Blu-ray Review: Cold Light of Day

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

True Crime films are very popular. What goes through the mind of a serial killer? What makes them do what they do? There were some names that everyone knows including Ed Gein and Jeffery Dahmer, Than in movies characters like Hannibal Lecter haunt our dreams.

Dennis Nilsen was a Scottish serial killer and necrophile who murdered at least twelve young men and boys between 1978 and 1983 in London, England. He was the inspiration for the 1989's film Cold Light of Day. Arrow Video have given this little known biographical, crime horror film a Blu-ray release.

The film a grim and gritty retelling of the story of “Des” Nilsen, often dubbed the “British Jeffery Dahmer”. The film stars Bob Flag (the face of Big Brother in Michael Radford’s 1984) as Nilsen-cipher Jorden March, delivering one of the most chilling and credible portrayals of a serial killer ever committed to screen.

This film is raw and realistic. It can be a bit disjointed at time with the flashbacks. Also it features violence and sexual content this film is only for a select mature audience. This is not for everyone. Some will be offended by the content in this release. So you have to decide if you want to see this before picking this one up!

As for this Blu-ray release the film has been restored in 2K from the original 16mm camera negative. The restoration has been approved by director Fhiona-Louise. It is presented in the original full screen format and original uncompressed mono audio.

There is an awful lot of film grain in this release and it is very noticeable in the dark scenes. It can be a little overwhelming to even take away from the viewing experience for some viewers.

Now as with all Arrow Video releases they pack up the Blu-ray with a lot of special features. Take a look at what is included below.

Special Features:

Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

Brand new audio commentary with writer/director Fhiona-Louise

Brand new audio commentary with film historians/writers Dean Brandum and Andrew Nette

Newly-filmed interview with actor Martin Byrne-Quinn

Newly-filmed interview with actor Steve Munroe

Original Cold Light of Day promo film made to raise financing for the feature

Re-Release Trailer

Two short films starring Cold Light of Day director Fhiona-Louise and photographed by Star Wars DP David Tattershall, newly restored in HD: Metropolis Apocalypse (1988, 11 mins) and Sleepwalker (1993, 2 mins)

Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly-commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx

Limited Edition Die-cut O-card

Limited Edition collector s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Jo Botting and a look at how the press reported Dennis Nilsen s real-life crimes by Jeff Billington

So if you are a fan of film oddities this one might be right up your ally. There is a good amount of special features as well, which is a good bonus. You can head over to Amazon.com and get your copy.