Rating: 
Summary: Scary When I First Saw Them..
Review: Boy, does this DVD bring back memories. I remember watching this TV show on CBS way back when and it was very spooky. This DVD contains the two "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" films, one about a vampire the other about a Jack the Ripper style killer.
I've seen them both many times and they are fun to watch but I liked the TV show episodes better. Kolchak is a funny character, Darren McGavin is GREAT in these movies and in the TV show (I still watch the re-runs on the Sci-Fi channel).
I guarantee that you will never see anything like Kolchak: The Night Stalker on TV today (the X-Files came close but it spun out of control, this show was consistantly good), its just too original.
Rating: 
Summary: Different then X-Files, but no better.
Review: These shows had only one advantage over the way/over-rated X-Files, and that is Darren Mchaven's dry humor through out the shows. These shows were not great and really not that scary, but the lead star's scarcasism was enough to make you laugh, and that was all that mattered. Not really worth the effort to put on DVD, but then again MGM really needs the cash these days....
Rating:
Summary: Kolchak is really Mulder's father!
Review: An important television film from director/producer Dan Curtis (Dark Shadows) and screenwriter Richard Matheson (The Twilight Zone among many others)and a sharp, fun horror film. The Night Stalker set a new standard when it aired in the 70's; it's story with Darren McGavin's narration and the Vegas setting contributed to it being one of the highest rated t.v. movies of the week. Adapted from Jeff Rice's (then) unpublished novel, the story is about a murdered who kills his victims and then drains their blood. Kolchak (McGavin)becomes convinced that the murderer isn't a garden variety psycho but, perhaps, a real vampire. Unfortunately, no one believes him. Films like Fright Night have used a similar premise but not in as compelling a fashion. John L. Moxey's direction is taunt and shows his roots as a veteran movie and television director. Both Darren McGain and Simon Oakland as his put upon editor give outstanding performances. Additionally, the late and under rated Barry Atwater gives substance to the shadowy role of Janos the creature that Kolchak stalks ultimately must face. Carol Lynley is fine in an underwritten role as Kolchak's girlfriend. Surprisingly, she really isn't given that much to do but, then again, this was the 70's when women in peril pretty much described the role in television programs and movies. The sequel The Night Strangler couldn't touch the first film despite reuniting the original cast and creative crew. Perhaps it's Curtis' understated direction, but The Night Strangler doesn't quite capture my interest as well as the first film. Richard Anderson plays the title "monster". Still, it is fun and, if it doesn't quite measure up, it's still an entertaining and imaginative story by Richard Matheson. The DVD doesn't boast any extras but the transfer is very nice given the age and source for the DVD. Anchor & Bay has done a great job returning hard-to-find classics to DVD and video. This is no exception. My only complaint is that there isn't a commentary from director Dan Curtis or actor Darren McGavin. McGavin's acerbic comments would be a welcome addition to this fine double feature. Now it's time to return these vintage horror classics to DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: A must for any Science Fiction Fan!
Review: As a complete fan of the show I cannot tell you how important these two movies are - watch them - buy this dvd! Darren McGavin is a wonderful actor who imbues Kolchak with a sense of courage, honesty, and goodness. Yes he is a unusual characer and that is why we all love him... this guy could be your uncle, dad, or quirky neighbor. The supporting characters in these movies are absolute gems as well. The Night Stalker is just scary - the vampire is creepy because we can see much humanity in him. The Night Stangler has a very human nemesis - who wants immortality at any cost...I don't want to give the plots away just watch it.
Personally I cannot wait for the entire series to come out of dvd - that would be a wonderful way to share with these kids that have never seen the show or the two movies. In short no one should be without this great 70's tv movies.
Rating:
Summary: You're one hell of a reporter, Kolchak !
