Silent Night, Deadly Night: Parts 1 & 2 – Limited Edition (4K UHD Review)

Reviewed by: Tim Salmons
Review Date: Jul 13, 2026
Format: 4K Ultra HD

Director

Charles E. Sellier Jr./Lee Harry

Release Date(s)

1984 (December 10, 2025)

Studio(s)

Tri-Star Pictures/Silent Night Releasing Corporation (Imprint Films/Via Vision Entertainment)

Film/Program Grade: See Below
Video Grade: See Below
Audio Grade: See Below
Extras Grade: A
Overall Grade: A

viavision.com.au

Review

[Editor’s Note: This is a Region-Free Australian 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray import.]

Extremely controversial upon release, Silent Night, Deadly Night didn’t necessarily inaugurate the critical derision pattern for horror in the 1980s, but it certainly took more of a beating than most. It was one of the few that was pulled from theaters during its initial run, mostly due to angry parents protesting the film as it was being advertised on television in the afternoons, featuring scenes of a serial killer Santa Claus. Meanwhile, its eventual sequel, Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2, carried an enormous amount of baggage due to the controversy that surrounded its predecessor. It too was protested out of theaters and despised by many, without having seen it.

Billy (Robert Brian Wilson) and Ricky (Eric Freeman) are psychologically scarred after seeing their parents murdered by a man in a Santa Claus suit. Billy is put into an orphanage, growing up under the strict rule of Mother Superior (Lilyan Chauvin), later working at a toy store in his adult life. His childhood trauma comes roaring back to him when he’s asked to wear a Santa Claus outfit for the holidays, which triggers him into a homicidal rampage, wronging all of those who he deems to be “naughty.” In the sequel, we learn that Ricky was adopted and given a more stable home life, but his childhood trauma gets the better of him, as well. He too goes on a killing spree throughout his neighborhood, eventually donning his own Santa Claus costume and making his way to the home of Mother Superior for some long overdue revenge.

Despite Silent Night, Deadly Night being released with a proper marketing campaign by the then newly-formed Tri-Star Pictures, the reaction to it was severely overblown. Watching the film today, you realize just how tame it is compared to what came in its wake, especially on TV. The fact that it was so detested by overzealous Moms made horror fans just want to see it that much more, though many of them didn’t get the chance to do so until it landed on home video. And whether it was intended or not, Silent Night, Deadly Night has a touch of satire to it, sometimes accidentally pulling off unintentional comedy, while at the same time exploring the how and why of a serial killer character—something overlooked by critics at the time.

The first half of the film is a bit ugly and not that pleasant to sit through, but the latter half is cheap fun, punctuated by Billy’s cries of “Punish!” whenever he murders someone, from his co-workers to promiscuous teenagers. Everything from an ax, the claw end of a hammer, a set of Christmas lights, a bow and arrow, and even a set of mounted deer antlers gets put to sadistic use during his aforementioned killing spree, which was ultimately trimmed down for the theatrical version.

By contrast, the sequel, Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2, is notorious in the age of the internet for Ricky’s over-the-top utterance of “Garbage Day!” before shooting an innocent man in the process of taking his trash cans out to the curb. Mostly utilizing footage from the first film, it’s far more campy and self-aware, deflating the danger, but increasing the entertainment value, perhaps in unintentional ways. It’s not just another piece of hack and slash that goes in a straight line from point A to point B. It’s kind of erratic, which is what makes it enjoyable, but not necessarily “good.” In fact, it’s been adopted by many non-horror fans as “so bad it’s good.”

Three more films in the series would be produced throughout the 1980s and 1990s, as well as two remakes, but most fans prefer the simplicity of the original Silent Night, Deadly Night and the laugh-inducing antics of its sequel Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2; though they were and still tend to be overshadowed by other long-running horror franchises, birthed in the same era.

