Blu-ray and DVD dual format special edition

Eureka, out now

Tom (Child’s Play) Holland’s modern-day vampire romp gets a long overdue Blu-ray release with a packed roster of special features that should meet most fans’ bloodlust.

I have fond memories of seeing this movie at a 1985 preview, being given a pair of plastic fangs on the way in, and being thoroughly entertained by some great gore effects and fun performances. Luckily, time has been kind to Fright Night, and while it’s 80s hair, fashions and electronic post-Terminator Brad Fiedel score age some aspects, it stands up well as solid film-making, helped by some engaging turns.

William Ragsdale is school nerd Charlie Brewster, his best friend is Evil Ed, his relationship with girlfriend Amy is unremarkable, but then Jerry Dandridge (Chris Sarandon) moves in next door. Charming, suave, a hit with ladies, Jerry is also a vampire, and after being spotted taking a bite out of his latest victim, he turns his attention to Charlie and his friends. But help is at hand in the form of Peter Vincent, a former horror movie lead who now makes his living hosting a late-night horror segment – Fright Night. Roddy McDowall is excellent as Vincent, a hammy, washed-up forgotten star trying desperately to cling on to some dignity and be relevant in the modern world.

The story pretty much plays out as you’d expect, with Jerry converting the teens into toothsome and wide-mouthed vampires, and there’s some great, sticky, physical Richard Edlund effects such as a giant bat, werewolf and a melting man. Holland loves the subject matter and takes every opportunity to inject a knowing nod, wink or reference to the old dark houses and Hammer films of his youth. Everyone in the cast is great, and while the emphasis is on camp fun, it’s affectionate homage all the way, never scoffing or taking cheap shots at the source.

The new 4K digital restoration and 5.1 DTS-HD audio ensure you get the optimum high definition experience, but for me the biggest plus on this packed disc is the 2.5 hour documentary, You’re So Cool, Brewster! This new cut of the 2016 document really is the last word on the subject, with great production values, archive material and new interviews from the cast and creators. All aspects of the production are explored, so much so that the Fear Fest 2008 Reunion Panel and Shock Til You Drop interviews on the disc feel redundant.

There’s also the What is Fright Night featurette, with more cast and crew interviews, Tom Holland: Writing Horror (more interviews with Holland and his collaborators), the full electronic press kit, trailers and still. Also of note is Rowdy McDowall: From Apes to Bats, featuring archival footage of the late actor (he died in 1998) as well as cast and crew reminiscences.

Fright Night easily sits in my top 10 horror movies of the 1980s and what a treat that Eureka have packed so much additional material onto the disc.

Verdict: Forget the sub-par 1988 Tommy Lee Wallace-directed Part 2 or the redundant Colin Farrell/ David Tennant 2011 remake, Tom Holland’s original Fright Night is a labour of love, and well worth revisiting.  9/10

Nick Joy