It is true… not all Slasher films are indeed created equal. A sub-genre of Horror cinema that always seems to get a bad rap, the Slasher was born in the 1970s with pioneering films like Bob Clark’s Black Christmas and Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, both from 1974. From here, similar films rolled out in the years to follow before John Carpenter really captured much attention with 1978’s Halloween. In between and thereafter, many other features came and went with standouts including 1976’s Alice, Sweet Alice. However, in 1979, just before the ‘80s kicked off, a list of memorable Slasher-type films hit screens like When a Stranger Calls, Tourist Trap, and Silent Scream.
The first and only film directed by Denny Harris, Silent Scream has a distinctive history as one of the most successful independent Horror films to emerge from the 1970s. Hard to believe, but true, the film was made on a very modest budget, which ultimately resulted in nearly $8 million in box office returns. A success story that no one saw coming, Silent Scream, with its limited release in late 1979 in cities around California, was doing so well that it was a no-brainer to give it a wider release in early 1980.
While some critics stuck their noses up at Silent Scream (because when do film critics actually say positive things about Horror films?), the truth is, it had something about it that stood out from the pack. Following a story of a college student named Scotty Parker seeking housing where there is none to be found, she soon discovers an old Victorian mansion cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a room available to rent. Joined by a few co-eds seeking rooms to continue their studies, it soon becomes evident that something is terribly wrong as one by one they are snuffed out. A simple enough story, what unravels is exceptionally dark, adding substance to the overall mood of the film.
Featuring a cast of Rebecca Balding (known for films like 1981’s The Boogens, among various other television appearances) as Scotty, accomplished Actor Cameron Mitchell as Lt. Sandy McGiver, iconic Horror actress Barbara Steele as Victoria, and Yvonne De Carlo (famously recognized for her role as Lily Munster in The Munsters) as the landlord Mrs. Victoria Engels, there are plenty of exciting tidbits in Silent Scream for real Horror fans. Matched with good performances from the cast and solid filming, Silent Scream is something worth revisiting.
With all of that in mind, the film had further life in local video stores, with releases on VHS in 1982 and 1988. From here, it took many years before it was officially released on DVD in 2009, and then a Blu-ray version emerged in 2017. Then, on July 22, 2025, buried treasure fans received the biggest treat with the first-ever 4K Ultra HD release of Silent Scream.
Made possible by Kino Lorber, this new edition took on the task of transferring Silent Scream from the original 35mm camera negative, and their efforts show. Using HDR10 Master technology to get the best possible quality, what you get is an ultra-clean and bright image, with still plenty of contrast that does not sacrifice the film’s original atmosphere.
Also available in a Blu-ray edition, both Kino Lorber releases include solid extras, such as Scream of Success – 30 Years Later and the final audio interview with the late director Denny Harris. Beyond this, you get a reversible sleeve featuring a compelling new piece of art on one side and a stellar vintage on the other. Overall, Silent Scream is a ‘70s era Slasher worth preserving. Thankfully, Kino Lorber thought so as well and did a fine job of putting this 4K Ultra HD release together. For that, Cryptic Rock gives it 4 out of 5 stars.
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