Silent Night, Deadly Night was shot by cinematographer Henning Schellerup while cinematographer Harvey Genkins lensed Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2, both on 35mm film using Panavision Panaflex cameras and spherical lenses. The results for each were finished photochemically, and both were presented theatrically in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Imprint Films brings the original film to Ultra HD utilizing the Shout! Studios 4K transfer of the theatrical version from the original camera negative, which has been graded for High Dynamic Range in HDR10 and Dolby Vision, and encoded to a dual-layered BD-66 disc. It’s a very attractive upgrade over Shout’s 2017 Blu-ray release, tightening up detail and resolving heavy grain levels with mostly solid bitrates, though they do occasionally dip in areas where they might have otherwise spiked with a more guided encode. Nevertheless, the presentation looks great with only minor speckling. A personal nitpick of mine is that all of optical transitions have been re-created digitally, which is not my preference point, but others will appreciate the increase in visual quality over aesthetics. The HDR passes mightily improve the contrast with deeper blacks and bolder swatches of red (and green). It’s a stable presentation and easily the best the film has ever looked on disc. The unrated version, included on a separate Blu-ray, is also the same master as before, incorporating upscaled standard definition inserts for a couple of extra seconds of bloodletting.

For Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2, Imprint is including the same previous Shout! Studios high definition master that debuted in 2018. The opening text from their release has been removed stating that “this new HD master was created from the best archival film print available to us. The original film elements are missing. For the flashback sequences, we went back to our HD master for that footage.” This means the Part 2 footage is print-sourced and the rest is from the 2017 master of the original film. The differences in this footage are more obvious now to my 2026 eyes than they were to my 2018 eyes, especially one section towards the end that required the use of much lower resolution footage in order to complete it. Otherwise, everything appears organic to the original sources. Bitrates sit in the 30 to 40Mbps range most of the time, though the encode is limited by its container. The print-sourced material lacks depth with obvious crush and a softness, but it’s fairly clean and stable with good saturation. It’s just a shame that the original camera negative, or even an interpositive for the film, has yet to surface as of this writing.

Audio for both versions of the first film is presented English 2.0 mono and 2.0 stereo LPCM, while the second film features 2.0 mono LPCM only, both with optional subtitles in English SDH. Although an understandably narrower presentation, the original mono for the first film still packs a punch. Dialogue is clean and clear while sound effects have some boost to them, including screams and gunshots. Perry Botkin’s score has the most aural power behind it, booming when necessary. The stereo option pushes the score into the back of the mix while steering occasional sound effects, such as cars passing across the frame. Dialogue is anchored mostly to the center. Part 2’s audio is fairly limited, but comes through well enough with discernible dialogue and good support for sound effects and Michael Armstrong’s score. All of these tracks are clean with no obvious issues.

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT (FILM/VIDEO/AUDIO): C+/A-/B+
SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT PART 2 (FILM/VIDEO/AUDIO): D+/B/B+

The deluxe Limited Edition 4-Disc 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release of Silent Night, Deadly Night Parts 1 & 2 contains one UHD disc and 3 Blu-ray discs in a black Amaray case with a double-sided insert featuring the list of extras on each disc on the inner sleeve. Everything is housed in a hardbox slipcase featuring 3D lenticular artwork of Joel Robinson’s artworks for both films. The impressive swag in this release includes three color matte laminated 27” x 40” folded posters and a reproduction of the original press kit for Silent Night, Deadly Night; a single color matte laminated 27” x 40” folded poster for Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2; eight lobby card reproductions from both films; a reprint of the first issue of the official Silent Night, Deadly Night comic book adaptation by American Mythology Productions; and an unrated VHS of Silent Night, Deadly Night in a traditional cardboard sleeve, which is offered with NTSC and PAL options. All of this material is housed in a large spot gloss hardbox measuring 13” x 9” and weighing nearly 3 and a half pounds. It’s also housed and shipped in a clear protective outer case. Needless to say, this an oversized addition to anyone’s shelf. The following extras are included on each disc:

