After witnessing his parents slaughtered, as a child by a man dressed as Santa, Billy grows up to become a troubled 18-year-old triggered by wrongdoing, and Santa Claus.
Silent Night, Deadly Night is one of the most controversial slasher films from the 1980s. Its story of a killer Santa and ad campaign that emphasized this stirred many protests and resulted in the film being pulled from theaters early. The story follows a young boy, Billy (Danny Wagner, at 8; Robert Brian Wilson, at 18) who witnesses his parents getting killed by Santa after being warned by his senile grandfather that Christmas is the most dangerous night of the year because Santa Claus punishes those who are naughty. Ten years later and ready to be released from the harsh environment of the orphanage he grew up in, right around the Holidays, Billy becomes a rampaging Santa himself, taking on the persona of the punishing Santa that so tormented his psyche in his youth.
Is Silent Night, Deadly Night on par with some of the truly classic holiday themed horror films like Black Christmas or Halloween? Not really, but the first film at least gets you into the campy, blood-soaked, exploitative ballpark. If you’re tired of the saccharine Christmas movies and specials that coming along with the season and you would rather keep the ‘spooky season’ theme from October going, then this is an option for you.
Silent Night, Deadly Night 40th Anniverary Edition (Scream Factory)
Silent Night, Deadly Night 40th Anniverary Edition (Scream Factory)
Silent Night, Deadly Night 40th Anniverary Edition (Scream Factory)
Silent Night, Deadly Night 40th Anniverary Edition (Scream Factory)
The Video
Shout! says these are new 4K transfers from the original camera negative, with the unrated cut containing standard definition inserts for the added scenes. I suspect they may be from the same “new” 4K scans done in 2017, now newly remastered with Dolby Vision for the 4K release. The picture, however, seems a bit cleaner now, with less sparkle and fewer apparent scratches. The 4K disc’s Dolby Vision grading grants the primary palette of the Christmas colors a great amount of pop and vibrancy, so the reds of the Santa suit and the greens of the leaves really standout and the highlights in the Christmas lights and the sheen on the streamers have excellent pop as well. The standard definition portions of the extended version of the film just don’t look good and really stick out. One wonders if this extended version was even necessary, to be honest.
The Audio
All three versions of Silent Night, Deadly Night come with DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono audio mixes. The sound is acceptable for a mono mix from this era and offers clarity in the dialogue and a decent amount of dynamics with only some slight clipping in the louder passages.
The Supplements
Silent Night, Deadly Night 40th Anniversary edition comes with most of the supplements previously released on the Scream Factory Blu-ray release from 2017 and the 101 UK release a couple years ago. There are also a new audio commentary and a new featurette, labeled below.
Bonus Features:
Audio Commentary with Author Amanda Reyes and the Hysteria Continues Podcast (Theatrical Version) (NEW)
Theatrical Blu-ray:
The Night He Came Home…For Christmas: Creating Silent Night, Deadly Night – Interview with Producer Scott Schneid (1080p; 00:16:47) (NEW)
In Search of Charles Sellier Jr.: Remembering the Director – Interview with Editor Michael Spence (1080p; 00:10:32)
Naughty or Nice: 40 Years of Silent Night, Deadly Night – Interview with Producers Scott Schneid and Dennis Whitehead (1080p; 00:11:52)
Unrated Blu-ray:
Audio Commentary with Actor Robert Brian Wilson and Co-Executive Producer Scott J. Schneid
Audio Commentary with Writer Michael Hickey, Composer Perry Botkin, Producer Scott J. Schneid, and Unit Director Michael Spence
Slay Bells Ring: The Story of Silent Night, Deadly Night (1080p; 00:45:51)
Christmas in July – Silent Night, Deadly Night Locations (1080i; 00:10:00)
Audio Interview with Director Charles E. Sellier, Jr. (1080p; 00:58:03)
Santa’s Stocking of Outrage (1080p; 00:04:31)
Poster and Still Gallery (1080p; 00:00:58)
Trailers (1080p; 00:02:20)
TV Spots (1080i; 00:01:10)
Radio Spot (1080p; 00:00:36)
Oh Deer! – Interview with Actor Linnea Quigley (1080i; 00:21:50)
The Final Assessment
This release from Shout! Studios’ Scream Factory imprint has this film looking as good as or better than it ever has. For genre fans and fans of this Christmastime slasher, this is a keeper.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (40th Anniversary Edition) is out on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray December 10, 2024 from Scream Factory
Notice of Compliance with FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION 16 CFR Part 255
