Night of the Comet Reviews

• Good and very cheesy 80's cult-classic

  
  By A19VMQDCB4HZ9P on 2007-03-22
  Night of the Comet took advantage of the return of Halley's Comet hype which ran through nation and pretty much most of the world throughout most of 1984 and into 1985. Hollywood being the opportunist industry that it was and still is were quick to produce and release a movie about the return of Halley's Comet over the planet as soon as possible. The 1980's was a good decade for the low to mid-budgeted horror and sci-fi movies which had a quick death at the box-office but which gained success and cult status in the many displays racks of the tens of thousands of video rental places. 1984's Night of the Comet was one of these films and it typifies the cheesiness that was 1980's scifi horror.
  
  The film opens up with everyone partying the arrival of Halley's Comet which could be seen in the night sky every 75-76 years. People are out on the streets as night falls celebrating the Comet's arrival and we meet two of the main characters in the film in the form of Regina and Samantha. Two sisters who truly epitomizes the mall and valley culture of 1980's Southern California, Regina and Samantha are not enjoying the night of the comet as Regina ends up working the night shift at the local theater she works at and Samantha is stuck at home with her stepmother and all the partygoers attending her stepmom's party. In the span of a few sequences both Regina and Samantha end up locking themselves up somewhere quiet and safe to get away from the party going on around them.
  
  While they stew in their own little hideaways the comet makes its pass over the planet with everyone who can see looking up to take a peek of the returning comet. What happens next sets up the rest of the movie. The comet seem to have turned anyone not protected behind heavy steel structures into red dust and those only half-protected end up turning into zombie-like creatures. Luckily for the two sisters they were inside such heavy steel structures when the comet did its pass over and well-protected. The rest of the movie deals with Regina and Samantha dealing with the possibility that they may be the last people on the planet (though this soon get shotdown with the arrival of Captain Chakotay of Star Trek Voyager...I mean Robert Beltran) and trying to keep themselves from being eaten by the zombie survivors and being tested upon by shady, secret government scientists.
  
  Night of the Comet won't win any awards even from horror and science-fiction groups, but it will entertain to a point. For those who grew up during the 80's the movie will bring back fond, if painful memories of just how cheesy that decade was in terms of pop culture. Catherine Mary Stewart as Regina would be seen in more cheesy horror flicks of the era. In fact, she pretty much became the PG-13 version of 80's Scream Queen Linnea Quigley. Where Ms. Quigley wasn't against gratuitious nudity and sex in the movies she was in, Ms. Stewart was very chaste and very girl next door in her roles.
  
  Would I recommend this movie to people? Yes, I would but buying the dvd may be more for the hardcore horror and scifi completist since one can easily see Night of the Comet on regular and cable TV. In the end, the movie is a fun romp back through time to a weird and different era. The movie is not great, but it's not bad either.
  
  

• the nigh of the comet

  
  By A2QDGAM48GQT86 on 2006-04-13
  I love this movie, I wish that they would have made a sequel
  part two. This is a great movie-Im a member of columbia house
  but they dont have it either. Come on with the dvd.
  
  

• Night of the Comet

  
  By A29Q3IY4ED6JM5 on 2006-06-07
  This was a great movie. Scary and funny at the same time. If a person hasn't seen it yet then they need to watch it. I just wish they would get the movie out for some of us to buy it.
  
  

• An Eighties Cult Hit Makes It To DVD--Great Nostalgia, Great B-Movie Fun

  
  By A27H9DOUGY9FOS on 2007-01-12
  Now, I'll be upfront. I love "Night of the Comet." It's a movie that intrigued me 20 years ago, and I still get much pleasure from watching it today. I suspect that it is also a movie that will generate many 5 star reviews from those eager to embrace its nostalgic charms. But let's be honest, too. 20 years ago, this was a solid B-movie lark with no pretensions--that's why it was discovered and beloved (largely with the advance of cable TV). As an enjoyable romp, it hit all the right marks as a popcorn movie--but it was never great art. Those who loved it then will likely still find much to appreciate. I am, however, going to be cautious in my appraisal for modern audiences checking this out for the first time. I still think many will get a kick out of it, but it might be a film best approached with modest expectations.
  
