An age ago, Michael Howard, former leader of the Conservative party, was described as having ‘something about the night’ about him. That is a nice way to say, he was a bit nasty, a bit monstrous. This could never have been said about Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus to you and me. He has a fluffy beard and laughs like he is actually happy about the state of the world. That was until SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT. Now life as we know it has changed…

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT begins with Billy being told the immortal truth about old Saint Nick. He then witnesses his parents getting killed by a man dressed as Santa Claus. Santa punishes those who are naughty. Billy takes this to the max. No more naughty list… “Punish the naughty”. And the nice…They haven’t a chance. He has an axe!

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT II… Its four years later. Ricky Caldwell, brother to Billy. He is being held in a mental hospital, having followed dear Billy’s axe welding. He wants to avenge his brother’s death. Ricky is over the moon when it becomes Christmas and he has the chance to commit carnage. So who will be on the naughty list? Who will be…oh who are we kidding. There is no nice list. Death is coming to town.

I don’t think you are here for me to tell you how good the first film is and how bad the second is. You know this. You also know that the dodgy hatchet jobs of the past releases of the first have been annoying and a little badly handled.  What you are here for is me telling you how good the release is or is not.

DISC

Theatrical Version is, yes a 4K scan which adds little to the overall film. Extended Unrated Version is a bit better. This is frankly due to the colour instability within the spliced in scenes for the unrated violence being improved but honestly, not resolved. It now has a dip in quality and in depth of blues and reds. An issue in a Santa film.

EXTRAS

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT has some quality bits. My fave 3 –  Slay Bells Ring is interesting and has people in the film and makers of it, talking about it. With some level of explorative pay back. Santa’s Stocking of Outrage notes the outrage on the film and Santa’s treatment. Chop chop. Christmas in July is a tickler. Places then and now are always fun to see…

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT II is a bad film. Actually it is a terrible film. However the Audio commentary is excellent. Not only funny but also reveals some odd inspirations. Odd ideas. Clever conversations and a great time had by all. It probably explains that a good set makes a bad film as a bad set makes a good one…