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"I see dead people," whispers little Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), scared to affirm what is to him now a daily occurrence. This peaked 9-year old, already hypersensitive to begin with, is now being haunted by seemingly malevolent spirits. Child psychologist Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) is trying to find out what's triggering Cole's visions, but what appears to be a psychological manifestation turns out to be frighteningly real. It might be enough to scare off a lesser man, but for Malcolm it's personal--several months before, he was accosted and shot by an unhinged patient, who then turned the gun on himself. Since then, Malcolm has been in turmoil--he and his wife (Olivia Williams) are barely speaking, and his life has taken an aimless turn. Having failed his loved ones and himself, he's not about to give up on Cole.

This third feature by M. Night Shyamalan sets itself up as a thriller, poised on the brink of delivering monstrous scares, but gradually evolves into more of a psychological drama with supernatural undertones. Many critics faulted the film for being mawkish and New Age-y, but no matter how you slice it, this is one mightily effective piece of filmmaking. The bare bones of the story are basic enough, but the moody atmosphere created by Shyamalan and cinematographer Tak Fujimoto made this one of the creepiest pictures of 1999, forsaking excessive gore for a sinisterly simple feeling of chilly otherworldliness. Willis is in his strong, silent type mode here, and gives the film wholly over to Osment, whose crumpled face and big eyes convey a child too wise for his years; his scenes with his mother (Toni Collette) are small, heartbreaking marvels. And even if you figure out the film's surprise ending, it packs an amazingly emotional wallop when it comes, and will have you racing to watch the movie again with a new perspective. You may be able to shake off the sentimentality of The Sixth Sense, but its craftsmanship and atmosphere will stay with you for days. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (761)

Great movie and a great DVD
Haley Joel Osment turns in a great performance as a young boy who sees dead people. Finally, after 2-bit thrillers like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, we have a film that doesn't use violence and screaming women with tight shirts to put you on the edge of your seat. This film makes you think and once you've seen the ending you'll want to watch it again immediately. Needless to say Bruce Willis turns in another stellar performance as the psychologist who helps little Cole (Osment) with his odd 'gift'.

The DVD also gives you cut scenes (with explanations) and the normal behind the scenes that come along with all good DVDs. Picture quality is great and the sound quality is descent (although I didn't get a chance to watch it on Dolby 5.1). Plus you get to see the first film by director M. Night Shyamalan.

Although it didn't win any Academy Awards, it certainly was deserving of all the nominations, especially Osment's Supporting Actor Nom. Great movie, definantly worth the purchase.

Subtle, creepy, and intelligent!
Here comes a thriller which is smart and uniquely chilling, unpredictable and starkly original. "The Sixth Sense" falls into an enjoyable but very tricky genre of filmmaking: thrillers which succeed in balancing suspense and tension with an equal level of emotion. Writer/director M. Night Shyamalan does so much with this story, his third feature, yet he keeps the plot twists on the down-low so that the movie speaks to us in such a way that our only choice is to follow it through to the final, gut wrenching climax. Through a combination of subtly effective cinematography and a powerful cast, "The Sixth Sense" rises up to become one of the best movies of 1999.

Setting itself up quite nicely with an eerie opening credits scene, the movie introduces us to Malcolm Crowe, who has just one a prestigious award from the city of Philadelphia for his work as a child psychologist. That same night, upon going upstairs to their bedroom, he and his wife Anna find a strange man in the bathroom, claiming to be a former patient of Crowe's who feels his bedside manner was less than helpful. After a lengthy "session" of trying to calm him down, Malcolm is shot in the stomach, and the intruder commits suicide.

Skip ahead a year, in the fall season, and we find Malcolm embarking on another assignment: helping a small child named Cole deal with visions of ghosts that permeate his thoughts and come to him in reality, leaving visible scars on his body and causing his severe fright. The child is at first reluctant to reveal these apparitions, but once he knows he can trust Malcolm, he tells all. Malcolm, whose life has taken a bit of a nose dive (his wife barely speaks to him anymore, and he suspects that she's having an affair), is not about to stop helping Cole, who wants more than anything to be rid of the terrifying "sixth sense" he has been given.

The film's story structure and plot machinations are completely unique and possess zero predictability factor, keeping the story moving at a slow, easy pace which allows us to take in everything that's important. What is really nice about this movie is its attitude towards it audience: it knows exactly what we want to see, and it gives us that in an ultra-creepy form without falling into any of the clichés or pitfalls of other thrillers. Visions of ghosts are nothing new, but the reasons for which they haunt Cole are completely new and fascinating, providing for some incredibly taut twists and surprises as the story rounds itself out to absolution.

Suspense and intensity are evident in the plot as well, yet are not the in-your-face types we are so used to from mainstream thrillers. Shyamalan substitutes hardcore scare tactics for sinister, eerie instances that rarely last more than a second. The effects are never gory or bloody, which softens the senses while throttling the mind with twists that need attention in order to grasp the final impact the film will have. There is a lot to miss in this movie if you do not keep yourself focused on it, but the final climax is worth all the attention you give it.

