minutes from the run time (the segment has been restored on this Blu-ray). Such severe cutting is usually a problem for most movies, but less time with “Screams of a Winter Night” is actually a good thing, as director James L. Wilson isn’t too familiar with the benefits of pacing, preferring to play the endeavor as slowly as possible, thinking often unbearable stillness somehow equals suspense.
The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Screams of a Winter Night" offers a "Director's Edition" of the feature, which is simply listed as a "2K scan." The source is fairly roughed up, with lots of wear and tear. Damage is common, with jumpy frames and lengthy scratches. Color is periodically inconsistent but acceptable, with decent primaries from costuming and lighting choices, and the autumnal atmosphere of the location is intact. Skintones are natural. Detail is soft throughout the viewing experience, offering a basic appreciation of skin surfaces and cabin activity. Delineation is acceptable. Grain is chunky.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix also deals with elements of age, offering dialogue exchanges that occasionally run into sibilance issues. Clarity isn't threatened, but crispness isn't present. Scoring registers with limitations as well, but remains appreciable. Atmospherics are prioritized, favoring howling winds.
"Screams of a Winter Night" provides four stories of frightening encounters, and a wraparound tale of a malevolent forest spirit. There's plenty of inspiration to go around, but Wilson doesn't seem to value the concept of screen tension, often going out of his way to play this picture as casually as possible.
Unrated Theatrical and Rated Versions
2013
1970
Slipcover In Original Pressing
1974
2015
2013
2018
2016
2017
1981
2012
2005
2001
Collector's Edition
1981
Collector's Edition
1988
2019
2019
2016
Slipcover in Original Pressing
1985
2017
2017