Review: At last...the two expertly crafted pilot TV movies to the cult 70's series "The Night Stalker" are finally available on DVD. Darren McGavin truly brings alive the character of the crumpled, abrasive, intrusive, but above all lovable newspaperman, Carl Kolchak in these two thrilling explorations into the undead set in modern day Las Vegas & Seattle. "The Night Stalker" sees our courageous hero investigating a series of blood drained bodies amongst the glittering lights of Las Vegas. Kolchak must battle his long suffering boss, Anthony Vincenzo (wonderfully portrayed by Simon Oakland), the local law enforcement headed by Sherriff Butcher & Chief Masterson (Claude Akins & Charles McGraw) and the manipulative district attorney to prove that an actual vampire is committing these grisly murders. Tightly scripted with horror, wit and humour...this film has not dated in nearly thirty years ! "The Night Strangler" sees our unfortunate Carl, after having been run out of Las Vegas, now calling Seattle home and landing another reporters role with his old boss, Tony Vincenzo. Before long, there is another series of brutal murders and Kolchak is on the trail of a mysterious Civil War surgeon with an elixir to cheat death ! Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz) has a delightful cameo as an intimidating professor of the occult, John Carradine is tyrannical newspaper owner Llewellyn Crossbinder...and Wally Cox portrays the resourecful newspaper record keeper assisting Kolchak with his gruesome investigations into Seattle's past ! Both these chilling films owe their nail biting script to the pen of the brilliant Richard Matheson...a true legend in the fantasy genre. There is a real chemistry in both these films that is intelligent and exhilarating entertainment...if you've never seen what inspired Chris Carter to create "The X-Files"...now's your opportunity to see Carl Kolchak on his two best cases !!
Rating:
Summary: You're one hell of a reporter, Kolchak !
Review: At last...the two expertly crafted pilot TV movies to the cult 70's series "The Night Stalker" are finally available on DVD. Darren McGavin truly brings alive the character of the crumpled, abrasive, intrusive, but above all lovable newspaperman, Carl Kolchak in these two thrilling explorations into the undead set in modern day Las Vegas & Seattle. "The Night Stalker" sees our courageous hero investigating a series of blood drained bodies amongst the glittering lights of Las Vegas. Kolchak must battle his long suffering boss, Anthony Vincenzo (wonderfully portrayed by Simon Oakland), the local law enforcement headed by Sherriff Butcher & Chief Masterson (Claude Akins & Charles McGraw) and the manipulative district attorney to prove that an actual vampire is committing these grisly murders. Tightly scripted with horror, wit and humour...this film has not dated in nearly thirty years ! "The Night Strangler" sees our unfortunate Carl, after having been run out of Las Vegas, now calling Seattle home and landing another reporters role with his old boss, Tony Vincenzo. Before long, there is another series of brutal murders and Kolchak is on the trail of a mysterious Civil War surgeon with an elixir to cheat death ! Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz) has a delightful cameo as an intimidating professor of the occult, John Carradine is tyrannical newspaper owner Llewellyn Crossbinder...and Wally Cox portrays the resourecful newspaper record keeper assisting Kolchak with his gruesome investigations into Seattle's past ! Both these chilling films owe their nail biting script to the pen of the brilliant Richard Matheson...a true legend in the fantasy genre. There is a real chemistry in both these films that is intelligent and exhilarating entertainment...if you've never seen what inspired Chris Carter to create "The X-Files"...now's your opportunity to see Carl Kolchak on his two best cases !!
Rating:
Summary: Kolchak - TV's first Van Helsing!!
Review: By the time I lolly-gagged around and went to buy this DVD originally, it was out of print. I was frustrated, and felt stupid, because "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" was a show I watched religiously as a kid during its short run (only 20 episodes). Now, finally, the DVD featuring the original tv-movie that inspired the series -- and the film's sequel, which producers hurried into production when the first one was a monster hit (pun intended), are coming back to DVD ... with rumours of being predecessors to the series itself being released (yay!). "The Night Stalker" (1972) is the vampire story, directed beautifully by Dan "Dark Shadows" Curtis himself. Ace Chicago reporter Cark Kolchak -- who seems to draw supernatural baddies like moths to a flame -- is in Las Vegas, and drawn into a series of killings where all the victims have one peculiarity in common: they were drained of all their blood. Convinced a modern-day vampire is behind the murders, Kolchak (with the help of his sharp, sarcastic mouth) immediately alienates the authorities, the press -- even his own editor -- when he tells his tall tale, and nearly even gets himself run out of town. As usual, it's up to him to catch the bad guy himself ... and armed only with a wooden stake, a silver cross, and his usual flash camera and tape recorder, Kolchak tracks the vampire to his lair for a showdown that shows how ill-equipped Carl really is for the job! Excellent atmosphere and humor, and a top-notch supporting cast (headed by Simon Oakland as Kolchak's editor, also Carol "Poseidon Adventure" Lynley, and Claude Akins) helped to make this film the most highly-rated TV movie of all time at the