Televised Terror: Volume One Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.5

Televised Terror: Volume One Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 7, 2021

Making a move from the big screen to the small screen, Vinegar Syndrome packages three television movies for their “Televised Terror Volume 1” collection, which aims to shine a light on little films created for a mass audience. Selections include 1978’s “Are You in the House Alone,” 1984’s “Calendar Girl Murders,” and 1990’s “Child in the Night,” with the three endeavors all working hard to give viewers something of a ride, mixing murder, suspects, and flirtations to provide a suitable prime-time ride.

Click here for a review of Are You In The House Alone?

Click here for a review of Calendar Girl Murders

Click here for a review of Child in the Night

Televised Terror: Volume One Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

Televised Terror: Volume One Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

Televised Terror: Volume One Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Are You In the House Alone?

• "Creating Musical Themes" (19:42, HD) is an interview with composer Charles Bernstein, who explores his career at the time of the "Are You in the House Alone?" production, recalling a terribly busy 1978, building on 12 years of experience in the industry. The interviewee details older methods of work during this time, writing his ideas down on paper. Tone choices and themes are analyzed, with Bernstein attempting to create an ominous mood for the picture. He also remembers a brief scoring session for the production, and remains proud of the work.

• Audio Essay (12:28, HD) features film historian Amanda Reyes.

Calendar Girl Murders

• Audio Essay (83:00) features film historians Amanda Reyes and Sam Pancake.

Child in the Night

• Audio Essay (14:39) features film historian Amanda Reyes.

Televised Terror: Volume One Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Extras are limited on the "Televised Terror Volume 1" collection, with only one production participant granting an interview, leaving most of the heavy lifting to film historians. What's terrific about the set are the presentations, finding Vinegar Syndrome giving three obscure titles impressive refreshings for their HD debuts, taking titles intended for the living room and giving them a defined cinematic presence.