Deathdream
Something Unspeakable Has Come Home
In this shattering variation on The Monkey's Paw, grief-stricken suburban parents (Academy Award nominees John Marley of The Godfather and Lynn Carlin of Faces) refuse to accept the news that their son Andy (Richard Backus) has been killed in Vietnam. But when Andy returns home soon after, something may be horribly wrong: Andy is alive and well or is he? Produced and directed by Bob Clark (Black Christmas) and written by Alan Ormsby (Deranged), Deathdream became one of the very first films to confront the domestic ravages of the Vietnam War. More than thirty years later, it remains one of the most chilling horror films of all time.
Deathdream was released under several different titles, including Dead Of Night, The Night Walk and The Night Andy Came Home, and marked the grisly debut of gore effects legend Tom Savini (Dawn Of The Dead). Blue Underground is proud to present this acclaimed zombie shocker fully restored from a long-lost negative, as well as exclusive new Extras that include two featurettes, audio commentaries with Ormsby and Clark, a definitive ad art gallery and more.
Member Reviews
God bless Bob Clark. - OrionJeriko
Deathdream is certainly a unique zombie film and is seemingly underrated based off its unconventional nature.
DD concerns a young man, Andy, who has perished at the hands of the Vietcong during the Vietnam war. Andy inexplicably raises from the dead and returns home in mid-west USA.
In order to sustain himself physically, Andy must mainstream the blood of the living into his own system, which in turn results in the death of many. Andy's parents come to realize that is he behind this havok and must put an end to him themselves.
Deathdream is a film of many layers and contexts. The primary focus lies on the aftermath of the human psyche after enduring war, and the lack of recognition for the soldiers efforts when they arrive home. One line in particular is striking: when Andy is about to murder he exclaims to his victim "I died for you, why shouldn't you return the favour?".
Andy being stripped of his soul and "zombified" as a result of war is also very telling, and is certainly pertinint today given the percentage of today's soldiers who succumb to mental illness shortly after their arrival home.
All in all, despite some mediocre acting, Deathdream is a film that should be seen by all. Not for its exploitation of violence and nudity, but, for a change, a horror film that puts some perspective on the horror of war.Very worthy film - Coconut_Willy
I was quite impressed with this movie although my expectations were not very high. True, it is low budget all the way but regardless, very well made. The storyline is very good with a well presented social commentary on the consequences of war, the acting (although a bit uneven) is good and the sets and locations are well adapted to the story. Of course, being a big Tom Savini fan, I really liked the make-up effects. The soundtrack is appropriate and the camera work is good enough. It is obvious though (in my opinion) that a bigger production would have yielded a much higher quality movie.
The transfer to DVD is not very good; colors and definition are passable and there is plenty of visible damage throughout. The extras are very interesting; interviews with Savini and one of the main actors, alternate opening and closing sequences. Overall, a pretty good rental.A classic!! - JJVegas
This is a great horror film. It was released with a few different titles. When I first saw the film in the early 80's it was called "The Night Adam Came Home". It has a very original story line, that keeps the viewer entertained. This movie does have a certain eerie feel. I would recommend this title to people who enjoy a good scare.
Member Reviews
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God bless Bob Clark. - OrionJeriko
Deathdream is certainly a unique zombie film and is seemingly underrated based off its unconventional nature.
DD concerns a young man, Andy, who has perished at the hands of the Vietcong during the Vietnam war. Andy inexplicably raises from the dead ...Very worthy film - Coconut_Willy
I was quite impressed with this movie although my expectations were not very high. True, it is low budget all the way but regardless, very well made. The storyline is very good with a well presented social commentary on the consequences of war, the acting ...A classic!! - JJVegas
This is a great horror film. It was released with a few different titles. When I first saw the film in the early 80's it was called "The Night Adam Came Home". It has a very original story line, that keeps the viewer entertained. This movie does have a certain ...