In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR part 255 guidelines, this website hereby states that it receives free discs and other theatrical or home entertainment "screeners" and access to screening links from studios and/or PR firms, and is provided with consumer electronics devices on loan from hardware manufacturers and/or PR firms respectively for the purposes of evaluating the products and its content for editorial reviews. We receive no compensation from these companies for our opinions or for the writing of reviews or editorials. Permission is sometimes granted to companies to quote our work and editorial reviews free of charge. Our website may contain affiliate marketing links, which means we may get paid commission on sales of those products or the services we write about. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers or affiliate partnerships. This disclosure is provided in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR § 255.5: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
After witnessing his parents slaughtered, as a child by a man dressed as Santa, Billy grows up to become a troubled 18-year-old triggered by wrongdoing, and Santa Claus. Silent Night, Deadly Night (40th Anniversary Edition) 4K Ultra HD Review
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
{"id":"932","mode":"button","open_style":"in_modal","currency_code":"USD","currency_symbol":"$","currency_type":"decimal","blank_flag_url":"https:\/\/www.theaterbyte.com\/wordpress\/core\/modules\/efb9325b07\/\/assets\/images\/flags\/blank.gif","flag_sprite_url":"https:\/\/www.theaterbyte.com\/wordpress\/core\/modules\/efb9325b07\/\/assets\/images\/flags\/flags.png","default_amount":500,"top_media_type":"none","featured_image_url":false,"featured_embed":"","header_media":null,"file_download_attachment_data":null,"recurring_options_enabled":true,"recurring_options":{"never":{"selected":true,"after_output":"One time only"},"weekly":{"selected":false,"after_output":"Every week"},"monthly":{"selected":false,"after_output":"Every month"},"yearly":{"selected":false,"after_output":"Every year"}},"strings":{"current_user_email":"","current_user_name":"","link_text":"Please Contribute to the TheaterByte Tip jar","complete_payment_button_error_text":"Check info and try again","payment_verb":"Pay","payment_request_label":"TheaterByte","form_has_an_error":"Please check and fix the errors above","general_server_error":"Something isn't working right at the moment. Please try again.","form_title":"TheaterByte","form_subtitle":"We are creating Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Movie, and Home Theater electronics reviews.","currency_search_text":"Country or Currency here","other_payment_option":"Other payment option","manage_payments_button_text":"Manage your payments","thank_you_message":"Thank you for being a supporter!","payment_confirmation_title":"TheaterByte","receipt_title":"Your Receipt","print_receipt":"Print Receipt","email_receipt":"Email Receipt","email_receipt_sending":"Sending receipt...","email_receipt_success":"Email receipt successfully sent","email_receipt_failed":"Email receipt failed to send. Please try again.","receipt_payee":"Paid to","receipt_statement_descriptor":"This will show up on your statement as","receipt_date":"Date","receipt_transaction_id":"Transaction ID","receipt_transaction_amount":"Amount","refund_payer":"Refund from","login":"Log in to manage your payments","manage_payments":"Manage Payments","transactions_title":"Your Transactions","transaction_title":"Transaction Receipt","transaction_period":"Plan Period","arrangements_title":"Your Plans","arrangement_title":"Manage Plan","arrangement_details":"Plan Details","arrangement_id_title":"Plan ID","arrangement_payment_method_title":"Payment Method","arrangement_amount_title":"Plan Amount","arrangement_renewal_title":"Next renewal date","arrangement_action_cancel":"Cancel Plan","arrangement_action_cant_cancel":"Cancelling is currently not available.","arrangement_action_cancel_double":"Are you sure you'd like to cancel?","arrangement_cancelling":"Cancelling Plan...","arrangement_cancelled":"Plan Cancelled","arrangement_failed_to_cancel":"Failed to cancel plan","back_to_plans":"\u2190 Back to Plans","update_payment_method_verb":"Update","sca_auth_description":"Your have a pending renewal payment which requires authorization.","sca_auth_verb":"Authorize renewal payment","sca_authing_verb":"Authorizing payment","sca_authed_verb":"Payment successfully authorized!","sca_auth_failed":"Unable to authorize! Please try again.","login_button_text":"Log in","login_form_has_an_error":"Please check and fix the errors above","uppercase_search":"Search","lowercase_search":"search","uppercase_page":"Page","lowercase_page":"page","uppercase_items":"Items","lowercase_items":"items","uppercase_per":"Per","lowercase_per":"per","uppercase_of":"Of","lowercase_of":"of","back":"Back to plans","zip_code_placeholder":"Zip\/Postal Code","download_file_button_text":"Download File","input_field_instructions":{"tip_amount":{"placeholder_text":"How much would you like to tip?","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"How much would you like to tip? Choose any currency."},"empty":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"How much would you like to tip? Choose any currency."},"invalid_curency":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Please choose a valid currency."}},"recurring":{"placeholder_text":"Recurring","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"How often would you like to give this?"