Silent Night DVD review

Actors: Malcolm McDowell, Jaime King, Donal Logue, Ellen Wong, Brendan Fehr

Director: Steven C. Miller

Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen

Language: English

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: ANCHOR BAY

DVD Release Date: December 4, 2012

Run Time: 94 minutes

            There have been a number of killer Santa Claus films recently, but none are more significant in the history of horror cinema as the original 1984 slasher film, Silent Night, Deadly Night. This controversial cult classic was banned across America, perhaps due to the fact that the killer dressed as Santa Claus before gruesomely destroying his victims. With several new killer Claus films recently released, a remake of Silent Night, Deadly Night is hardly likely to make the same waves it did in the early 80s.

            In a small Midwestern town which was once a vibrant community, a plant being shut down results in a rise in crime. There is a seedier element to the town, which explains why a serial killer dressed as Santa Claus decides to make an appearance, punishing those he deems naughty. From porn filmmakers in motels to a spoiled child whining about gifts, the killer Claus wreaks havoc on the community while the sheriff (Malcolm McDowell) and his deputy (Jaime King) attempt to hunt him down.

            The killer is mysterious, created from a story of an incident which happened long ago. Where this deviant Claus hides out the rest of the year is a mystery, but he is busy taking down the bad people of a small town during the holidays. These deaths are often gruesome, but not nearly creative enough to standout the way the original did. There are some good moments of suspense, but unfortunately there are just as many moments spoiled by terrible supporting actors.

            The DVD release includes a behind-the-scenes featurette, as well as some deleted scenes.