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Movies reviews:
The Haunting (Robert Wise, 1963)
Remember the 80s? Yeah, neither do I. I remember something about a "New" Coke product. Basically, I remember it sucked. In fact, I might be the only one that remembers this product. Well, just like "New" Coke, the remake of The Haunting didn't quite measure up to the original. The DVD release of the original movie reminds me why the remake didn't quite come up to par. Here why:
The language selection is pretty standard: one may choose English or French to be spoken and add Spanish to those for the subtitled section. Can't add? Use an abacus! (Note: abacus sold separately.)
The special features are really what make the DVD cook (that and five years at culinary academy). The DVD can be viewed with a running commentary, which is what we all secretly hope for in a DVD. The commentary includes sound bytes from the director, Robert Wise, writer, Nelson Gidding, and several of the cast members.
Speaking of the cast members, the special feature section also includes a still photo section. Here, you can choose between viewing images of pages from the original screenplay and stills of the actors. Why would anyone want to see the actors' ugly mugs when they could look at pages of print? I don't get it either.
Of course, if you still don't get it, then it may be because you don't know who these characters are. If this is the case, check out the Cast and Crew section of the special features. This will give you a quick run down of the players' names in The Haunting. It's like a sport's program without the beer stains.
Even if you have quit killing brain cells with the beer, you will feel like a super-genius after studying the DVD's "Things that go bump in the night" section. It contains many factoids and trivia to keep conversation going at any "Magic the Gathering" tournament (those guys get all the fine honeys).
No self-respecting classic horror DVD would be complete without the addition of its original trailer. The Haunted is no exception, but you may wish it had been. While it tries to capture the original flavor of the movie, it seems that it has been left out on the bedpost one night too many. The film quality is grainy and the sound fluctuates between almost-silent and bleeding-ears deafening.
This is in direct contrast with the movie itself, which is clear, pristine, and free of any unsightly blemishes (thank you, benzoil peroxide). Best of all (wait for it), this movie is a letterboxed edition (there it is). You'll also find the sound quality in excellent to near-mint condition.
Here's the bottom line: get this DVD by any means possible. The Haunted has great special features, insightful commentary, informative trivia, and it's letterboxed. How can you lose? That's right…you can't! Now, scoot.
© 2003 Caddo Man Productions
Michael A. Sheyahshe-Lell