},"success":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"How often would you like to give this?"},"empty":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"How often would you like to give this?"}},"name":{"placeholder_text":"Name on Credit Card","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Enter the name on your card."},"success":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"Enter the name on your card."},"empty":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Please enter the name on your card."}},"privacy_policy":{"terms_title":"Terms and conditions","terms_body":null,"terms_show_text":"View Terms","terms_hide_text":"Hide Terms","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"I agree to the terms."},"unchecked":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Please agree to the terms."},"checked":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"I agree to the terms."}},"email":{"placeholder_text":"Your email address","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Enter your email address"},"success":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"Enter your email address"},"blank":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Enter your email address"},"not_an_email_address":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Make sure you have entered a valid email address"}},"note_with_tip":{"placeholder_text":"Your note here...","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Attach a note to your tip (optional)"},"empty":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Attach a note to your tip (optional)"},"not_empty_initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Attach a note to your tip (optional)"},"saving":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Saving note..."},"success":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"Note successfully saved!"},"error":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Unable to save note note at this time. Please try again."}},"email_for_login_code":{"placeholder_text":"Your email address","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Enter your email to log in."},"success":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"Enter your email to log in."},"blank":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Enter your email to log in."},"empty":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Enter your email to log in."}},"login_code":{"initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Check your email and enter the login code."},"success":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"Check your email and enter the login code."},"blank":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Check your email and enter the login code."},"empty":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Check your email and enter the login code."}},"stripe_all_in_one":{"initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Enter your credit card details here."},"empty":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Enter your credit card details here."},"success":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Enter your credit card details here."},"invalid_number":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card number is not a valid credit card number."},"invalid_expiry_month":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's expiration month is invalid."},"invalid_expiry_year":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's expiration year is invalid."},"invalid_cvc":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's security code is invalid."},"incorrect_number":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card number is incorrect."},"incomplete_number":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card number is incomplete."},"incomplete_cvc":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's security code is incomplete."},"incomplete_expiry":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's expiration date is incomplete."},"incomplete_zip":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's zip code is incomplete."},"expired_card":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card has expired."},"incorrect_cvc":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's security code is incorrect."},"incorrect_zip":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's zip code failed validation."},"invalid_expiry_year_past":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's expiration year is in the past"},"card_declined":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card was declined."},"missing":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"There is no card on a customer that is being charged."},"processing_error":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"An error occurred while processing the card."},"invalid_request_error":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Unable to process this payment, please try again or use alternative method."},"invalid_sofort_country":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The billing country is not accepted by SOFORT. Please try another country."}}}},"fetched_oembed_html":false}
