Note: Publicity stills are NOT screenshots from the 4K master

In this shattering variation on “The Monkey’s Paw,” grief-stricken suburban parents (Academy Award® nominees John Marley of THE GODFATHER and Lynn Carlin of FACES) refuse to accept the news that their son Andy (Richard Backus) has been killed in Vietnam. But when Andy returns home soon after, something may be horribly wrong: Andy is alive and well… or is he? Produced and directed by Bob Clark (BLACK CHRISTMAS) and written by Alan Ormsby (DERANGED), DEATHDREAM was one of the very first films to confront the domestic ravages of the Vietnam War and remains one of the most chilling horror films of all time.

DEATHDREAM was released under several different titles, including DEAD OF NIGHT, THE NIGHT WALK and THE NIGHT ANDY CAME HOME, and marked the grisly debut of gore effects legend Tom Savini (DAWN OF THE DEAD). In honor of its 50th Anniversary, Blue Underground is proud to present this acclaimed shocker in a brand-new restoration, scanned in 4K 16-bit from the 35mm negative with Dolby Vision HDR, overflowing with exclusive new and archival Extras!

For thoughts on Deathdream, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:

Video Quality

Blue Underground presents Deathdream with a very nice 2160p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio sourced from a 16-bit 4K restoration of the 35mm Original Camera Negative with Dolby Vision HDR. The level of detail and clarity is striking most of the time with an excellent amount of natural film grain intact. The grain resolves favorably with only minor fluctuations due to the original photography. The texture present in the outfits and within the production design is terrific. Even the makeup effects details present with horrifying clarity to yield a more visceral reaction. Some shots are a bit soft, but we suspect this is an issue with the source. This transfer does not register much in the way of print damage, but some specks and scratches remain. This presentation is authentic to the original look of the film with the added resolution making elements seem more natural. There are not many jarring digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or other nuisances.

The implementation of Dolby Vision for increased color reaches new levels of nuance. The small-town locale provides a world of complexity in the vegetation and other background elements. This release features some hues in the production design and clothing that radiate off the screen with a vibrant intensity. Lighting conditions are variable due to how scenes were captured, but this disc handles every environmental change as well as can be expected. There are some instances of color temperature fluctuation that we presume are source-related. The black levels are deep with only a couple of moments that border on crush, and highlights are kept in line with no evidence of blooming. Blue Underground has treated this one with respect.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 1.0 Master Audio track that captures the intended soundscape. The track provides an impressive experience that stabilizes the unsteady source. There do not seem to be any egregious instances of age-related wear and tear. The environmental sounds such as car engines and the slamming of doors are rendered well alongside everything else. The score has never sounded better and is used sparingly to establish the tone of the story. There is never a moment where it threatens to overshadow competing sounds, and it maintains a strong balance so that dialogue comes through clearly. Blue Underground has delivered a capably preserved audio presentation that gives this movie new life.

Special Features

4K UHD Blu-Ray

Audio Commentaries: There are two archival commentary tracks recorded for the 2004 DVD release with the main creative figures in which they discuss the development and production of the film, changes from the script, the various names of the film, the performances, shooting on a tight budget, and much more. This disc also provides a new commentary track from film historians in which they discuss the film’s legacy, the history behind the performers and creative team, the aspects that stand out with Clark as a filmmaker, and much more that gives a more critical assessment of the project to complement the personal nature of the competing commentary tracks.

- Audio Commentary #1: Co-Producer/Director Bob Clark with David Gregory from Blue Underground

- Audio Commentary #2: Writer/Make-Up Artist (Uncredited) Alan Ormsby with David Gregory from Blue Underground

- Audio Commentary #3: Film Historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson

Theatrical Trailer: This disc provides the Theatrical Trailer (3:49) for the movie under the title Dead of Night.

Blu-Ray

The Blu-Ray features all of the extras on the 4K UHD disc plus the following:

A Recollection with Star Anya Liffey and Writer/Make-Up Artist Alan Ormsby: A 30-minute interview in which the pair discusses the political commentary of their early work, their relationship with Bob Clark, working on Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things, the production of Deathdream, memories of the other performers, and more.

Notes For A Homecoming – Interview with Composer Carl Zittrer: A 19-minute interview with the composer in which he discusses his initial inspiration to start composing, how he became involved with Bob Clark, the development of the sound for Deathdream, his feelings on the score, and more.

Flying Down To Brooksville – Interview with Production Manager John ‘Bud’ Cardos: A five-minute piece in which Cardos discusses the shooting locations, working with Bob Clark, his value to the production, and more.

Tom Savini – The Early Years: A ten-minute video that finds the legendary makeup artist discussing his early interest in special effects work along with how he created some of the work on Deathdream.

Deathdreaming – Interview with Star Richard Backus: A 12-minute interview with the performer in which he discusses auditioning for Deathdream, what he thought of the script, the shooting locations, memories of Bob Clark, working with the special effects, and more.

The First Andy – Interview with Actor Gary Swanson: A nearly 13-minute interview with the performer who was replaced as the lead of the film after filming some material. The discussion touches on his admiration of Bob Clark, the audition process, memories of filming his scenes, and more.

Screen Test with Original Andy, Gary Swanson: A nearly 13-minute collection of footage that shows the screen test for Swanson acting out different scenes.

Alan Ormsby Student Film: A 10-minute student film is provided that was discussed in the interview with Ormsby above. The film involves a white woman accusing a Black man of a crime he did not commit and the fallout that ensues.

Alternate Opening Titles: A three-and-a-half-minute alternate opening title using the title of Deathdream.

Still Galleries: A collection of posters, advertising, behind-the-scenes photos, stills, and more.

Final Thoughts

Deathdream is a memorable effort from Bob Clark that brings the concept of PTSD to the screen through a genre lens. There is always great power that comes from wishing for something even when it might not be the best for all involved. The narrative takes the time to let you set with the mounting tension before paying it off with a visceral finale. The performers sell their pain and torment well, and the creative flourishes are executed well on a limited budget. Blue Underground has released a new 4K UHD Blu-ray release which features a strong A/V presentation and an assortment of special features not to be missed. If you are a fan of Bob Clark, this is a great addition to the collection. Recommended

Deathdream is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Blue Underground has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.