Review by Monty Moonlight
Rating:
It’s safe to say that Charley Brewster has a short attention span. In fact, that’s probably an understatement. But, when Charley oversees his new neighbor committing murder through his bedroom window, he finally gets some focus in his life. Much to the dismay of his family and friends, however, his new focus is on vampires. After a violent confrontation with Jerry, the creature next door, Charley is desperate to destroy the monster, and he attempts to enlist the aid of local “Fright Night” horror host Peter Vincent, the fearless vampire killer, to do it. Unbelieving Peter is reluctant, but Charley’s girlfriend Amy and creepy-geek friend, Evil Ed, convince him with a bit of financial persuading. Their intention is to prove to Charley that Jerry Dandrige is not a vampire at all, but they are in for the scare of their lives, and it’s anybody’s guess who will survive the real “Fright Night!”

“Fright Night” is an 80s vampire flick for the classic horror fanatic! Paying homage to such staples as Dark Shadows and the Hammer Dracula franchise, this surprising little horror film supplies vampire lore and cliches aplenty, put together so skillfully that the result is this horror fan’s favorite vampire indulgence. Of course, this favoritism is in no small part due to spectacular effects and performances! The cast seems tailor made for their roles as they play them, even if some choices seem a bit odd superficially. Hard to imagine this vampire pining away over the centuries for Married With Children’s Marcy D’Arcy, but Amanda Bearse plays the role of the teenage object of Chris Sarandon’s desires to perfection. Chris, himself, is powerfully convincing and menacing as the hip, 80′s vampire. Extremely well adjusted to the times, too. His slave-boy zombie, Billy Cole, is played by an excellently creepy Jonathan Stark, but he’s out-creeped by the always somewhat disturbing Stephen Geoffreys as Evil Ed. Of course, William Ragsdale IS Charlie Brewster, and his portrayal is what propels the film. The icing on THIS cake, however, aside from the teenage victim in the window that I’ve had a crush on all my life, played by someone named Irina Irvine, is the brilliant performance of one of my all-time faves, Roddy “Bullwhip” McDowall, as Peter Vincent, vampire killer! The late, great Roddy McDowall is definitely the yeast that raises this film from vampire movie mediocrity. Despite the nearly bare bones disc, featuring only a trailer and double-sided widescreen/fullscreen selection, this DVD is a must own for vampire, horror, and McDowall fans alike. Be prepared for some cheezy 80′s music and a great time that you’ll want to experience again and again! Also, be sure to check out “Fright Night 2,” one of the best sequels ever made!

Review by Marc Dalesandro
Rating:
“Fright Night” stands the test of time as an entertaining and often surprisingly disturbing scare-fest from the mid 80s. A teenaged boy discovers to his horror that a vampire master has moved in next door, with his creepy half-human sidekick. Can the teen convince his friends the threat is real, and recruit famed movie “vampire killer” Peter Vincent to help dispatch the demonic creature? You’ll have fun finding out. Highly recommended for Halloween party viewing – I watch it each year with a group of friends, and we have a blast every time. Well worth the modest purchase price. Five stars!

Review by Mungo__Park
Rating:
In my opinion, the best vampire movie ever made. The characters are very personable, the plot (if not original) wildly entertaining, and the music (for 80′s fans anyway) nostalgic. The special effects are top-notch, but the movie doesn’t rely on them to provide thrills and chills. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t I wish I could jump into this movie and be one of the characters. It’s that good. Really.