Macabre Daily Takes A Look At Scream Factory's Collector's Edition of 'NIGHT CREATURES!'
Full disclosure, Hammer Films have never been a major interest of mine. If you are a Hammerhead (is that a thing? I’m calling it a thing), then Scream Factory’s collector’s edition of “Night Creatures” might be for you.
Movie:
Previously titled “Captain Clegg,” “Night Creatures” is about a group of smugglers that encounter “marsh phantoms,” which are…ghosts on horseback? It’s a little hard to tell, but they glow in the moonlight. Peter Cushing plays the local parson, who leads the smugglers and tries to evade the phantoms, as well as the navy men who are trying to catch them. Cushing gives it his usual gusto, despite a truly terrible wig. With spooky spectres terrorizing a nautical town where smugglers conspire with a priest, It’s possible “Night Creatures” was an inspiration for “The Fog.” They could make a good double feature.
Look and Sound:
I didn’t have a basis for comparison, until I googled this trailer from 10 years ago, which doesn’t do the film any favors. Luckily, Scream Factory doesn’t mess around when it comes to their restorations, and the 2k here is no exception. It’s like a fresh coat of paint. Plus, you can actually see what’s happening.
Bonus Features:
For a 60-year-old film, there’s a lot here. If you’re a fan of the film, there is a ton of scholarship here. In addition to a making-of, the always-welcome Kim Newman sits down for a lengthy chat, as does film historian Jonathan Rigby. These three featurettes total over 90 minutes, and that’s besides the interview with Brian Johnson, a special effects artist who worked on the film. He is the only one on the disc who was there for the making of it, but we’re lucky Scream Factory could get anyone who’s still alive. Nobody wants to see a CGI Peter Cushing. Oh wait…
There’s also a commentary by another historian, Bruce Hallenbeck, which is straightforward and informative. Hallenbeck recounts many tidbits about the production and the source material. He sounds like a soothing tour guide. All together, the supplemental material makes for a good look back at an overlooked title.
“Night Creatures” is now available from Scream Factory.
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