HELL NIGHT
One of the most beautifully photographed horror films of the 1980’s is HELL NIGHT, an under-rated, atmospheric thriller starring Linda Blair and a cast of characters light years more interesting than the cardboard dolts of the SCREAM and I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER variety. HELL NIGHT’s charm lies in its ability to create characters the audience comes to care about. Thanks to co-producer Irwin Yablans, the man behind HALLOWEEN, HELL NIGHT begins with a slow expository build-up that eventually gives way to some truly frightening sequences that have you squirming in your seat towards the film’s conclusion, even after repeat viewings! The Kimberly Crest House and Gardens in Redlands, CA doubles as the exterior of the ominous Garth Manor, a horrific abode in which a man reputedly killed his entire family before hanging himself, and leaving one son, Andrew, to remain in the house. Andrew, now an adult, is believed to be still in the house…somewhere. A group of college kids pledging a fraternity and sorority must stay in the house for one night. Naturally, all hell breaks loose!The 1980’s have garnered a reputation for being responsible for some of the worst horror films ever made. This reputation really applies to most films made after 1984’s A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. Try to remember that HELL NIGHT is one of the decade’s classics. Re-released on VHS and DVD by Anchor Bay Entertainment in September 1999, HELL NIGHT looks better than ever. The film’s earlier incarnation on Media Home Entertainment’s original SP and SLP VHS transfers did the film a great injustice: not only was a boom mike visible during the “surfing” scene, but the colors were washed out. The cinematography alone makes this film worth owning. This film makes a great triple feature with HALLOWEEN and TOURIST TRAP. Had this film been made today it would in no way look as it actually does.
Another plus is the score which has never seen the light of day as a soundtrack album, which is a shame considering that it manages to create scares with mood and sporadic “stingers” during some truly tense moments. This score is far more effective than the constant barrage of hit songs that pass as a soundtrack in today’s pathetic horror market.
HELL NIGHT is great fright fare for a cold October night.
