The festive slasher gets a Scream! Factory collector’s edition release
Every festive season has a horror classic to pair with it. My Bloody Valentine, Thankskilling, Uncle Sam, New Year’s Evil; and when you come to the daddy of them all, Halloween, we’re spoiled for choice. When it comes to Christmas, the go to horror flick is likely to either be Black Christmas or the latest release from Scream Factory, given new life with a 4K restoration: the twisted slasher that is Silent Night, Deadly Night.
Synopsis:
Silent Night, Deadly Night is the heartwarming story of little Billy Chapman who was traumatized by his parents’ Christmas Eve murder, then brutalized by sadistic orphanage nuns. But when grown-up Billy is to dress as jolly St. Nick, he goes on a yuletide rampage to “punish the naughty!” Santa Claus is coming to town … and this time he’s got an axe! Robert Brian Wilson and Scream Queen Linnea Quigley star in this jaw-dropping horror classic that a nation of angry mothers still cannot stop!
When reeling off pieces of cult horror, Silent Night, Deadly Night is certainly a genre favorite. Aided by a punny title and hook, oodles of controversy (more on that later), and ticking off every box you’d expect from a slasher flick, it’s no surprise it spawned four sequels, not to mention a flimsily connected 2012 remake. The film is a rather slow burning, traditional slasher film. It takes plenty of time to introduce us to the ‘little Billy Chapman’, the boy who through the influence of his parents murder, an upbringing by a unhinged grandfather, and time in a devoutly Catholic orphanage has become mildly murderous. It’s a noble attempt to do something a little different, but the film definitely picks up its pace and effectiveness when the inevitable killing spree begins. Innovative and memorable kill scenes will prevent you looking at some Christmas ornaments quite the same way again, and one sequence even manages to one-up an infamous Fargo scene.
On original release, the film drew much ire. Protests came from both parents and religious groups, condemning the film’s perversion of the holidays and depiction of a Santa costume-wearing miscreant as a murderer. Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert even went so far as to call out the producers on their show to shame their involvement in the project. Tri-Star Pictures pulled advertising for the film less than a week into the theatrical run, taking the film out of theaters entirely a week later. Watch it today, however, and you might wonder exactly what all the fuss was about. Sure there is corruption of a childhood icon, but overall it’s average slasher fare, matter that is more likely to elicit gruesome glee then outrage. The film is often slow, but does make great use of the festive period, even going so far as to incorporate original Christmas music. It’s a splendid touch, one easily overlooked, that only adds to its bloody charm.
The Package
This release showcases a recent 4K scan and restoration of the film, and the result is a feast for the eyes. Showcasing sharp detail and vibrant (but natural) colors, there are occasional issues with fuzziness and minor speckling, presumably from the source, but nothing that really detracts from the quality of the presentation.
An exception to this visual treat is the inclusion of an unrated version, one with added scenes sourced from a poorer source. The dips in quality during these scenes are noticeable, but its inclusion is very much appreciated. Special features are pretty extensive and include:
- NEW Slay Bells Ring: The Story of Silent Night, Deadly Night — featuring interviews with writer Michael Hickey, co-executive producers Scott J. Schneid and Dennis Whitehead, editor/second unit director Michael Spence, composer Perry Botkin and actor Robert Brian Wilson: Filmed in 2017, a new ‘making of’ that charts the film’s conception, filming (stunts, special effects, tales from the set), and (initially negative) reception. There’s also some interesting content about various dealings by producers and even the studios to control the film and position it as the start of a franchise/cash cow.
- NEW Oh Deer! — an interview with Linnea Quigley: Horror icon and star of Silent Night… shares her memories on set, the film’s legacy, as well as wider reflections on the film industry, not all of it positive. Video quality is on the poor side; an old source most likely.
- NEW Christmas in July — Silent Night, Deadly Night Locations — then and now: A trip to Heber City, Utah, in 2017, taking in whats left of the original filming locations.
- NEW audio commentary with actor Robert Brian Wilson and co-executive producer Scott J. Schneid:
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Original TV spots and Radio Spot
- Audio Commentary by Michael Hickey, Perry Boykin, Scott J. Schneid and Michael Spence
- Audio interview with director Charles E. Sellier, Jr.
- Santa’s Stocking of Outrage: A fun compilation of parents (and Mickey Rooney?) sharing their distaste of using a murderous Santa as the villain in a movie.
- Poster and Still Gallery
Scream Factory has also made available a special edition of the film that includes a poster and limited edition 8″ tall Billy Chapman figure by NECA. The figure is fully poseable and comes with an ax accessory in window box packaging.
The Bottom Line
Going in knowing what uproar the film caused on original release, you may find yourself bemused by what you find. A traditional slasher, that while occasionally violent, is little more than a festive slice of camp horror. There are plenty of moments and touches to explain its reverence though, especially at this time of year, making the release a timely one by Scream Factory, enhanced by a superb visual presentation and selection of extras.
Silent Night, Deadly Night, is available via Scream Factory from December 5th.