Is Deathdream a Hidden Treasure or Dumpster Fire?
Blu-ray Distributed By: Blue Underground / November 28, 2017
Jimbo’s Take 
(5 / 5)
It was Jamie’s turn to picked a movie and he picked Deathdream (aka Dead of Night). And after watching Deathdream, Jamie got some shit from me. Why? Because Deathdream is unwatchable? Because the movie is rated PG? Actually quite the opposite.
Instead of the schlock and trash we normally consume, Jamie inadvertently brought us an honest-to-God great movie. Bob Clark (Director of Black Christmas, A Christmas Story) expertly crafts an atmospheric, creepy, psychological study of a family who welcomes home the son who left for Vietnam and came back changed. The movie is incredibly somber and serious, but what makes it interesting is that it’s wrapped in many of the conventions and trappings of a cheap horror film.
Even the poster art gives the impression of a more exploitative film showcasing actor John Marley, arm outstretched, gun in hand. And Richard Backus who plays Andy, the Vietnam vet who returns home, is larger than life adorning sunglasses and black gloves. This poster image of Andy gives me the impression that he may be some sexual predator or psychopath in the film. And that’s what makes Deathdream so refreshing.
Fans of Star Wars: The Last Jedi say that film was successful in subverting expectations. Bob Clark can tell you what to do with those “subverted expectations”. Deathdream subverts expectations. Based on the poster and trailers, you may believe you are taking in some cheap horror thrill ride. And all of the elements are there. It’s part monster movie, part supernatural thriller, part murder mystery.
However, what Bob Clark actually crafts is so much smarter and psychologically deeper. He’s actually made a very subversive anti-Vietnam film hidden under the guise of a drive-in horror film. And why not? The two concepts actually marry quite well. And by film’s end the audience feels the deep sorrow and anguish of a family torn apart by a war thousands of miles away.
I streamed Blue Underground’s digital copy on Amazon (click link below to jump to Amazon) and the image was very clean. Because the source and original camera elements aren’t perfect, don’t expect a flawless presentation. The image is sometimes soft and the stock lends itself to a grainy presentation, but don’t blame Blue Underground. This film looks as authentic to the original elements as I can imagine, and that’s how it should be. Jamie gave Blue Underground’s blu-ray a spin and can deep dive a little more into the extra.
All in all, I have to give Deathdream my highest recommendation. It may have some rough around the edges technical aspects but, all things considered, I found Deathdream to be pretty much perfect.
Jamie’s Take (5 / 5)
Yeah Deathdream is the tits. And to add what Jim said, the cover art makes the film look like an action packed exploitation film which will disappoint viewers expecting that sort of film. And to be honest, it’s been awhile since I saw the film that I too forgot that Deathdream is more of a psychological drama, with some horror elements thrown in.
After we see his death in Vietnam before the credits begin, Andy’s family sits at dinner and get the news from a serviceman at their door that their son / brother Andy was killed in action. Devastated over the loss, the family mourns until in the middle of the night Andy suddenly returns home. Over joyed, the family sit at the table and when Andy’s father (played by John Marley from The Godfather) tells him, “They said my son died.” Andy slowly turns his head, with a blank expression and says solemnly “I did.” There is something off about Andy. Is he a ghost? Is he a figment of his family’s imagination? Or has he really returned and the horrors of war have changed him? It soon becomes clear that something ain’t right with Andy.
While the film is under 90 minutes, the pacing is perfect, giving viewers a deep look into a character who symbolizes the soldiers who returned home from Vietnam. Director Bob Clark (Jim forgot he wrote and directed Porky’s about a decade later) not only directs a sympathetic and sad motion picture about a torn family but he also directs some pretty intense and startling scenes, especially when Andy confronts his family’s doctor and the final conflict with Andy and his father.
The blu ray looks pretty awesome and much more clear and crisp than Blue Underground’s old DVD that was released over ten years ago. Sure the picture at times looks soft but that is because of the way it was shot due to the low budget, not the transfer. The blu-ray comes with two commentary tracks (an old one with the late Bob Clark and a new one with writer Alan Ormsby) and several interviews with Ormsby and co-star Anya Ormsby, production manager John Bud Cardos (his short story about a bar fight is worth a listen) composer Carl Zitter, a screen test by Gary Swanson (who was switched out at the last minute for star Richard Backus) and an old student film by Ormsby. The new set even ports over the interviews with Backus and make-up legend Tom Savini (his first film). The set also includes a thick booklet which is sorely missing in most blu ray releases,
One thing to note, the blu ray claims the film is rated R but the film was released as a PG at the time of release. It plays closer to an R now but why the blu ray didn’t keep the actual rating is rather odd and confusing.
Deathdream kicks fucking ass. I love this film. If you like your horror with a little heart and bleakness (The Dead Zone would make a great double feature with Deathdream) than this is a must-see.
Hidden Treasure/Dumpster Fire?
| Jimbo: |  (5.0 / 5) |
| Jamie: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Craig: |  (4.0 / 5) |
| Average: |  (4.7 / 5) |
[amazon_link asins=’B075QWR6YC,B078867LRZ’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’trashmenamaz-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’37f1b000-01e3-11e8-8421-adcf7295f65e’]
Special Features
- Audio Commentary #1 with Co-Producer/Director Bob Clark
- Audio Commentary #2 with Writer/Make-Up Artist (Uncredited) Alan Ormsby
- A Recollection With Star Anya Liffey and Writer/Make-Up Artist Alan Ormsby
- Notes For A Homecoming – Interview with Composer Carl Zittrer
- Flying Down To Brooksville – Interview with Production Manager John ‘Bud’ Cardos
- Tom Savini: The Early Years
- Deathdreaming – Interview with Star Richard Backus
- Alternate Opening Titles
- Theatrical Trailer
- Still Galleries
- Alan Ormsby Student Film
- BONUS Collectable Booklet with new essay by critic Travis Crawford
