Black Christmas (1974)
by Bob Clark
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: John Saxon, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, Marian Waldman, Olivia HusseyDirector: Bob Clark
Writer: Roy Moore
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); French (Original Language)
Format: Collector's Edition, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Silent
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 98 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2002-12-03
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Eclectic DVD Dist.
Movie Reviews of Black Christmas (1974)
Movie Review: "A christmas masterpiece..."
Summary: 5 Stars
"Black Christmas" is a wonderful little horror gem from director Bob Clark, who went on to direct "A Christmas Story"(one of my favorite movies) years later, ironically enough. The film predates "Halloween, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm st., and many other slashers. I would like to take this opportunity to personally responde to a certain reviewer who claimed that this film was trash & "Halloween" owes it nothing. I'm sorry, but you are wrong. It is fine to have your own opinion, yes, but "Halloween" DOES owe credit to "Christmas", as do films like "When a Stranger Calls". Don't get me wrong; "Halloween" is a masterpiece of the genre and is considered one of the leading inspirations for modern horror films, and rightly so; it is a brilliant film. But I also disagree with reviewers who think "Halloween" was a blatant rip-off of "Christmas", "Halloween" is a different film. Though both "Halloween & Black Christmas ARE tied as my second favorite horror films of all time. But let's get to "Black Christmas"; the film is a brilliant, taut, chilling and extremely scary ride. It centers around a sorority house at christmas time. The few girls who remain, have been plagued by a series of obscene calls, but have no idea that they are being stalked by the perpetrator himself. The film also breaks the typical slasher formula; Jess(Olivia Hussey,"Romeo & Juliet"), is our heroine, and unlike many slasher films, is not only not a virgin; she's pregnant and has decided on an abortion. This upsets her tempermental musician boyfiend Peter(Keir Dullea) who is a possible suspect. We also find house sisters Barb(Margot Kidder, "the Amityville Horror, Superman"), who is crude and alcoholic, and Phyllis(Andrea Martin, "SCTV") who is sweet, if a little mousy. Like "Halloween", the film features no real gore, but unlike "Halloween", leaves a lingering feeling of fear long after the film has finished. The performances are all top-notch; Hussey is terrific as Jess, who feels almost like a modern woman with her views of her pregnancy & her relationship with Peter, this is in large part due to Hussey's clear-eyed and belivable performance. Margot Kidder steals most of the scenes she's in with her bitingly funny yet also deep portrayal. Keir Dullea does a good job with his role as Jess' pretty much unlikable boyfriend. Andrea Marin is quite good as Phyllis, a character who could have been boring without the right actress, but Martin pulls it off. Also look for veteran actor John("Nightmare on Elm st., Enter the Dragon")Saxon, who's very good,as a concerned police chief. Overall, "Black Christmas" is a scary, creepy, and well-wrought little known horror pic which deserves its cult status. A remake is in the works. It's scheduled for a x-mas 2006 release. It stars Michelle(tv's "Buffy" & "EuroTrip")Trachtenberg & the original's Martin, who is returning to play the house mother. Unfortunatly, an early source said the remake is not very good. Oh well, we'll always have this one which has been released on a good special-edition. The dvd contains 2 commentary tracks, one with director Clark, & the second with actors Saxon & Dullea. The former is more enjoyable. There's also a wide variety of trailers & tv spots. We also find an all new, 40-minute documentary: 'Black Chritmas Revisited'. This interviews practically everyone involved with the film, except for, sadly, the actresses Hussey, Kidder & Martin. Otherwise it's a fun watch. But perhaps with the release of the remake we'll see a new special edition, with a new doc. or new interviews with said actesses. That would be a nice stocking stuffer! Well, in the end "Black Christmas" is a great film, plain and simple. It's a great buy. So have yourself a scary little christmas with this chilling treat! -Alex Barone.
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