I really don't want to have to sit here and tell you something that you may either A: already know or B: have heard for many years and strongly disagree with, but here it goes. Black Christmas IS one of the greatest horror films ever made. Whew, that feels better. Why is Black Christmas such a great horror flick and why does it pack as much of a powerful punch today as it did nearly 30 years ago? Well, we'll discuss this further on down the line, but to get things started, let's just use one simple word... and that word is innovation. If you know anything about the film Black Christmas or the horror genre in general, then you should have an idea of what I'm talking about. If not, then read on and I guarantee that you'll probably end up as scared shitless as I am every time I sit down with this gem of a film.

Now I'm going to tell you something once again that you've probably heard a thousand times. You don't need to know much about this story if you've never been. The ultimate success of the film Black Christmas is solely built on its simplicity. No description and I do mean NO description of this film could actually do the experience of watching it any justice and this is no exaggeration. Besides, I'd be willing to wager that the bulk of the folks reading this review already own this film and want to know if they should bother upgrading to what could very well be the definitive version of this horror classic. Once again, we'll get to that soon enough.

In it's simplest terms Black Christmas is a sophisticated slasher flick and at its most complicated it can be so much more. Basically the tale of a group of sorority sisters that are hounded and harassed by a mysterious and all to vulgar crank caller. Circumstances take a disturbing turn when one of the poor gals winds up missing (we know right off the bat that she's dead, the characters in the film do not). Up next is an investigation and the appearance of a few more dead bodies, ultimately leading up to a finale that will forever be etched in your mind when you tuck under the covers and prepare for sleep (which may actually never come).

Now I stated before that the success of Black Christmas as a film is based solely on its simplicity and now I'm going to explain. There is nothing about this film that is outstanding or mind blowing. As a matter of fact all of the elements that ultimately form this film as a whole are mediocre at best. The acting, the directing, the dialogue you name it... as individual pieces, these elements are NOT going to blow you away. However, as a cohesive whole, when you put these elements together and stir, something truly magical happens and THAT'S what Black Christmas is all about. Way ahead of its time it predates both Halloween and When a Stranger Calls both of which borrowed from it heavily (not in a bad way mind you). The film is never over the top, or excessive or exploitative. It simply is, and it works. It's at times a bit slow, the terror is very subtle and historically, this is one hell of an important film.

Simple Yes, never outstanding in its simplicity... once again yes. However, this does not mean that there aren't some superior elements within for one to be in awe of. For starters we're given a great ensemble cast that includes the likes of the adorable and lovely Olivia Hussey (Romeo & Juliet), Margot Kidder, John Saxon and Keir Dullea (2001, 2010). Add to the mix director Bob Clark, one of the most eclectic independent directors ever, and a born storyteller (A Christmas Story, Porky's, Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things) and you really have a combination that just can't lose. The film is executed in a real frightening matter and while Clark may not be one of our more aesthetically pleasing directors his talents definitely shine though. Take for example an effective scene, in which a brutal stabbing is intercut with the bright young faces of children caroling, very creepy. Black Christmas is never in your face or shocking, it's just scary plain and simple.

This DVD edition of Black Christmas (the second released from Critical Mass) is virtually an identical transfer as their previous release, except for one small detail, ItÕs LBX at about 1.66:1. Now, this widescreen framing does not open up any more info on the sides of the frame. What it does do is give us a more cinematic feel and remove some extraneous info from the top and bottom of the frame. With a widescreen matte (just the top and bottom of the frame blocked off) it's usually a hit or miss affair (ie: Evil Dead). However, in this instance I'd say that the matte greatly improves the cinematic appeal of the film and should definitely be choice number one among fans. The lack of a 16X9 enhanced transfer may be troublesome to some, but alas this is the way it was meant to be. This is still a respectable transfer of Black Christmas with fairly stable if not a bit muted colors and only trace amounts of print damage (a few notable scratches, specs etc.).

Audio is presented in English and French Mono as well as in an English 2.0 mix. Both the mono and 2.0 mix are fairly indistinguishable with fairly clear and stable dialogue. We hit a bit of distortion during some of the higher pitched or more boisterous moments, but there's nothing too troubling here. This is an extremely low budget film from nearly 30 years ago mind you, it's not reference quality, but it sounds fine nonetheless.

Now it's time for the money shot folks, and the area in which this disc truly shines. The extras are here and boy are they plentiful. First up we have two feature length audio commentaries, one with director Bob Clark and the other with stars Keir Dullea and John Saxon. Neither of these tracks are mind blowing, they both move at a fairly slow and sometimes tedious pace. Fans of the film will most likely get a kick out of some of the anecdotes and behind the scenes tidbits (as I did) so they are definitely worth at least one listen. Next up is 36 minute feature entitled Black Christmas Revisited which includes a tour of the old sorority house today and some brief bits with many of the cast and crew members, definitely a nice piece. Following Revisited we move on to 2 alternate title sequences (really only the title cards change here) and a host of trailers and radio spots along with a brief if not interesting photo gallery. Still more, this is followed with a 20 minute interview with John Saxon from a Canadian program called Dark Dreamers. This interview not only covers Saxon in Black Christmas but also many other elements of his career, Saxon fans rejoice! More interview follow with another brief 13 minute Saxon interview extended from the previous Revisited featurette along with a 23 minute extended Bob Clark interview (also from the featurette). Have you spooged yet? If not, you should have. Lastly we have a trailer for Murder By Decree a future Critical Mass presentation.

One of the greatest fright flicks of all time finally gets the recognition it deserves. The widescreen framing is definitely an added value over the previous release as are the many cool extras. The lack of a 16X9 enhanced transfer may be troublesome for some, but it really shouldn't be. If you're sitting there right now considering which way to go yay or nay, then you know that means you really want it. Bite the bullet and go for it. From one horror fan to another, you WON'T be disappointed.

For some comparison shots of the previous full frame DVD and this widescreen DVD, click here!