Countering the suspense and tension is an equal amount of emotional feeling and intensity, which has a great impact, even on cynics. It's impressive to watch Cole handling the situations he finds himself in; he is truly frightened, but finds the courage to try and solve the problem, with some help, of course. His relationship with his mother provides heartwarming moments of love and devotion. His mother truly does love him, and through their struggles and happy times, we believe it because it is totally convincing.

Cinematography plays a big role in this film as well, aiding the movie in its quest to break away from the regular methods and tactics used in filmmaking. Throughout the movie, cinematographer Tak Fujimoto conveys an atmosphere that is cold and, at times, dismal. Flesh tones and an overall casting of shadow on many shots, as well as the setting itself, all add to the sense of eeriness and the unknown. This is some pretty effective material here, all of which gives us the creeps without ever totally sending us off the deep end.

Characterization and acting bring a lot to this movie, and is the key element in bringing it to life. Bruce Willis gets a chance here to play a role that's a little out of his league from the action blockbusters and high-speed films of his career, taking a more quieter and gentle approach with his acting as Malcolm Crowe. This is his best work to date, and marks him as a very talented actor for his ability to play it rough in action films and totally segue into this area of acting with ease and effect. The main star of this movie, whom all the action and plot centers around, is Cole, played brilliantly by Haley Joel Osment, a small boy with eyes that speak when his mouth does not. Cole is portrayed as being wise beyond his years, and his fear and emotions are brought out wonderfully under Osment's incredible performance. Toni Collette is Cole's mother, Lynn, who does a fine job of playing out her confusion and fright over her son's actions and conditions.

"The Sixth Sense" is a landmark piece of filmmaking, one of those movies that stays in the mind long after it is seen. You need to keep close attention fixated on the film, but the movie does such a tremendous job of bringing you into its story and suspense that your attention will do anything but hinder. The performances are intriguing, the material is brilliant and intense, and the overall effect the movie has in the end, along with being a superb surprise, is one of refreshment and satisfaction.

first rate psychological thriller
I was listening to the Movie Show on Radio one Saturday as I was working on my truck, when I heard Mad Max Weiss mention that The Sixth Sense had one of the most surprising endings of any movie. That did it, I had to rent it.

Staring Bruce Willis as child psychologist Malcolm Crowe and Haley Osment and the disturb child Cole Sear, The Sixth Sense is both a psychological thriller and a horror movie at the same time. Terrifying visions of dead people haunts the child, Cole. He has learned to repress what he sees for fear of being called insane. So at first, we see it as a psychological thriller. Later, we learn that the visions are real, so perhaps we are watching a horror flick, but as the move progresses it never degenerates into a silly horror movie, but keeps its psychological edge.

Although Bruce Willis is one of my favorite actors, I am afraid that I have underestimated his acting ability. This is an outstanding movie that grabs your attention and does not let go until the final credits roll. And the ending, oh yes, it was a surprise- I did not see it coming. If you have not seen this movie, rent it now. You will want to watch it several times. It is that good. Not a movie for the faint of heart or your wee ones- it will give them nightmares for a week; but if you are looking for a first rate psychological thriller you may want to add this to your DVD collection.

Un-Finished Business
The Sixth Sense

The Sixth Sense (1997) directed by M. Night Shyamalan, which he wrote and plays the part of Dr. Hill, a psychiatrist, is a timely masterpiece. The late 90's was a time for increased and renewed spiritually. Many individuals were and are still seeking answers to what happens after we die. Shyamalan was born in India where belief in reincarnation is very strong. While he was born in India he grew up in the United States in Philadelphia. There is a quality of "other world ness" or "wholly unknown" that he brings to the screen. What some have only imagined or "wholly sensed" he brings to life on film. His works include Signs (2002) and currently he is in post production of The Village (2004). What he and fellow director Jerry Zucker (Ghost, 1990) both portray through the genres of drama, mystery, and thriller is: Unfinished business keeps you around after you die.

Unfinished business is what keeps Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist around for a while. Despite the fact that his grieving wife has not been able to let him completely go- she plays home movies to keep him close, for a while. Individuals do sense sometimes their loved ones who have passed on are right beside them. This could be in the role of protector, as in Ghost, where Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) tries to protect his girlfriend Molly Jensen (Demi Moore) from harm, or as a guardian angel. One theme within both films is that of coming to terms with oneself and to be at peace. This was accomplished for Sam when he was able to communicate his message through Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg), thus saving Molly from certain death. In The Sixth Sense Crowe feels guilty about not being able to help is de-ranged ex-client. To do penance for that he tries to help, and succeeds in doing so, Cole. Cole for his part learns to face his fears, and works with his gift instead of against it. He helps the dead girl communicate a message to her father about her death. Through the process Crowe walks with Cole, afterwards he is able to let go, but first he whispers into his wife's ear how much he loves her.

