IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS PART 1: A JOURNEY INTO ICONIC ‘80S HORROR
“In Search of Darkness” is a documentary series that delves deep into the rich history and enduring appeal of horror films.
The horror genre has long captivated audiences with its ability to elicit fear, excitement, and fascination. Ghost stories and cautionary tales are what started the tradition of telling stories around the campfire to warn us about dangers. From classic monsters to modern psychological thrillers, horror cinema has evolved over the years, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.
Compelling critical takes and insider tales of Hollywood filmmaking experience drive, in “In Search of Darkness Part 1: A Journey into Iconic ’80s Horror“, a four-plus-hour documentary for mature audiences that delivers a unique perspective on the decade that gave rise to some of the horror genre’s greatest films and franchises, told by experts and the icons who influenced the modern landscape of modern cinema.
In this article, we’ll delve into the first part of the trilogy to start uncovering why “In Search of Darkness” has become essential viewing for horror aficionados worldwide.
THE CREATIVE TEAM AND THE CAST
From the creators of the In Search of Tomorrow, comes the third and final installment of the 1980s documentary series In Search of Darkness. On the Blu-Ray of Part 1, there is an extra feature containing a discussion with the main creators of the documentary, Robin Block, (Executive Producer and CEO at CreatorVC), David Weiner (Director), Heather Wixson (Producer), and Jessica Dwyer (Producer). Alongside them, there is a massive team from CreatorVC behind this project.
CreatorVC is a global team with the shared objective of creating documentaries that celebrate the topics that we love. Their goal is to understand old classics in new ways, revisit and recontextualize childhood favorites, and create the kind of niche documentaries that people always wanted to watch but couldn’t until now. They financed their projects through crowdfunding.
THE CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
The crowdfunding campaign for “In Search of Darkness Part III” was directly on CreatorVC’s platform. They presented several packages (tiers/rewards) with different prices. Each tier had a name and a detailed description of what it contained. There were physical and digital rewards for everyone who decided to support the project financially. You could see the dedication in the presentation of the material.
Since I missed the campaigns for Part 1 and Part 2, I chose the trilogy package with the Blu-Ray case. As expected, based on my experience with “In Search of Tomorrow” this campaign delivered good products and offered good customer service, however, they still need to figure out a way to package their posters.
I received the 3 Blu- Rays, Part 2 and Part 3 came with sleeves, the 3 disc Blu-Ray case, 3 posters, an ISOD pin, an ISOD membership card, and an ad for the next In Search of Darkness installment that will be based on the horror movies from 1990 to 1994.
PHYSICAL MEDIA
On the 2019 printed Blu-Ray disc of Part 1, in addition to the earlier mentioned discussion with creators, there is also a section where Tom Woodruff Jr. gives the SFX tour at the Hollywood Museum showing displays of old and modern monsters including the gorilla suit referenced in Wulf and Batsy #7.
Graham Humphreys shares how he created the amazing poster for In Search of Darkness Part 1 including the process of hand painting, selection of references, and determining composition. The Blu-Ray includes a very creative chapter menu and subtitles in English and Spanish. Each single case was sealed.
The documentary concludes with the credits, listing the names of all the backers who supported the crowdfunding campaign for “In Search of Darkness Part 1.” Additionally, video commentary from project supporters is shown alongside the credits.
THE BIRTH OF 80s TERROR
The first installment of the “In Search of Darkness” documentary series serves as a captivating journey through the days of horror cinema in the 1980s. It delves into why people choose to watch it as a coping mechanism for what is happening in society. For some, it’s a way to confront their fears while for others it gives a sense of immortality. The type of movies that were made back then were heavily influenced by MTV, music, and the social issues of the time. It explores a multitude of ’80s horror films in a year-by-year timeline alongside interesting topics.
THE HOME VIDEO REVOLUTION
It also delves into the home video revolution and its impact at the time, first with the video stores renting the tapes and later on selling VHS tapes directly to consumers. For the first time, consumers had a sense of ownership of the films they loved.
