Likely influenced by the popularity of Michael Jackson’s video for Thriller, teenage monster movies were all the rage throughout the 1980’s. Movies like Teen Wolf, Fright Night and The Lost Boys ruled the box office. More obscure but fondly regarded by many, My Best Friend is a Vampire stars Robert Sean Leonard as high schooler Jeremy Capello, who like a lot of teens is obsessed with getting laid. Unfortunately for Jeremy, he’s a nerd who has little success with the girls. Eventually, he finds himself in the arms of a gorgeous gal (Cecilia Peck) who just moved into the old mansion up the road. Things get frisky and she bites him.

That bite turns Jeremy into a vampire. There’s not much more to the story. Jeremy works to adjust to his new lifestyle with the help of vamp tutor Modoc (Auberjonois). The girl of Jeremy’s dreams thinks he’s weird enough already, his best friend is afraid of him and his parents think he is gay. Meanwhile, a vampire hunter (David Warner) is roaming around town in a white van anxious to put a stake through Jeremy’s heart.

Robert Sean Leonard is good as a nerdy teen turned vampire, often elevating a so-so script. Things get a bit stale around the third act and rebound a bit for the finale. For those who remember it, My Best Friend is a Vampire will be a welcome throwback to a simpler time—one with regrettable clothing and even worse hair. For newcomers to the film, it might just seem dated.

Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, My Best Friend is a Vampire holds up well when compared to other Vestron titles. While there’s room for improvement, a nice level of grain gives the proceedings a filmic appearance. Details are solid throughout. Never looking flat, depth fails to provide a true three-dimensional look throughout most of the film. Blacks are deep and inky, though the color palette looks slightly washed out. While pinks and blues are more vibrant, colors never truly pop. Skin tones are consistent and close ups provide nice textures. aside from some light noise in darker scenes, this transfer is clean.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack serves the film well. It’s front heavy but mixed well to provide nice balance. The front speakers offer some nice side to side activity. Rear channels provide notable ambiance throughout. The subwoofer offers some occasional punch. Dialogue is clean and clear throughout.

English, English SDH and Spanish subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • Audio Commentary with Director Jimmy Huston and Film Historian Nathaniel Thompson
  • A Most Alternative Lifestyle (HD, 19:03) A conversation with writer and associate producer Tab Murphy and production executive Ken Aguado.
  • Gabbing with Grimsdyke (HD, 12:28) An interview with actor Paul Wilson who discusses his experiences filming the movie.
  • Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:38)
  • Teaser Trailer (HD, 1:28)
  • Still Gallery (HD, 6:26)

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