  Set in the near future, "Night of the Comet" follows a couple of sisters in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. In the aftermath of a comet's orbit, earth's citizens have largely been reduced to red dust. There are few survivors (those shielded by steel, in some way). Others, who were partially exposed, roam the city having taken on the countenance of flesh eating zombies. Tough minded Reg, played by Catherine Mary Stewart, and her cheerleader sister, Kelli Maroney, aren't pushovers, though. Using a natural survival instinct, an aptitude for weapons, Valley Girl sensibilities, and a love of shopping--these two are a force to be reckoned with. Robert Beltran joins them as a trucker and potential love interest. It seems that an underground facility of scientists has also survived (led by the sublime Mary Woronov of "Eating Raoul" fame). Arguing about whether or not to round up others who made it, their motives may be suspect. What follows is a campy adventure with loads of 80s music, plenty of gunplay, wisecracking teens, and a solid plot, too.
  
  As I said initially, "Night" totally succeeds due to its lack of pretension and its better-than-average setup. It appeals to a teen demographic, features resilient and strong female characters, plays solidly as comedy as well as sci-fi. It's just fun. There are faults, to be sure--to make the city look desolate, there are almost no cars parked, or on the streets, anywhere. Not like the Los Angeles I know--but somehow, even that appealed to my sense of camp.
  
  I am giving "Night" only 3 stars. Again, this is so newcomers will approach the movie not thinking this is the "best movie ever." I don't want to oversell it, it must be discovered and appreciated on its own merit. I love it, though, and hopefully you will too. Remember, though, it's a product of its time--not the glossy production you might expect today. KGHarris, 01/07.
  
  

• Kelli Maroney Steals the Film (and that is a good thing)

  
  By A30LMTLC9XVWKJ on 2007-02-14
  "Night of the Comet" is one of the better entries in the 'end of the world' sub-genre and one of 1984's most memorable films. If you judge these things solely on the basis of how effectively they connect with a viewer watching it alone, then the film would be worthy of a 10; you quickly get sucked into the story and have no problems identifying with the three sympathetic characters.
  
  Although not exactly high-budget, the production design is very professional and the outdoor shots quite effective (they really do creep you out-at least if you get into the story). Unlike similar films from this the era like "Eating Raoul" and "Terror Vision" (both also featured Mary Woronov), "Night of the Comet" is played relatively straight for its first hour, with no major self- parody elements working against the viewer identification process.
  
  Catherine Mary Stewart and Kelli Maroney play two sisters who wakeup the morning after a major comet event to find themselves alone in Los Angeles. Everyone who viewed the comet was turned into dust. This type of thing has been done before ("The Day of the Triffids" and "Five" for example) but never before has it featured armed and dangerous Valley Girls (Frank Zappa's daughter had just released a song that made the nation aware of that strange phenomenon). Stewart is fine as a character which Linda Hamilton pretty much appropriated for the second "Terminator" movie; but Maroney really steals the whole film-running around in her Pep Squad uniform and shifting back and forth between airhead and vulnerable (but weapons trained) little sister.
  
  Although the first two thirds are excellent, "Night of the Comet" stumbles badly with the introduction of a big government research facility that hopes to use the girls for experimental purposes. The wheels pretty much fall off at this point and since the plot has nowhere interesting to go they have to play the self-parody card at the end. But if you are prepared for a somewhat disappointing final 30 minutes, you should find "Night of the Comet" a very entertaining film.
  
