Product Details

• Actors: Charles Durning, Robert F. Lyons, Claude Earl Jones, Lane Smith, Tonya Crowe
• Format: NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Key Video
• VHS Release Date: October 16, 1986
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (95 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301802780
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #206,447 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Doesn't Get Any Better Then This!, July 25, 2006

By 

Sharon A. Hutchinson ""It is the time you... (Toms River, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dark Night of Scarecrow [VHS] (VHS Tape)

So who says you need a huge budget, a lot of computer generated special effects, and super big names to make an excellent horror film?

I saw this originally back when it first aired on TV and have never forgotten it. The screenplay is superb; I believe even Stephen King could not have done any better. One is kept wondering throughout the film if a vengeful human--District Attorney, Bubba's mother, the little girl--might be exacting the justice that was denied in the courtroom. The ending shot is almost poetic in both its simplicity and what it confides to us. The director halts the film at that touching, if horrific moment, while the little girl's voice continues speaking to the Scarecrow as the credits roll. It doesn't get any better then this.

I have always found scarecrows to be unsettling at the least and a frightening parody of man at best. Curiously, its origins actually stem back into ancient pagan religions. Scarecrows actually do not scare crows, or other birds for that matter, due to the fact that they never move (except in the movies) and the animals become used to their presence. In reality, they represent the ancient God of Fertility, and were put in fields as a supplication to this god for a bountiful harvest. Few people today realize that when they put up this effigy, they are really worshiping an ancient deity. Which, in my opinion, fits in nicely with the theme of supernatural revenge in this movie.

There is also an unsettling thread throughout this movie and others like it (Dark Secret of Harvest Home comes to mind) of just what might be occurring in these small and isolated communities. Seemingly almost out of touch with the modern world, Dark Night of the Scarecrow reminds us that anything is possible within an insular town, even murder and revenge.

This is a classic that needs to be digitally re-mastered onto DVD, if someone hasn't thought of it already. It is a refreshing change from the big blockbusters of today, and shows that imagination coupled with an outwardly innocent setting can produce a tale of pure horror. Horror, yes, but with an ending that is curiously satisfying. I could not think of a better way to end this grim little fairy tale from the depths of darkness.

51 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST Made-For-TV Horror Movie!, May 3, 2010

By 

E. Barrios (N.Y.C.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dark Night Of The Scarecrow (DVD)

I can't believe this gem of horror is finally being released on DVD. I'm glad VCI Entertainment stepped up to the plate on this one, just like they did when they released Gargoyles, which is another made-for-tv classic. Dark Night of the Scarecrow has everything going for it and then some. It's got actors who know how to act, spooky atmosphere, a decent script, great kill scenes, and of course, a healthy does of the supernatural.

I must've been around ten or eleven when I first watched this movie with my mom. We both loved it, especially Charles Durning's role as the town's mail carrier. The expressions on that guy's face are incredible. His performance alone really draws a person in. And Jocelyn Brando's performance as the mother is also amazing.

I hope that VCI does a great job on the transfer. I hope it's progressively scanned with a high bitrate without any noise reduction filters or edge enhancements. Also, I'd love to see blacks as deep as possible and colors spot on. Are you hearing me VCI?

Don't rent this baby, just go and buy it and keep it in your collection!

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark Night of the Scarecrow, October 6, 2002

By 

Melanie (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dark Night of Scarecrow [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Excellent movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I first saw it in 1981 and I still find it one of the best horror movies I've ever seen. The fact that you don't have to endure the usual bloody mess makes it easy to watch time and time again.