10 80s Slasher Movies You May Not Have Seen

The film follows a group of four college pledges who must prove their loyalty to their peers by spending the night in the abandoned Garth Manor. Unfortunately, the old manor isn't as abandoned as it seems...

Two things set Hell Night apart from similarly themed college slasher films of the time: the first being the glorious production and costume design. Characters are swathed in outlandish fancy dress as the terror unfolds and the Manor setting is laden with dancing candles and antique furnishings.

When these impressive and unconventional elements are combined with very strong performances from a likeable, attractive cast, one cannot help but find Hell Night quite charming. Linda Blair tackles final girl Marty with gusto, and her Victorian-era costume gives her tense chase scenes an atmosphere akin to a Hammer Horror film.

Although relatively light on gore, Hell Night remains engaging thanks to wonderfully witty dialogue courtesy of future Hollywood heavyweight Chuck Russell and stunningly crafted visuals. Halloween producer Irwin Yablans again shows us that a modest budget does not have to make for a bad or boring film.

To experience Hell Night in its full Gothic-style glory, a stunning blu-ray set from Shout Factory is available, thankfully ensuring this little-seen film gets the treatment it deserves.