THE BASEMENT BLU-RAY REVIEW: In Search of Darkness (A Journey into Iconic ’80s Horror)
IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS is a 2019 documentary film written and directed by David A. Weiner and executive produced by Robin Block of CreatorVC Studios. An international co-production of the United Kingdom and the United States, the film explores the development and lasting impact of the horror film genre during the 1980s, and features interviews with numerous horror icons both from that decade and from the modern era, along with popular horror influencers.
IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS is the most complete retrospective documentary of the genre ever made. Featuring compelling critical takes, insider tales, and unheard anecdotes, this extraordinary documentary delivers a new perspective on the decade that gave rise to some of the horror genre’s greatest films and franchises.
Over its four-hour-plus runtime, IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS features an incredible cast of 45+ contributors, including John Carpenter (Director – THE FOG, THE THING, THEY LIVE, PRINCE OF DARKNESS), Heather Langenkamp (Actor – A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET franchise), Doug Bradley (Actor – HELLRAISER franchise), Kane Hodder (Actor – FRIDAY THE 13TH VII-X) and Barbara Crampton (Actor – RE-ANIMATOR, FROM BEYOND).
Each of the contributors gives their unique take on the genre and the films they were a part of. This is your opportunity to go behind the scenes of your favorite horror movies with the largest cast of ‘80s horror legends ever assembled.
This is definitely one of those documentaries that you will find yourself watching a lot. I thoroughly enjoyed and it is perfect, because of its length, to be playing in the background as you are doing stuff around the house. The insight from the people involved with making these iconic films are for the most part fun, though John Carpenter really comes off as a bitter old man.
My only complaint to be honest is that so many good movies from the 1980s were not covered. It seems as though they had a set amount of people to interview so concentrated on films they were involved with. This caused many great films to be ignored. I am hoping that with parts two and three, which I haven’t seen yet, some of these movies will be covered.
All three parts of IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS are available for streaming on SHUDDER. Enjoy!
~David Albaugh
