Banking on the release of the 2005 remake comes The Amityville Horror DVD Collection from MGM Home Entertainment. The first three movies are included, plus a bonus disc that features an inside look at the new film, along with two History Channel documentaries on the actual Amityville case. Of the film discs, only the first one comes complete with bells and whistles. With a new high-definition anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen transfer and 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound, the first movie looks vibrant and sharp, full of atmospheric sound design made to make the hairs on the back of your neck spring to life. Extras include an exclusive audio commentary by Dr. Hanz Holzer, the author of the original Murder in Amityville book on which the movie was based. The good doctor does a nice job of laying out his side of the story, while also taking the occasional jab at Hollywood. The disc also contains the well-made "For God's Sake, Get Out!" documentary, which includes new interviews with both James Brolin and Margot Kidder. The two let loose stories of their clashes on the set and obvious moments of over-acting on both of their parts, bringing a candidness to the piece that is quite refreshing compared to many studio-created fluff pieces often found on DVDs. Seven fantastic radio spots are included on the disc as well, plus the original theatrical trailer. Amityville II and 3-D have been given the 1.85:1 anamorphic treatment, with added full-screen options on the flip side of each dual-sided disc. Sound options include a 5.1 Dolby Digital track for the third entry, while the second one got shafted with a measly mono signal. Trailers have been included for each film, but don't look for much else on either DVD. MGM definitely put some work into the set, and it shows. This is a perfect box set for anyone who's looking to bone up on his or her Amityville knowledge before the Ryan Reynolds remake comes out.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Obviously this is a much older movie. However, the graphics in the "scary" parts are terrible. Horribly unbelievable and bland. Felt like I was just watching a movie instead of getting scared.
Terror abounds in the made-for-TV miniseries event Stephen King's It. The film is presented in a newly matted 1.85:1 widescreen edition that is modified from its original form (in other words, black bars have been inserted onto the top and bottom of the original full frame transfer). The image appears to be in better-than-average shape with colors and black levels all solid and well defined. While there appears to be some softness in the picture, overall this transfer should please horror fans everywhere. The soundtrack is presented in an apt Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo mix in English. Since Stephen King's It was originally produced for TV, it's no surprise to find this audio track flat and somewhat boring. However, what this mix lacks in directional effects and fidelity it makes up for with crystal clear dialogue, music and effects. Also included on this disc are English, French and Spanish subtitles. The sole extra feature on this DVD is a commentary track by director Tommy Lee Wallace and actors John Ritter, Richard Thomas, Tim Ried and Dennis Christopher. Filled with some funny asides about the production and witty banter (especially from Ritter), this commentary track is worth the listen for any true Stephen King fans.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.