Being a kid growing up in the 1980's, I happened to be exposed to a series of horror films when the genre was at a high during the decade. Many times I would lurk nearby, unnoticed, while my father indulged in the latest gorefest or scream-inducing flick. But on occasion he would let me stick around, and enjoy the ride as well - while my mother was out of the house of course.
One such movie was 1985's Fright Night, a wickedly terrifying and comedic vampire film in which a vamp named Jerry (played by Chris Sarandon) moves in next door to a voyeuristic teenager named Charlie. Everything appears to be normal until Charlie sees and hears strange occurrences outside his bedroom window, and confirms for himself the truth...that his neighbour is truly one of the undead.
The knowledge puts his mother and girlfriend in jeopardy, so he seeks out a celebrity personality named Peter Vincent - an advertised expert in the field of vampirism, but really nothing more than an entertainer - to help vanquish Jerry before those he loves becomes the next victims. Night was edgy, gory, dark, but with a witty sense of humour. It was a fun vampire movie for the simple fact that anyone can have a creepy next door neighbour, and who knows what they might turn out to be?
The movie became a cult classic that spawned a forgettable sequel, but apparently was memorable enough to be given the remake treatment in 2011 starring Colin Farrell (Horrible Bosses) as Jerry, and Anton Yelchin (Star Trek) as Charlie. Released theatrically in August, 2011, Fright Night didn't last long in the run - even with its added 3D pedigree to entice moviegoers. But that may change with its December 13, 2011, home video release.
Fright Night: The 2011 Version
This time out the events are set in Las Vegas - a city that proves to be beneficial to Jerry's feeding habits and lifestyle. Charlie is made aware of his neighbour's nightly activities by his former childhood friend Ed after a number of classmates start disappearing from school, and doesn't believe the accusations until Ed himself mysteriously vanishes.
What works well with the remake is that it follows the tone, style, and structure of the original film well, but not down to the bone completely. Director Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl) balances the movie by channeling the best ideas and some dialogue of the old film, while making slight deviations to carve out his own updated movie as well. There's a great sequence where Charlie attempts to rescue one of Jerry's victims from captivity, but learns a surprising revelation as he's on the verge of succeeding.
The film starts out incredibly well, right in line with the haunting foreboding and cat-and-mouse playfulness of the classic film. But because this new version was intended as a 3D experience, it's peppered with several sight gags - like objects thrown at the camera - and sequences that pull you out of immersing yourself wholeheartedly in the tale. There is some great make-up effects to behold, but also special effect shots that might make you wince a little.
Thankfully the cast does a great job of committing to the material. Farrell eats it up so to speak, as a sexier, hipper Jerry, while Yelchin portrays Charlie as an underestimated teenager who is considerably more fearless than viewers initially remember him. Fans will also enjoy a fantastic cameo appearance by an alumni cast member of the 1985 film.
Fright Night is an admirable, but not mind-blowing remake. It turns out a little better than expected considering the material, and the track record of past horror films that have been given the remake treatment. Fans of the original movie should be pleased with this interpretation, while newbies won't be totally turned off by what it has to offer. Rating: 3.5/5
The 3D Blu-ray Disc
If you have a compatible television than you can view Fright Night as it was intended to be seen on the first disc of the set, a horror film full of 3D sight gags in the tradition of Friday The 13th 3D or the remake of My Bloody Valentine. It's a better experience than some other titles that were converted, instead of filmed for the format, but don't expect a sprawling, dazzling effect. In fact the 3D version tends to lessen the technical visual quality of the film in comparison to the regular Blu-ray disc. 3D Rating: 4/5
The Regular Blu-ray Disc
VIDEO - The 1080p high-definition picture quality really shines on the 2D Blu-ray disc. The image is so pristine and vivid, I had a hard time finding a single flaw throughout the film. It's devoid of any grain, sharpness, or softness issues and stands as a phenomenal digital transfer. Rating: 5/5
AUDIO - The DTS Master Audio Track incoporated here as well as the 3D disc is a powerhouse and not to be taken lightly when adjusting your speaker volume. Although not terribly defined with specifics, it's strong enough when it makes an impact and dialogue consistently stays clear. Rating: 4.5/5
EXTRAS - The only bonus features attached in the set are found on this disc and they're not plentiful.
Some exclusive Deleted/Extended scenes are offered but they don't add anything new to the film, an in-character Peter Vincent piece and a full version of Squid Man - the home movie made by Charlie and Ed - are also present but not worth the time.
A disjointed "How To Make A Funny Vampire Movie" featurette briefly touches on the production and having Farrell on board as Jerry, but it only scratches the surface of what could have been more thoroughly covered. The best feature is arguably the Bloopers, offering some amusing outtakes while filming the horrific content. A Kid Cudi music video rounds things out.
This is where the edition could have had some real fun by investigating the similarities and differences between the new film and the old one but fails to take advantage of the opportunity. Rating: 1.5/5
The DVD/Digital Copy Disc
The final disc of the set is a regular 480p DVD version of the film accompanied by an acceptable, but weaker Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track and it also serves as a Digital Download copy. The disc contains no bonus features, and is inserted into the set for portable purposes.
The Fright Night Final Verdict
CONSUMER/COLLECTOR VALUE - This edition contains a good assortment of ways to enjoy Fright Night if you have all the compatible systems necessary, and rolls out the film in a pretty stellar presentation on all the formats. There are highs and lows to watching the film on either 3D or 2D Blu-ray for different reasons, but the movie itself holds on as a respectable remake. The edition could have used more work on its supplemental material however to really make it stand out. Rating: 3.5/5
Sources:
- Fright Night. Dir. Craig Gillespie. Perf. Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant, Toni Collette. Touchstone Pictures/Dreamworks Pictures. Genre: Horror/Comedy. 2011. Running Time: 106 mins.
- Fright Night. Dir. Tom Holland. Perf. Chris Sarandon. William Ragsdale, Roddy McDowall, Amanda Bearse. Columbia Pictures. Genre: Horror/Comedy. 1985. Running Time: 106 mins.
Ryan Young - Ryan Young is a Film and Sports article/review writer, based in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada.
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