  Like my mother is like a total space cadet (valley girl)
  She like makes me do the dishes and (valley girl)
  Clean the cat box (valley girl)
  I am sure
  Thats like gross (valley girl)
  Barf out! (valley girl)
  Oh my God (valley girl)
  
  Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
  
  
• Deserves a DVD and more than just 'cult classic' status
  By A1LIWOUDBEJBWR on 2006-06-01
  First saw this film on one of the movie cable channels in the late '80s and immediately fell in love with it. The movie is completely without pretense, and the cast members all turn in memorable performances. The movie is just fun, fun, fun, with a minimal amount of `Hollywood' gore but plenty of thrills. If you like your sci-fi a little more down to earth, you'll like "Night Of The Comet." Three thoughts in closing: 1) That's not Cyndi Lauper singing "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," but it sounds pretty close, 2) My favorite quote: `I'm not crazy, I just don't give a f---!' 3) I'd like the movie even if my initials weren't DMK--fans of the film will know what I'm talking about.
  
  
• An Illinois Fan Loves This Movie
  By A3JJ9U7094EV11 on 2004-10-23
  This film is as good now as when it was released in 1984. I have a home recorded copy of it and would love to have it on DVD. Please hurry and release on DVD so I can watch it over & over. I will be anxiously awaiting the E-Mail from Amazon when it comes out!!!!!!!!!
  
  
• "Night Of The Comet" For fans of "quality" movies.
  By A3KFFZFUP9QSON on 2004-11-05
  
  The world NEEDS this movie on DVD and it needs it NOW!!!!!
  
  It's a "B" movie classic! Cheesy 1980's horror/zombie/romance/end of the world movie.Night of the comet,yeah it may be a "B" movie,it may be low budget and the acting and special effects are nothing to write home to the folks about,but hey..........YOU GODDA LOVE IT!!!
  
  First saw this flick when i was a kid and yes i admit,certain parts scared me, like the zombie cop in the bathroom and the annoying little zombie kid in the house(images like that as a kid will haunt you forever!)
  Now an "adult" this movie has quite the reverse effect and actually makes me laugh all though it is still a quality movie with a great 80's soundtrack.
  
  Please,please watch this movie,its one you will either love or hate,there is no in between.
  
  If you have a coulpe of hours to kill you could do alot worse than this flick,broaden your horizons and until the DVD is released,go root around the video store,dust off the tape,sit back and enjoy!!!
  
  "Night Of The Comet" For fans of "quality" movies.
  
  Stevecee1 A.K.A Crunchy Dew (Check me on Rotten Tomatoes)
  
  
  
  
• PLEASE RELEASE THIS MOVIE ON DVD SOON!!!!!!!!
  By A2Y1FXH91KYDTM on 2005-01-31
  This is one of the great small budget movies from the early 80's. Fun to watch with good acting (Catherine Mary Stewart and Kelli Maroney are great) as well as great directing (Thom Eberhardt). Pure enjoyment from start to finsh.
  
  Please, please, please release it on DVD soon (add all the extras as possible.)
  
  
• Get this one out on DVD!!!!!!
  By A3LRBFA0JBYE7G on 2006-06-25
  I have this movie on VHS and I keep waiting for it to come out on DVD, everyone that says it should be out is absolutely correct. Come on, if you can release the "Last Starfighter" then you can get this one out too!
  I loved this movie when I first saw it and it's a perfect low budget, sit in front of the TV with some popcorn show.
  
  
• "If Daddy Really Loved us, he'd have bought us Uzi's..."
  By A25SQ33WVST1HV on 2007-01-12
  A Post-Apocalyptic world where two teenage sisters pack Mac-10's, engage in shootouts with half-zombified punks in a shopping mall, and hook up with truck drivers? Gratuitous use of always-on Neon artwork in the local Radio Station? Teenagers in cheerleader outfits getting slowly undressed? Spooky scientists out to save their own skins by harvesting the blood of young comet holocaust survivors? ZOMBIES? MORE ZOMBIES? Chakotay from Star Trek Voyager!?!?!
  
  This film has it all! And the best part, it has it all and its not nearly as hokey as my description makes it sound. Cashing in on three major themes from flicks in the early 80's: (Apocalyptic themes, the return of Halleys Comet, and Zombies) this film actually melded the three with a pretty cool story. Sure its not Citizen Kane, but its also not direct-to-video drek either.
  
