They say sequels are usually worst than the original but i would have to say that this film actually tops the first one that took place in las vegas. Plus the old seattle ruins were the killer lives is a much scarier place than the vampire's house in the night stalker. Richard anderson of the six million dollar man series gives a great perfomance in his brief appearance, and kolchak's editor vicenzo is great as usual.Everyone does a great job.
shareI have to agree. When I saw it as a kid when it was first run on television, I was completely freaked out by it. There was just some sort of odd quality that had me going. I loved the whole underground Seattle sets also. I remember them being very atmospheric. I haven't seen this installment since it's first run. The series itself became really lame due to the monster of the week aspect. I think the dumbest one was the prehistoric reptile in the tunnel episode. I see that a double disk DVD is available that has the Night Stalker and The Night Strangler for a very low price. I think I'll be grabbing one of those ASAP.
shareI agree, except for the end, which I thought was better in "Stalker".
Anyway, did anyone who read "Cabinet of Curiosities" see the peculiar parallels to this film. I wonder if Preston and/or Child were in any way inspired by Night Stalker's plot.
Mister_Anderson, I mentioned that in my most recent comment of the "Strangler". There does seem to be similarity, between a semi-immortal serial killer hunting people in order to gain a couple more years. I'm not really surprised though. The film is written by Richard Matheson, who is a sci-fi writing legend.
Both pulled off this theme very well, too, through verbal confrontations with the atagonists. I agree the ending of "Stalker" was better because it was more hard-hitting. Still, the ending of "Strangler" was pretty funny.
"All we ever see of stars are their old photographs." Dr. Manhattan, Watchmen
This one also gets the nod from me, due to its superior supporting cast, more complex story, longer running time and better production values. Even though I live near Seattle and now how absurd the notion of a vast, undiscovered area of underground Seattle still existing is, it still looked gorgeous and added a lot to the overall experience. I just wish the subsequent series had lasted longer than a single season.
shareDon't assume too much; there are vast areas out here in the underground of the Los Angeles area that people have been living in for years. Homeless, drigets, mentally disturbed, etc.
shareI think it's a tie.
This one was better for its more in-depth characterizations and a better running time. This one had a much better female interest for Kolchak (JoAnn Pflug who was as much a buddy/sidekick as a love interest), and far better interplay into the Kolchak/Vincenzo relationship. (In this one, they each look like they're about to have a stroke when yelling at each other).
However, the first one's vampire storyline was better than the whole alchemist plot.
" the old seattle ruins were the killer lives is a much scarier place than the vampire's house in the night stalker. " ----- I agree 110 % with you on that baretta it's the very reason a that I liked this second movie pilot . Totally mysterious hideaway underground sounds so frightfully intriguing it haunts you forever . It's a place you definitely wouldn't want to get trapped in because no one would know you were ever there - very scary thought ! For the Doc it was the ultimate place to be - very clever storyline . I also liked the elevator scene when Kolchak was telling Louise Harper about the last story he was on ( from the first movie pilot ) and after both Louise and Carl stepped off the elevator the whole group behind them just leaned forward with shocked looks on their faces . Then Louise says to Carl " I'll tell one thing this is one elevator ride these people won't forget " ( it's not the exact thing she said but very close ? ) . Thanks so much baretta for this awesome subject post .
shareno problem :-) plus werent the stranglers family sitting at the dinner table give you a chill as well. What a price for immortality
shareIt so does baretta and on so many levels lol because it also reminds me of the old Vincent Price Films ( more classic chills & thrills there too ) . Which is why I also like this pilot movie so much as well . It definitely leaves a lasting impression on us . Thanks so much again baretta for this excellent subject post and your reply .
shareI also enjoyed this a lot more than the first film. I think the first film was only okay. Perhaps because i am sick of seeing vampire stories. I find this had a better and more interesting story + much more screen time to Vincenzo.
"The human whose name is written in this note shall die"
Both are great movies...I think the Night Stalker was scarier because the monster had a face and spent more time on screen, more visible in public, slapping around the police, etc...In the Night Strangler, you don't see the killer, except for a few quick kills...After the police sketch artist drew up the rotted corpse face, I really wanted to see that face later in the movie, but never did..
Better story line - Night Stalker
Scarier monster - Night Stalker
Better characters - Night Strangler
Better Girl Interest - Night Strangler (by a lot!)
Give the killer credit - he not only went after women, he went after really good looking women. Case in point - when he burst into the dressing room of Charisma Beauty, he shoved the fat ugly chick aside so he could get to her.
As I understand how the elxir process works - he could kill any women and get the same results, so why not take on the the first one he came across in the dressing room?
ANEMIC when compared to the first which is a Classic;
I think what makes the first one better is that the atomosphere is a lot stronger and creepier, even though there is humor there is also a deep pervading sense mystery and fear. I also like that Karl and Vincenzo have a lot more time together.
The First one was good but it seems like there was too much time taken up with Carl butting heads with the D.A. and police. Not that these are bad scenes but they tend to slow down the pace.
I agree. The first one was cheesy and funny. This one had funny parts too, but it was obviously intentional.
share[deleted]
It's definitely better
share