The dvds of the movies and tvseries look fine to me - at least there are no white lines running down the middle of the screen like KINO's release of REINCARNATION OF PETER PROUD. Given that lack of care, can't say I'm glad they're doing the Kolchak movies for blu-ray.
While I agree it follows the first film's formula, I wouldnt call it in "full rahash mode" which the rather harsh reviewer frequently criticizes the movie for doing. He didn't mention the movie starts with an audio glitch - the first second of music is cut off. Not an auspicious way to start a hi-def transfer, although the rest seemed fine. But I thought the dvd of each was fine too. One thing unmentioned - the actresses are alot hotter in the sequel.
What I dislike about The Night Strangler is the failed attempt to capitalize on the otherwise superb Darren McGavin-Simon Oakland chemistry. TNS has too many scenes of Kolchak and Vincenzo shouting at one another without any good dialogue to hurl at one another.
The subsequent TV series did a much better job with their scenes together, imo.
Jo Ann Pflug was nice, but Carol Lynley was infinitely superior in the looks department.
I think Pflug is better looking and also the better actress. We agree that Simon Oakland and McGavin are always great together. The final scene with Pflug, Oakland and McGavin is hilarious.