  The acting is well done, with all of the players turning up in other 80's and 90's movies you've probably seen if you like horror/scifi flicks of the period. Today this movie works on alot of levels...on the one hand, its a great 80's timecapsule..The talk, the fashion, the locations, music and characters. More than a few one-liners and a bit of violence and gore with some creepyness throwin in for good measure. Not over the top like Evil Dead II, but not an emotional beat-down like Dawn or Day of the Dead either. A true California horror/scifi movie :)
  
  Its also got the camp factor going for it....because, lets face it, times have changed since then. Remember when *every* girl had blown out hair? :)
  
  Fans of the movie have come to grips with the fact that we'd never expect to see this movie ever on DVD. It almost never makes the rounds on Cable, heck even the writer/director/whatever suggested you buy a bootleg copy as he had no idea who owned the rights anymore, if any prints still existed, etc. What a SURPRISE!!
  
  This leaves very few 'well remembered' horror/scifi flicks from the period still missing on DVD. Phantasm II still needs a Region 1 release, and The Keep is still nowhere to be found. But with NOTC finally coming out, its one less gaping hole in your 80's SciFi/Horror collection!
  
  Heck they're even releasing LOOKER soon, another early 80's HBO/Cinemax staple that had dropped off the face of the earth.....its the apocalypse! Run..RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!
  
  
• This is the version we have been waiting for!
  By ALQXOE7XB7JWS on 2007-03-04
  I work at a video store and we get our movies a little early. I checked out this disc and the movie is in 1:85:1 anamorphic widescreen and looks great. There is some grain in the picture in some parts that is noticeable, but otherwise looks fantastic on my hdtv. I give this movie 4 stars because the audio is only in dolby digital 2.0 stereo. But can't complain that much because this the first time I have seen the whole widescreen picture on this movie and am happy that MGM finally released it on dvd for the fans.
  
  
• Finally! It's on DVD
  By A12RIRSZF47MTI on 2007-04-01
  I first saw this movie 23 yrs ago when I was 27 yrs old. I'm now an old man of 50, and you'd think I'd have matured some by now; but I still love watching this movie. It brings back memories of the 80s, which I loved. I bet I've watched the really poor LP-speed "budget-label" worn-out VHS tape I bought in the early 90s a dozen times over the years. I'd waited for it to come out on DVD for so long that I was beginning to wonder if it was lost for good.
  
  It's intentionally cheesy. It's funny. It's satirical of this genre. It's entertaining, and the whole "Valley Girl" thing is so 80s.
  
  Now if we could just get more 80s "classics" like Galaxy of Terror, The Legend of Billie Jean, Night of the Creeps and Flash Gordon released on DVD, the world would be a more enjoyable place.
  
  
• DVD NOW PLEASE WITH EXTRAS
  By A184DYN2SYEYP5 on 2004-11-05
  Get off your ass and get this on dvd,there are alot of 80s fans out here and please put alot of extras commentary and what ever else can be dug up hurry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  
• comet watching
  By A20ADXF0UENAG on 2005-04-06
  I'm in complete agreement with most of the other reviewers. Please release this movie soooooooonnnnn on DVD! I have fond memories of this movie, and the soundtrack,"which I don't think was ever released". Hey maybe that can be an extra bonus, releasing the soundtrack with the DVD as well! To all fans awaiting this movies' release on DVD, I'm right there with you. Let's keep our fingers crossed for this one!
  M. Eucalyptus B.
  
  
• calls'em as i sees'em
  By A1DVERK9PHIHNI on 2006-04-12
  this is a top 10 of all time. its a shame and a disgrace that its not on dvd when movies featuring steven segull are readilly available on dvd. this movie is a classic that needs to be digitally remastered to preserve its theatrical genuis
  
  
• Bout friggin' time!!!!
  By AEWQO9BCB5QIX on 2007-02-22
  I was beyond excited when I got an email from Amazon this morning letting me know that this was being released on DVD. YES!!!!!! I have SO missed this movie! It's totally 80's cheese, but one of my fave 80's movies of all time. I can't wait!!!!
  
