Don't Dare Make New Year's Resolutions... Unless You Plan To Live!
Released by: Scream Factory
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Production Year: 1980
Region Code: A
Running Time: 1:25:33
Audio: English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono
Video: 1080p (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English
THE FILM:
Diane "Blaze" Sullivan, the host of a nationally televised punk-rock show on New Year's Eve, is receiving calls from a mysterious killer who tells her of his plans to off someone at midnight in each of America's major time zones... and she will be the last.
Directed by Emmett Alston, "New Year's Evil" stars Roz Kelly (who played Pinky Tuscadero on Happy Days), Kip Niven (Magnum Force), Grant Cramer (Killer Klowns From Outer Space), Louisa Moritz (Death Race 2000), Taaffe O'Connell (Galaxy of Terror) and Teri Copley (We Got It Made).
AUDIO:
The only audio option present on this release is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track. It does a nice job in all areas with a good balance between the score, sound effects and dialogue.
VIDEO:
"New Year's Evil" comes to high definition thanks to Scream Factory. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio. I found the video quality to look very good overall. Colors appear vibrant. Skin tones look natural. Black levels look good, offering some appropriate details. The contrast levels appear to be fine as well. There is a very good amount of fine detail present throughout, with the characters hair, faces and clothing faring very well. There's a nice thin layer of grain present throughout the film, with levels becoming a little heavier during some darker scenes.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
In addition to the following extras, there is also a Chapter Selection Screen and English Subtitles.
Audio Commentary - Bill Olsen of Code Red DVD hosts "New Year's Evil" Director, Emmett Alston in this commentary track. They do a fair job of talking about the scenes in the film as it plays along as well Mr. Alston adding personal anecdotes. It's a relaxed commentary with Mr. Olsen cracking jokes and laughing often. There are quiet moments throughout the duration but thankfully they don't last too long.
The Making of New Year's Evil (37:16) - This featurette includes interviews with Director of Photography, Thomas Ackerman and actors, Kip Niven, Grant Cramer and Taaffe O'Connell.
Theatrical Trailer (1:46)
IN CONCLUSION:
"New Year's Evil" is another film from the heyday 80's slasher craze particularly where producers were scrambling to capitalize on any holiday they could. It features a killer with a gimmicky voice trick, over two decades before "Scream" made it cool. The film never had the huge fan base some others had, but the killer saying "Eeeeeevil" is memorable. Plus there is a somewhat catchy song that may end up getting on your nerves if you leave the Blu-ray sitting at the Main Menu for too long. Fans of the film will definitely want this Blu-ray because it looks and sounds very good. Plus there are a couple extras included. If you're unfamiliar with the film, you may want to go a rental route if possible because this film is not for everyone but die hard slasher fans should find enough positive things to satisfy them.To me, the film is alright, but this release looks good so it makes it more enjoyable.
OVERALL: 3.5/5