time of its airing, with a 33.2 rating and a 54 share. "The Night Strangler" (1974) finds Kolchak in Seattle, where he's tracking yet another serial killer, this one hiding underground amongst the city's catacombs ... where another city, with gas-lit streetlamps and seemingly frozen in time, awaits him. The supporting cast here was no less great, with 70's star Jo Ann Pflug heading a list that reads like a who's-who of character actors: John Carradine, Margaret Hamilton, Wally Cox, and Al Lewis, to say the least! This film has less tension and more humor, is more low-key but no less entertaining, and Darren McGavin as Kolchak delivers his lines with his usual deadpan face; the films and show would never have been the same without McGavin, and indeed Chris Carter (creator of "The X-Files") credits the series and McGavin as part of his inspiration -- going so far as to cast McGavin as a recurring character on "X-Files" years later. (NOTE: The originally aired version of "The Night Strangler" deleted some footage with Al Lewis and Kolchak's co-worker Janis Watkins. There is also a deleted scene featuring George Tobias as a reporter, Jimmy Stacks, who followed the Malcolm story and who Kolchak consults. Hopefully this DVD version restores both scenes to their original glory). For those of you who remember McGavin only as the goofy father in "A Christmas Story," these films (and the series that inspired them) will be a real eye-opener -- and will hopefully generate some new fans of this show that should have been on a lot longer. Campy, funny, and with moments of real, genuine creepiness (a Dan Curtis trademark), "The Night Stalker"/"The Night Strangler" DVD double feature is a must for any horror/fantasy fans who want to see how a very unwilling, 1970's version of Van Helsing tried to thwart evil in the world, when no one would believe him that it was there. And PLEASE let this be a prelude to the DVD series release!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent !!! This DVD is a 10 !!!!!!!!!!
Review: Carl Kolchak, ace newspaper reporter, unearths a Vegas vampire in "The Night Stalker", and confronts Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde in "The Night Strangler". Kolchak tracks down "The Night Stalker", while enduring the verbal tirades of his editor Vincenzo, (played with aplomb by Simon Oakland). The most unsettling moment is when Kolchak finds the kidnapped lady, being used literally as the vampire equivalent of fast food. Having been fired for saving the citizenry of Sin City, Kolchak signs on with a Seattle newspaper, again with Vincenzo. This time around, he encounters Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, aka "The Night Strangler", with the aid of Margaret Hamilton and Wally Cox. Al <Granpa Munster> Lewis has a cameo. The dining room scene is exquisitely creepy; gives new meaning to the phrase, "dinner music". Kolchak always kept his camera, tape recorder and typewriter at the ready, and his integrity and principles intact, while constantly dodging bureaucratic efforts to muzzle his reports. A bow-legged, rumple-suited, Panama-hatted crusader, Kolchak heeded that voice in each of us that at sometime says, "Yes, I am fearful, but the job has to be done and I have to do it." Reminisent of those wonderful B movies which deftly combined horror, fantasy and humor, these two movies ushered in the TV series. Excellent DVD quality; the wrinkles in his suit are really clear !!!
Rating:
Summary: Just as good today as 30 years ago
Review: Darren McGavin is great as the irrestible, aggressive (and to the police and newspaper bosses--obnoxious)reporter Carl Kolchak. The dialogue is witty and tight and one can understand why these two made-for-TV movies got such high ratings. You really love it when Kolchak tries in vain to convince the authorities that bizarre supernatural beings are behind serial murders. In Night Strangler you get an errie feeling as Kolchak discovers that the string of murders has been repeated at a regular interval since the 1900s. These two features prove that good writing and acting will out-do special effects every time. The production quality is excellent, and the sharpness and colors of these two prints on DVD are great. Stuff like this is hard to get these days.
Rating:
Summary: Carl Kolchak finds another unbelievable mystery to solve
Review: Darren McGavin reprises his role as Carl Kolchak in this sequel to "The Night Stalker," one of the most celebrated made-for-television movies of its day. "The Night Strangler" finds our intrepid reporter challenged by his old Las Vegas editor, Tony Vincenzo (Simon Oakland), with uncovering a 120-yeard-old Jekyll and Hyde type killer in the eerie underground of Seattle, Washington. There really is a sense in how this sequel is trying too hard to top the original, which had the virtue of a simplistic elegance to its plot. This time around director Dan Curtis tries to come up with a really big ending, which is not where Kolchak was most effective. Maybe we would have been more impressed with this story if it did not have the original to contend with, but this is yet another instance of Hollywood trying to milk the golden goose dry. Still, any scene between McGavin and Oakland is worth paying attention to and the supporting cast throws Jo Ann Pflug, Wally Cox, Richard Anderson, Margaret Hamilton, John Carradine, and Al Lewis at us If you can not identify the Mr. Peepers, the Wicked Witch of the West, Dracula, and Granpa from the "Munsters" in that list, shame on you. But then it also serves as more evidence that this movie is trying a bit too hard.
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