  
• One of the campy horror classics of the 80's
  By A2E3F04ZK7FG66 on 2007-03-05
  Imagine Jeff Spicoli and the gang from "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" mixed with the old zombie/plague movie "The Last Man on Earth" starring Vincent Price and you have "Night of the Comet". Part of what makes this movie worth watching today is intentional, part of it isn't. The intentional part of what makes it worthwhile is that this movie knows it's pure cheese and isn't afraid to have some fun with the scenario. It knows it's "Airplane", not "Airport". The good part that wasn't intentional is the nostalgia. The 80's fashions, the big hair, the collars, the rolled-up coat sleeves, they're all here. Plus, there's all the 80's music when our heroines are camping out at the automated radio station. It's a perfect little time capsule of 80's pop culture. Of course, if you're too young to remember the 80's, then this part won't be as much fun for you as those of us who remember this movie in its first run. One other thing worth mentioning about this movie. It is unique in that it predates "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" by eight years as a horror film in which the teenage girls aren't just eye candy sitting around huddled in terror waiting to be devoured or chopped to bits by the villain. Instead, Regina (Catherine Mary Stewart) decides to use her wits plus the weapons training her dad gave her before he ran off to Central America and fight for her survival. If you remember this movie, you know it's worth seeing a second time. If you're too young to remember, I strongly advise that you check it out anyway.
  
  
• CULT CLASSIC!
  By A2UBCMZBWZK58A on 2007-03-08
  This is probably the funniest cult/sleeper movie of the 1980's. If anyone didn't like it, they probably were attempting to take it seriously. For 20+ years I have had to make due with a very poor VHS copy, that has become so unplayable I couldn't transfer it to DVD myself. I am absolutely thrilled this movie is now available on DVD. It's been a very very very long wait...
  
  
  
• Great "B" movie!
  By A2YBU2V44YU2GO on 2004-12-06
  I love this movie, it is a must for fans of 80's horror. This movie was scary when I was a child, but will definitely make you laugh now. Its classic end-of-the-world plot is made with two sisters surviving and doing what any girl would do: go to the mall. Add the hot Hector, stir in some zombies, top it off with scientists trying to save themselves and you have a great night at home watching movies.
  
  
• How can this not be on DVD yet?
  By A3L7NM9877UTAV on 2004-12-26
  This is one of my favorite movies from the 1980s. OK, I have a DVD player now. I'm ready to buy the DVD, but there isn't one! What are you waiting for? Give us a good-quality DVD with extras if possible, but just the movie would be better than nothing. How much longer do we have to wait?
  
  
• DVD! DVD! DVD! When?
  By AR7EG02GNFAP0 on 2005-04-14
  Hard to believe that this cult sci fi movie has not gotten a DVD release. I love 80's movies and this post apocalyptic comedy/thriller is one of my favorite. I just hope that when it finally does come out on DVD, that they give us a nice package with plenty of extras and a great transfer.
  
  It would be great if it came out in 2005. I'm already hyped about getting Flash Gordon the movie! If they'd release Night of the Comet also this year I'd be in DVD heaven!
  
  
• One of the greats of the 80's!
  By A3FUYIUTC4VGZ3 on 2005-12-01
  I can't believe this movie isn't out on DVD yet!! I first saw this when I was (ahem) a bit younger, and really liked it. It's one of those movies you can watch again and again, and still find it entertaining.
  
  I too remember when I was scared by some of the zombie scenes, and have watched it again on my VHS recorded from TV movie, as an adult. I think it's great!
  
  BRING IT TO DVD PLEASE!!!! I like the idea of having the soundtrack included with the DVD, I would TOTALLY buy it!
  