DISC ONE: SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT – THEATRICAL CUT (UHD)

Audio Commentary by Amanda Reyes and The Hysteria Continues Podcast
Theatrical Trailer (HD – 1:37)

DISC TWO: SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT – THEATRICAL CUT (BD)

Audio Commentary by Amanda Reyes and The Hysteria Continues Podcast
The Night He Came Home... For Christmas: Creating Silent Night, Deadly Night (HD – 16:47)
In Search of Charles Sellier Jr: Remembering the Director (HD – 10:32)
Naughty or Nice: 40 Years of Silent Night, Deadly Night (HD – 11:52)

DISC THREE: SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT – UNRATED CUT (BD)

Audio Commentary by Robert Brian Wilson, Scott Schneid, and Justin Beahm
Audio Commentary by Michael Hickey, Perry Botkin, Michael Spence, and Scott Schneid
Slay Bells Ring: The Story of Silent Night, Deadly Night (SD – 45:51)
Oh Deer! – Linnea Quigley on Silent Night, Deadly Night (SD – 21:50)
Christmas in July: Silent Night, Deadly Night Locations (SD – 10:00)
Audio Interview with Director Charles E. Sellier Jr. (HD – 58:03)
Trailers (HD and Upscaled SD – 3 in all – 2:20)
TV Spots (SD – 2 in all – 1:10)
Radio Spot (HD – :36)
Poster and Stills Gallery (HD – 11 in all – :58)
Santa’s Stocking of Outrage Text Gallery (HD – 4:31)

The theatrical version features an audio commentary with the The Hysteria Continues podcast, made up of J.A. Kerswell, Erik Threlfall, Joseph Henson, and Nathan Johnson, who are joined by author and film historian Amanda Reyes. They weigh the pros and cons of whether or not the film is intentionally ironic while also delving into the politics of the time and if they played a part in the film’s creation. They also discuss the many actors and filmmakers and their ties to other films, horror and otherwise. Reyes and Kerswell do most of the talking, with Threlfall, Henson, and Johnson occasionally jumping in to further the discussion.

In The Night He Came Home... For Christmas, co-executive producer Scott Schneid discusses the genesis of the project from a spec script that had the germ of an idea for the film, using backstory as story in order to understand the creation of a psychopathic character, raising money before bringing the project to Tri-Star, having no input in the actual production, praising the score by Perry Botkin and the memorable poster artwork by Burt Kleeger, and the eventual backlash upon release. In Search of Charles Sellier Jr speaks to editor Michael Spence who details his early days as an editor and accepting an offer to work for Sunn Classic Pictures where he met and worked with Charles Sellier Jr, gaining lots of experience by working on a lot of projects back to back; and the eventual demise of the original company and his association with Sellier. Naughty or Nice talks to co-executive producers Dennis Whitehead and Scott Schneid about getting the merchandising rights back to the franchise and exploiting them in different ways.

The unrated version features an audio commentary with actor Robert Brian Wilson and Scott Schneid, moderated by Reverend Entertainment’s Justin Beahm. They delve into many aspects of the production that’s been discussed previously, but with the added benefit of Wilson being present to bring his own experiences to the table. It’s more of a question and answer session, to some degree, but it flows well enough as a conversation with some diversions here and there. The second audio commentary, recorded in 2014 for Anchor Bay’s Blu-ray release, features writer Michael Hickey, composer Perry Botkin, Scott Schneid, and Michael Spence. Honestly, it’s not a great track since the film’s audio dominates when nobody is speaking. They do manage to get into some decent discussions about the production and everything surrounding it, but it feels labored.

