‘I’m Dangerous Tonight’ Blu-Ray Review – Tobe Hooper Crafts A Memorable Made-For-TV Horror Film

From the twisted mind of Tobe Hooper, director of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Salem’s Lot, Poltergeist, Lifeforce and Spontaneous Combustion, comes a new kind of sheer, nerve-shattering terror. When Amy (Mädchen Amick, TV’s Twin Peaks) discovers a mysterious old cloak, she turns it into a sexy red dress. It’s perfect for parties—and for awakening demonic impulses from deep within! Turns out, this particular piece of clothing unleashes an ancient, unspeakable evil upon Amy’s sleepy town. Talk about a killer dress! Based on a story by suspense guru Cornell Woolrich (Rear Window), this diabolically entertaining supernatural thriller co-stars Dee Wallace (Cujo), R. Lee Ermey (Full Metal Jacket), Natalie Schafer (TV’s Gilligan’s Island), William Berger (Sabata) and horror legend Anthony Perkins (Psycho).

For thoughts on I’m Dangerous Tonight, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic: 

Video Quality

I’m Dangerous Tonight comes to Blu-Ray with a digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer derived from a new 2K master that is quite fetching. The fact that Kino Classics has not only rescued this relatively obscure television film from the deep recesses of the past  but has also given it a beautiful presentation is very exciting. Overall clarity and detail is impressive, and skin tones are natural and consistent with subtle facial features easily noticeable in closeup. This transfer maintains the natural film grain of the source without any hints of digital tinkering. The grain presents as organic rather than overwhelmingly noisy or clumpy, which allows for greater depth to the image. Colors are well saturated with bright hues popping off the screen, especially when it comes to the central red dress. Black levels are deep and hold up well with crush not serving as a noticeable issue. Instances of print damage have been cleaned up immensely, with nary a blemish that stands out. Kino Classics has really delivered something that fans of the film will flip over. . 

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that effortlessly captures the intended sound of the film. The eerie music from Nicholas Pike is used well to establish the mood of the story, and this track handles it elegantly throughout the duration of the film. There is never a moment where it threatens to overwhelm competing sounds, and it maintains a good balance so that dialogue comes through clearly. The environmental sounds are rendered well alongside everything else to provide some texture to the proceedings. There does not seem to be any majorly noticeable instances of age-related wear and tear. Kino Classics has delivered a perfectly capable audio experience for fans. 

Special Features

• Audio Commentary #1: Kristopher Woofter and Will Dodson, Editors of American Twilight: The Cinema of Tobe Hooper, provide a pretty decent, informative commentary track in which they discuss how this fits into the career of Tobe Hooper, the background of the made-for-TV movies on USA Network, the backgrounds of the performers, how Hooper uses colors thematically, the way in which this story differs from the source material, how the script uses other established stories within its narrative and more. This track never gets too energetic, but you get some good info in the end. 

• Audio Commentary #2: Filmmaker/Historian Michael Varrati gives a fact-filled commentary track that is similar in many respects to the first track, but it does a good job of providing some unique points not covered in the other one. It is also a bit more energetic for those who need the boost. 

• Devil In A Red Dress – Interview with Actress Dee Wallace: A newly-filmed 15-minute interview in which Wallace fondly reflects on her experiences working in the horror genre, how she came to be involved with I’m Dangerous Tonight, the difficulties of the shoot, working with Tobe Hooper, the physicality that comes from being a dancer, her feelings about the film and more. 

• Seeing Red – Interview with Director Of Photography Levie Isaacks: A nearly 12-minute newly-filmed interview in which Isaacks discusses his fondness for shooting in the dark, the different demands of working in television and film, his collaboration with Tobe Hooper, what he learned about directing horror, his impression of the film and more. 

• Making I’m Dangerous Tonight – Behind-the-Scenes Footage: A 48-minute collection of behind-the-scenes footage from the production including rehearsals, shot setup, and more. 

• • Optional Audio Commentary by Videographer Stan Giesea, Moderated by Filmmaker Michael Felsher: An option to watch this footage with a new interview in which Giesea discusses his experiences on the set, witnessing creative decisions in real time, his awe of Anthony Perkins, the lack of set dressing in the domestic locations, the attitudes of the various creative figures, and more. This is a great, unexpected supplement. 

• A Dress To Bring Out The Devil In You: An 18-minute video essay by Filmmaker and Programmer Chris O’Neill which gives a nice examination of the film, its origins as a television movie and a short story, the specific framing and lighting styles, the performances and more. 

• Video Trailer: A minute-and-a-half trailer is provided for I’m Dangerous Tonight. 

Final Thoughts

I’m Dangerous Tonight is a pretty fun little tale which indulges in the eccentricities of its premise with a light touch. Tobe Hooper treats this television film with no less respect as he brings his keen eye to every aspect of the production from shot composition to the steady pacing and more. The women are the standouts in the performance department with Mädchen Amick and Dee Wallace having the most fun in their roles. Kino Classics has delivered a Blu-Ray sporting an unbelievable A/V presentation and some worthwhile special features. If you are a fan of any of the talent involved, you can consider this one a wise investment. Recommended 

I’m Dangerous Tonight is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray. 

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

Disclaimer: Kino Classics has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.