Then came the era of cable and the VHS recorder which gives people to opportunity to watch movies at any time at home. The 1980s exploded with cheesy horror movies with bad effects, bad acting, and completely ridiculous but people still loved them. One important highlight of the time was the attraction to the movie posters. The art of movie posters and VHS covers was very important because that was for the most part the only selling point of the film.
80s PRACTICAL EFFECTS
The 1980s was popular for the practical effects explosion. The SFX Magic tricks became very popular. Unlike now, everything happened in front of the camera with make-up and practical effects. Filmmakers made what they wanted to make, which got the attention of the Motion Picture Association of America, which created the X Rating for theater screenings for films beyond the Rated R rating.
HORROR TRENDS
Despite that, the genre continued to evolve despite the creative and budgetary challenges creating the holiday slasher horror subgenre, famous horror villains and the franchise formula, horror heroes, amazing sound design and musical scores, sex, nudity, and the rise of the final girl.
The early 80s had a shapeshifter trend, rather than chasing the werewolf they wanted to show a complete transformation creating films such as The Howling and An American Werewolf in London. There was also a 3D trend in horror movies that messed up with the storytelling because everyone was waiting for the 3D effect.
INSIGHTS
Viewers are treated to insights from industry experts, filmmakers, and actors who reflect on iconic films such as “The Fog” (1980), “The Shining” (1980), “Friday the 13th” (1980), “Creepshow” (1982), “Cujo” (1993), “A Nightmare on Elmstreet” (1994), “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter” (1984), “Gremlins” (1984), “The Fly” (1986), “Monster Squad” (1987), “Hellraiser” (1987), “The Bob” (1988), and “Child’s Play” (1988). Through in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, the documentary highlights the creative ingenuity and cultural significance of these pioneering works.
In addition to examining how societal anxieties and technological advancements shaped the evolution of horror storytelling, it also discusses how film history is vanishing with the transformation of movie transfer from VHS to DVD to Blue Ray to 4K to Streaming. Each time a film goes through the transfer process, a certain level of quality is required for the transfer. When the quality is not there, the movies get lost.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
“In Search of Darkness Part 1: A Journey into Iconic ‘80s Horror” pays homage to the pioneers who laid the groundwork for generations of filmmakers to come. What sets this part apart is its attention to detail and its ability to capture the essence of each era, offering a nuanced understanding of how horror has evolved.
Even though I watched movies like “The Gremlins”, “Ghostbusters” and “Little Shop of Horrors” I didn’t consider them horror movies back then. Horror to me meant something terrifying like “The Ring” or “The Omen”. To me “The Gremlins” was a Christmas movie, “The Ghostbusters” was a sci-fi comedy, and “Little Shop of Horrors” was a romantic comedy.
FINAL THOUGHTS
“In Search of Darkness,” trilogy is a meticulous journey through the intricate landscape of 80s horror, meticulously tracing its evolution from its early beginnings to more modern iterations. With a blend of in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and expert commentary, these documentaries serve as a captivating lens into the creative ingenuity, groundbreaking narratives, and societal resonance of horror cinema.
Part 1 of the series particularly sheds light on the emergence of slasher films, renowned for their masked antagonists, visceral gore, and youthful protagonists, offering enlightening insights into the iconic horror films of the 1980s. Through a comprehensive exploration of the genre’s thematic breadth and stylistic evolution, “In Search of Darkness” unravels the cultural significance and enduring appeal of 80s horror.
Delving into the intricacies of filmmaking techniques, narrative tropes, and audience reception, these documentaries provide audiences with a newfound understanding and appreciation for the profound impact of horror cinema on popular culture. With meticulous attention to detail and a reverence for the genre’s legacy, the trilogy invites viewers on an immersive journey into the heart of horror, celebrating its creativity, innovation, and timeless allure.
Interested in more titles? Check them on FILMS &TV under the “EYES ON” series wherein I document my crowdfunding entertainment experience and share my notes on the products I received.
Coming Soon:
- IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS PART 2: THE JOURNEY INTO ‘80S HORROR CONTINUES
- IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS PART 3: THE FINAL JOURNEY INTO ‘80S HORROR
My notes are all set. Let me know what you think.
See you on the next page!
