1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

It's Christmas Eve and Jessica Bradford is sitting around the fire with her sorority sisters. Outside, the snow is falling creating the most ideal winter wonderland the girls would have ever imagined. But, little do they know what, or who, is lurking inside the cozy walls of their sorority house

In 1974, when director Bob Clark set out to make the original Black Christmas, slasher films were just beginning to take root in Hollywood. And before 1978's cult-class John Carpenter film, Halloween, the idea of a vulnerable group of girls and an aggressive, but feminine heroine, was still original.

When Olivia Hussey took on the role of Jessica Bradford, she brought new life to the term "female empowerment" amid a collection of less than stellar scenes that relied on strategically placed music to induce fear in the audience. However; this original, with all of its faults, still far exceeds and arguably paved the way for classics like Halloween and the Friday the Thirteenth series.

2006's remake of the film, directed by Glen Morgan, like his predecessor focuses on creating shock value in the audience, amplified more so by the use of special effects and new technology that provides the most realistic gore imaginable. Unlike his predecessor, who was undoubtedly limited by the social taboos and censorship of the seventies, also includes nudity and more explicit language.

So, the real question is: Which version is better? The truth is both have their perks. If you're looking for a classic slasher with gritty film techniques and decade-appropriate dress, rent the original. However, if you're more into seeing loads of bloody corpses, some graphic nudity, and don't mind particularly vulgar language, go with the updated version. Neither one offers too much cinematic value, but either way you're guaranteed to be entertained.

Learn more about this author, Krystle Hernandez.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Movie remakes: Comparing the original Black Christmas with the 2006 remake?
We want to hear your view. Write now!