DVD Review: Night School is a slasher with adult sophistication

Night School (1981) was released during the height of the slasher boom, but this movie has an adult sophistication rarely seen in the genre. The story—written by Ruth Avergon—involves a helmeted, leather-clad killer performing ritualistic decapitations of victims. The victims are young women enrolled in the evening curriculum at Boston’s distinguished Wendell College. The homicide lieutenant investigating the murders suspects a well-known anthropology professor at the school, as well as his live-in female assistant. The film has a very involving story, haunting score, and standout performance from lead actress Rachel Ward. This remastered edition DVD release from the Warner Archive Collection looks great, and the label has recently re-released this title on Blu-ray.

The director, Ken Hughes, gives the film a balance between drama and slasher elements. He also creates suspense as the viewer wonders about the identity of the killer and what will happen next. The anthropology professor has inappropriate relationships with several of the students, and these same young women are the ones who are getting killed. There is more than one red herring for the killer, which keeps the plot interesting.

The haunting score from Brad Fiedel supports the ominous mood of the film, and underlines the tragic nature of the story. There is a sense of impending doom throughout many scenes of the film, which is enhanced by the music. The sinister leitmotiv that returns during each of the kills keeps the viewer on the edge of the seat.

Another noteworthy aspect of this film is the performance from lead actress Rachel Ward, who plays the professor’s assistant, Eleanor. Her acting is subtle when she visits the local coffee shop, strong when she challenges the police lieutenant, and sensitive when she expresses her romantic feelings for the professor. She elevates the film beyond the slasher genre to the level of dramatic art.

Night School gives viewers an advanced degree in terror. There are mature themes rarely seen in this genre, and the surprise ending is unlike other slasher films. Overall, it is fun to watch because of the combination of mystery and horror. This remastered edition DVD from the Warner Archive Collection has good picture quality, but there is some image softness around the actors at times. It is a pretty bare-bones release as the only special feature included is a theatrical trailer. Hopefully the quality is even better on the re-release on Blu-ray.