So BLACK CHRISTMAS has a remake coming, and if the yawn-inducing crop of new pics are any indication, it looks to be another by-the-numbers remake that sullies the original. Thank the Dude Upstairs for DVD.
Originally released by Critical Mass Releasing in Canada (forget the Eclectic DVD, that was junk), the DVD was superb all around (save for the transfer). Now, in anticipation for the remake’s release, Koch Entertainment will release an all-new definitive special edition of the original on December 5th. Featuring a brand-new digitally remastered anamorphic transfer (from hi-def) and a newly created Dolby Digital 5.1 track, the package will also sport over two hours of bonus materials supervised by “ItsMeBilly.com” creator Dan Duffin.
Included is The 12 Days of BLACK CHRISTMAS, an all-new documentary featuring current interviews with Art Hindle, Doug McGrath, Lynne Griffin and others, interview segments with Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder, two original scenes with a recently uncovered vocal soundtrack and a midnight screening Q&A session with director Bob Clark, composer Carl Zittrer and actor John Saxon.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that the extras from the Critical Mass DVD will be carried over, which is a shame since that release had two commentaries, radio/TV spots, trailers and a whack of other stuff. If for some reason the extras do turn out to be different for both releases, get both if you’re the completist.