The Night Stalker/The Night Strangler (Double Feature) [DVD]

Definitely a great horror movie classic definitely

Love this series.

First, I will say the quality, both sound & visual are excellent! Remember this is D.V.D.! And as to date the most affordable route to go. I recently purchased the D.V.D. complete Kolchak series...but unfortunately it didn't come with the 2 made for T.V. Piolets. I will say do not let the term made for T.V. put you off! These films were made in an area where T.V. competition was fierce. Actually these 2 feature length films are superior to most of the tripe coming out in theaters today. Ok, ok. Back to the product. You get the full-length pilot based on the book " The Night Stalker" which inspired the 2 Pilots & the Series. Please remember all of these were made between 1972 & I believe one of the series Episode's was made in 75. The first film is star studded. Kolchak's love interest was played by the gal that sang " The Morning After" in The Poseidon Adventure, 70's version. If your older like me, you will recognize many famous actors. As I said the competition was fierce, remember most people only got 3 or 4 channels, counting P.B.S.! Without giving away spoilers, I will say both movies are the complete long versions. And don't bother looking for " Widescreen" as this was filmed for T.V., so you are getting the art of filming intact. I would love to go on about these films but anymore would be superfluous. I will say this much. If you saw these movies & the series back in the day you know their worth getting. If you are younger but liked " The X Files", " Destination Truth< & shows about cryptid's this is the series that started it all. I say this because " Twilight Zone", "From Beyond" & others didn't focus on Cryptids like " The Night Stalker " did. This was my best option for updating my V.H.S. collection. In this economy I just couldn't swing for the Blu-Ray's. P.S. Youngsters, the special effects may seem a bit cheesy to you...but they were top notch in the 70's! As far as these 2 movies the special effects are just fine. Did I say Cheesy...yes there is a " Cheese Factor " in the writing of the series, but actor Darren Macgavin pulls it off with style! Purchase with care, make sure you're getting what you want!!! My adult children are still entertained with these movies & the series they spawned..

Two classics, the best of the series

Good product

Both of these movies garnished tremendous TV ratings when they first aired. The Night Stalker being the highest Nielson rated TV movie to date when it first aired on Jan 11th 1972. Darren McGavin was perfectly cast as the trouble prone investigative news reporter in his familiar crumpled suit, straw hat and driving his classic 1966 yellow Ford mustang convertible. Similar traits to Lt. Columbo but yet I realize two entirely different characters. Kolchak is an Independent wire services reporter chasing after a crime story lead that in his case always ends up having a supernatural antagonist with a shocking twist ending to it. I also compare Kolchak to Columbo because they both initially come across sometimes as bumbling and disorganized to the unaware observer. Both characters can be irritating to others at times with their constant off the wall questions and quirky mannerisms. However, as the viewer learns early on, it's all part of their own ingenious plan to catch their suspected culprit. The only difference is that when Kolchak succeeds, there's always some type of para normal circumstance left surrounding the case. Kolchak never tells anybody the true facts of the story. Why? Frankly it's because because he realizes nobody would ever believe him. It's a travesty of justice that this TV series only lasted just one season (20 episodes) on ABC between September 13, 1974 – March 28, 1975. Possibly, future theatrical releases or instead TV Movies of the Week would've earned higher numbers in fan viewership. However, the network was determined to go ahead with their plans of a weekly TV series. In fact I understand that Darren McGavin was all in the idea of doing future movie sequels . I just know as a kid I loved watching this weekly series. It didn't matter to me that the series was moved 3 times by the network to different timeslots and days of the week. As a loyal fan, I always sought it out. I never missed an episode. Unfortunately, I would imagine though that many adults, in all the confusion of finding the right air date, took the easier route available and just gave up looking entirely. That's probably the reason the show in the end was ultimately cancelled. Relive the brilliance of Kolchak and maybe for some of you, for just the very first time. Discover for yourself, why this double feature movie became a supernatural cult classic. Spawning a weekly TV series like no other. One that many imitators years later, tried desperately to duplicate in form, but still could never surpass the original. My advice is to pop yourself a bag of popcorn, turn down the lights, turn on the TV and just get ready to have yourself and your family a scary fun time. Enjoy.