Two Tales of Vengeance

Read Time:5 Minute, 27 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Dark Night Of The Scarecrows: Ultimate Collector's Edition Double-feature (4K)
Dark Night of the Scarecrow –
Dark Night of the Scarecrow 2 –

Genre: Horror
Year Released: 1981 / 2022, 2024 VCI 4K
Runtime: 1h 36m / 1h 25m
Director(s): Frank De Felitta / J.D. Feigelson
Writer(s): J.D. Feigelson, Butler Handcock / Ray Bradbury, J.D. Feigelson
Cast: Charles Durning, Robert F. Lyons, Claude Earl Jones, Lane Smith, Tonya Crowe, Larry Drake, Jocelyn Brando, Amber Wedding, Adam Snyder, Carol Dines, Aiden Shurr, Tim Gooch, Mike VanZant, Richard Seng
Where To Watch: available September 10, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.vcientertainment.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW delivers a chilling narrative against the eerie backdrop of 1980s rural America, weaving a story of supernatural vengeance with a poignant social commentary. The film starts with a scene that grips the viewer, setting the stage for a confrontation that spirals into a tale of terror and retribution. Under Frank De Felitta's direction and J.D. Feigelson's pen, the movie delves into the devastating effects of fear-fueled prejudice within a small town.

The plot centers around Bubba Ritter, played by Larry Drake, a man with intellectual disabilities who becomes the target of a misguided quest for justice after a tragic mishap involving his friend Marylee Williams (Tonya Crowe.) The town's rush to judgment is led by Charles Durning's formidable portrayal of Otis, the postmaster who orchestrates a posse that ultimately confronts Bubba, disguised as a scarecrow in a field. This pivotal scene not only foreshadows the terror to come but also underscores the film’s critical view of mob mentality as the truth about Marylee’s fate unfolds, proving Bubba's innocence.

The standout performances of Durning and Drake significantly bolster the film's emotional impact. They bring depth to their characters and highlight the film's moral and dramatic core. Their portrayals resonate as the narrative unfolds, revealing the dire consequences of their actions through spectral encounters with ominous scarecrow figures—each a harbinger of their impending doom.

In the early 1980s, the portrayal of mental disabilities in film often lacked the nuanced understanding and sensitivity that we expect today. However, here, we see a forward-thinking exception in some respects. The film ventures beyond the typical stereotypes of the era, presenting its character with a mental disability as more than just a plot device. Instead, it portrays a depth of character and innocence that fills the viewers with empathy rather than fear or pity, challenging audiences to question their prejudices. This approach was surprisingly progressive for its time, hinting at the potential for film to influence societal attitudes towards mental disability with dignity and respect. To be transparent, the movie portrayal still had issues looking at it from today’s perspective, but it was still better than other portrayals I’ve seen.

However, DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW, more than four decades in the making, has plenty of challenges as a follow-up. The film grapples with pacing issues, particularly in its second half, where the tension wanes as the story stretches to fill its runtime. Despite these moments, the narrative regains some of its momentum with a strategically placed twist that helps to up the suspense, engaging viewers with a blend of horror that relies more on atmospheric tension than graphic displays.

The movie's exploration of themes such as unchecked authority and societal prejudice is both timely and timeless. It portrays the supernatural events as metaphorical scales of justice, rebalancing the moral order in a community blinded by fear and bias. This not only sets DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW apart from typical horror fare but also enriches the viewing experience with layers of depth, inviting audiences to ponder the real horrors of human nature. Oddly, these are two very different films, looking to capture two very different audiences.

Despite its cult status and influence on the horror genre, particularly in the scarecrow-themed subgenre, the 2022 sequel to DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW struggles to recapture the atmospheric magic of the original. It struggled to construct the same suspense and character depth level, leading to an underwhelming continuation compared to its predecessor.

DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW is a significant contribution to horror cinema; while not perfect, the film is iconic, distinguished by its blend of supernatural elements and insightful commentary on societal issues. It challenges viewers to reflect on deeper psychological fears and the consequences of collective wrongdoing, making it essential viewing for anyone who appreciates a thoughtful and provocative horror experience.

Bonus Materials:
A new 2023 DNOTS Triple Fan Commentary Track will be Hosted by Heath Holland (Cereal Midnight Podcaster) and feature Robert Kelly, a noted film historian, and super-fan Amanda Reyes, an expert on TV movies, author, and podcaster!
Original DNOTS Commentary Track with Writer J.D. Feigelson and Director Frank DeFelitta.
New 2023 DNOTS2 Commentary by J.D. Feigelson
Video Feature – “Bubba Didn’t Do It: 30 Years of the Scarecrow” by Daniel Griffith.
Video Feature – DNOTS Cast Reunion Q&A Recorded at the 2011 Frightfest Film Festival.
Video Feature – 1981 CBS World Premiere Broadcast Promo.
Video Feature – 1985 CBS Network Re-Broadcast Promo.
Photo Gallery – Behind the Scenes.

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[photo courtesy of VCI ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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