In Search of Darkness, volume 2
release year: 2019
genre: documentary
viewing setting: home Bluray 9/13-16/25
synopsis: This 4.5 hour documentary continues the work of the first part and explores more horror films (and tangential elements) from the 1980s.
impressions: This is a very well-made fan documentary. It alternates between some capsule discussions of movies from each year and other topics: 1980 movies, Italian horror films, 1981 movies, the craft of horror acting, 1982 movies, Nancy Allen's thoughts, 1983 movies, children in horror films, 1984 movies, Tom Savini's comments on special effects, 1985 films, comedy in 1980s horror, Linnea Quigley's retrospective, 1986 films, anti-heroes, horror video games, 1987 films, Robert Englund's retrospective, 1988 films, unmade horror passion projects, 1989 films, and finally a discussion about how 1980s horror resonated (and still resonates) with fans. Each year's profile features 1-2 minute commentaries on about ten films from that year, while the topical sections offer insight into the behind-the-scenes aspects of making horror movies at that time. Overall, it - like the first disc - was really enjoyable, and brought back memories of those crazy 1980s and their abundance of movies of varying quality and shock value. And there's still a third 4+ hour disc yet to watch...
acting: N/A but the interview segments feature numerous directors, actors, and others from the times.
final word: Probably the most in-depth look at the 1980s horror film genre that exists.
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