Next is the excellent documentary Slay Bells Ring: The Story of Silent Night, Deadly Night, featuring interviews with Michael Hickey, Scott Schneid, Dennis Whitehead, Michael Spence, Perry Botkin, and Robert Brian Wilson. It’s much of the same information about the film, but done well. Oh Deer! features an interview with actress Linnea Quigley about her involvement with the film, and her career as a horror actress and icon. Christmas in July takes a look at the filming locations, making comparisons of what they looked like then (in 2017 when this was made) versus the final film. Following that is an extended audio interview with director Charles E. Sellier, Jr. conducted by the Deadpit Radio podcast, which is invaluable since Sellier isn’t represented anywhere else in the extras.

The Trailers contain the original red-band theatrical trailer, the USA Home Entertainment video trailer, and the Japanese home video trailer. The TV Spots contain the Australian home video trailer and a TV spot from the film’s original US release. The Poster and Stills Gallery contains 11 images of posters, home video artwork, merchandise, and stills from the film. Santa’s Stocking of Outrage contains a collection of quotes from various folks who, needless to say, were not in favor of the film when it was released.

DISC FOUR: SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT PART 2 (BD)

Audio Commentary by Lee Harry, Joseph H. Earle, and James Newman
Audio Commentary by Lee Harry, Eric Freeman, James Newman, and Justin Beahm
Slay Bells Ring Again: The Story of Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 (SD – 74:39)
I Don’t Sleep: A Conversation with Christopher Biggs (SD – 62:19)
Garbage Days Are Here Again: Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 Filming Locations (SD – 19:30)
Ricky Today: The Caldwell Interview (SD – 7:55)
Theatrical Trailer (HD – 1:57)
Stills Gallery (SD – 42 in all – 7:03)

The audio commentary features director, editor, and co-writer Lee Harry, co-writer/associate producer Joseph H. Earle, and actor James L. Newman, which was recorded for the 2003 Anchor Bay DVD release. It’s an interesting track for its time since the participants are very self-deprecating and have mixed feelings about the final product, despite apparently enjoying themselves while making it. It’s a very natural and upbeat track. The second commentary sees the return of Lee Harry and James Newman, now joined by actor Eric Freeman, and moderated once again by Justin Beahm. It’s far more perfunctory as it’s basically a Q&A, but having Eric Freeman’s involvement is absolutely crucial.

Slay Bells Ring Again is the second part of the documentary included with the first film, featuring interviews with Lee Harry, Eric Freeman, James Newman, actors Elizabeth Kaitan, Darrel Guilbeau, Kenny McCabe, and make-up effects artist Christopher Biggs. I Don’t Sleep interviews Christopher Biggs separately, going over his entire career, including his work on Saturday the 14th, Scalps, Ghoulies, Mausoleum, Critters, A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 4: The Dream Master, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, The Goonies, Ghosts of Mars, and Reign of Fire, as well as other unrealized projects. Garbage Days Are Here Again takes a look at the filming locations, making comparisons of what they looked like then (in 2018 when this was made) versus the final film. Ricky Today is a short film featuring Eric Freeman reprising his character. Last is the theatrical trailer and a Stills Gallery that contains 42 images of behind-the-scenes photos, storyboards, and newspaper clippings.

Not included from previous releases is the trailer for the Finding Freeman documentary from Scream Factory’s 2018 Blu-ray release of Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2, as well as the original screenplay for the film from the 2003 Anchor Bay DVD release, which was included as a .PDF file via DVD-ROM.

Neither Silent Night, Deadly Night or Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 are masterpieces of horror, by any stretch of the imagination. However, they’re fairly effective pieces of entertainment on different levels than most mainstream audiences might care for, and keeping that in mind, they can be enjoyable. The 4K upgrade of the first film is quite good, and Imprint’s massive, shelf-shattering package is certainly impressive, but fans in the US who already own Scream Factory’s UHD and Blu-ray releases of the first and second films respectively might want to think twice. This package is meant for the uber fans of the series, and it definitely belongs under their Christmas trees. In that sense, this set is highly recommended.

- Tim Salmons

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