  
• Give us the DVD
  By A1ZKZ3FLVANZTV on 2006-04-11
  This is in my opinion a great cult sci fi classic. It has humor, romance, drama . Simply put it is on of my all time favorites. Now we need this movie on DVD.
  
  
• What a classic Sci-Fi Zombie Movie!!
  By A24Z3IL2WPRRFZ on 2006-08-04
  Well, After many years waiting, this title is still out of print.
  
  From the strange morning after the Comet wake-up's, the radio station, the fun trip to the department store and those wacky Scientists holed up in the mountain, this is one great movie.
  
  Wish it could finally come out on DVD, and later on HD Blu-Ray.
  
  Also for it to get aired on TV, ie HBO, Showtime or Starz. Somewhere.
  
  Please someone license, bring this movie back from the graves of lost movies.
  
  
• You can't judge a book by its cover
  By A2Y1M5UOCSFTE0 on 2007-01-31
  Fortunately, you can't judge a book (or DVD) by its cover. As others have said, the cover of this (March 2007) DVD release seems to have been put together by someone who doesn't know what the movie is about. Personally, I liked the understated cover and poster of both of the earlier VHS versions (Goodtimes and CBS/Fox).
  
  The content is the important thing, though, and if rumors are true this will be a widescreen release. If so, I won't complain too much about the cover art.
  
  I disagree with others about the "artistic" quality of this movie. In particular, the false-coloring effects are relatively simple but very effective. In fact, the lighting effects in general are above average. This was not a hastily slapped-together film, despite that it was not a production with a large budget.
  
  
• Very clever and smart; new twist to the teen genre
  By A12X2J7AVZ04IQ on 2007-09-14
  I saw this film when it first was released in 1984. I would've dismissed it as nonsense, except Siskel & Ebert's TV show gave it 2-thumbs-up; good advice. This is certainly a new take on the teen survivor film, and far more witty and clever than most. Some great performers here, starting with Kelli Maroney as the younger sister. She's been in a few other films. The other main stars, Robert Beltran and Catherine Mary Stewart were fine, but I've never heard of them since. Thom Eberhardt crafted a great film, and I'm thrilled that it's finally released on DVD. Unfortunately, there are no extras. It's creepy, unsettling and no end of entertaining.Cast and crew info would've been really nice. Too bad this film was written off by the producers as unimportant. It also gives Mary Woronov a chance to shine, as an empathetic scientist. She's always great. Can't blab away the plot, but good sci-fi fantasy, with loads of humor, action, and scary stuff. Check it out!
  
  
• 80's buff
  By A1LT06ZHFXV2J5 on 2005-01-02
  simply put, this movie is symbolic of how superior and adverse and memorable the 1980's were with their release of movies. from Labyrinth to Warriors, Young Einstein to Night of the Comet, the 80's ruled. this movie (Night of the Comet) should be in every 80's movie fan's collection.
  
  
• eating raoul but not night of the comet???????
  By A77ICKPZF0OUL on 2005-02-06
  how can this be?? i'm trying to fill in a gap in my collection and it won't be complete without 'night of the comet' .. one of the great all time apocolyptic movies .. hurry the hell up and get it done.
  
  
• The Valley Girls Survived?
  By A3ROZK0G84RGMZ on 2007-03-06
  Out of all the people in Los Angeles two vally girl sisters are the survivors? Seems highly unlikely but it works for this movie. I am so glad this movie is finally on dvd. It is widescreen but only 2.0 I wish studios would invest more money into making higher quality product for movies that are considered old. It was only the 80's and this movie rocks. Regina and Sam survive what is the Night of The Comet. People exposed to the comet are turned into dust or if you were slightly exposed then you may have turned into a zombie like creature who will eventually decay and die. A group of scientists thought they were smart enough to survive the comet but they made a small but dangerous mistake. Now they search for survivors to make an antidote from their blood. Reg and Sam were lucky enough to survive the comet by spending the night in steel enclosed rooms. Now they must figure out what to do to survive the zombies and the scientists. A very fun movie.
  
  

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