What makes this film and others like it so interesting is that our society has within it a sub-culture of those who believe in the supernatural. The popularity of Crossing Over with Jonathan Edwards attests to this fact, as well as It's a Miracle. People want answers and will go to almost any length to get them. Many individuals have testified that they have either sensed or seen deceased family members at one time or another. The Sixth Sense is a great film for those of us with imagination and also for those without imagination.

UPLIFTING
Cole Sear (played wonderfully by Haley Joel Osment) is always hiding behind the "magnificent red curtain". Unable to comfortably associate with his peers, he has accepted the delegated task of the minor player, the victim, the bullied. Only when Sear tried to accept his 'fate', with the help of child psychologist Malcolm Crowe (brilliantly acted by Bruce Willis), did he realise the many beautiful opportunities he could have.

M. Night Shyamalan delivered, for me, an unusually uplifting suspense thriller. Sort of a 90s "Wizard of Oz". His craftmanship is superb. It was highly disappointing he failed to win the OSCAR Best Director trophy for The Sixth Sense.

Australian actress Toni Collette, as Cole's mother, is wonderful in her minor role. She is a world-class actor, and the car scene with Osment would have to be one of the best acted scene in the history of the silver screen. Subtle yet powerful!!! ... Read more

Reviews (122)

Not worth the time, even if it is free...
Not good at all, folks. If you like minimal scares, teenager actors, and DUMB movies, then sign up for this. The rest of us TRUE horror fans, avoid this like the plague!

A Better than Expected Vampire flick.
Toying with the Legend and Legacy of Dracula, the Worlds most Infamous Vampire, is a Risky Thing. Upon hearing the news of an Updated Dracula film, I jumped to the "It'll be Crap" Conclusion, as did many Film Critics. They Stuck to there Guns... I Didn't. "Dracula 2000" is a Fun Vampire film, it adds a few Clever bits and pieces to the Legend and it strikes a Nice Mix of Serious and Spoof (eg. "I Never Drink... Coffee"). It is a Cleverly Conceived and Well-Made Horror flick.

The Large Cast of known faces includes Christopher Plummer ("12 Monkeys" and "The Insider"), Jonny Lee Miller ("Trainspotting" and "Plunkett and Mcleane"), Omar Epps ("Higher Learning" plus "Scream 2"), Jennifer Esposito ("I Still Know what you Did Last Summer" and "Summer of Sam"), Lochlyn Monroe ("Scary Movie" and "Dead Man on Campus") and Sean Patrick Thomas ("Save the Last Dance" and "Cruel Intentions"), plus Starring roles from Gerald Butler and Justine Waddell, who after such Eye-Catching Starring roles, will surely be quite well-known in the Near Future. The Ladies in the cast fare the Best, as they are all Quite Sexy and Seductive, Vampires or Not. The British Boys, Jonny and Gerard give the All-Round Best though, it would have been Great if they Faced off more, but that's me being Picky.

The Filmmakers have mixed Oddball Originality with Old-Fashioned thrills (when I say "Old-fashioned", that means anything between the original "Dracula", to the original "Scream") to create an Uneven, but Enjoyable Horror film. At Some points, the film reaches Highly Original and Clever status (eg. The Way Van Helsing has hidden Dracula for Centuries, The Explanation of Dracula's Origins), but for the Most part, it steals from it's Hundreds of Predecessors, which Is fine by me, I wasn't Expecting Unprecedented levels of Originality. One thing I Did expect that I Didn't Receive was more use of the "Fish-out-of-Water" Scenario. Here we have Dracula roaming around New Orleans, Smack in the Middle of Mardi Gras, in the year 2000. There could have been Endless jokes and Clever Encounters, we get a Few here and there ("Farewell... Horses"), but there could have been Many more. I'm being Picky again.

Patrick Lussier knows the Horror Genre, being Editor for Wes Craven's "Scream Trilogy" is all the Evidence you'd need. He knows how to film Shock Scenes, he knows how to build Atmosphere, and he is a Master at using Music. This films Soundtrack is a Real Winner. "Marilyn Manson", "Powerman 5000" and "Lincoln Park", the Soundtrack is Heavy-Metal Heaven, and "Dracula 2000" is not quite Horror film Heaven, no one Expected it to be, it Is a Fun Horror Entry and Good enough to be labelled... A Worthy film for the Dracula Legend.

The best Dracula movie since the "Nosferatu"
While others will say that you shouldn't revisit a classic, "Dracula 2000" is a sexy and scary thriller. Colleen Fitzpatrick (a.k.a. Vitamin C) looks great and can genuinly act. Christopher Plummer is good. Omar Epps is doing his thing and doing it well, and Gerard Butler is excellent as the title character. After breaking into Dracula's crypt in London, Epps and his gang of thieves take the coffin back to New Orleans, but Dracula escapes on the plane, and follows his thirst for blood on the citizens of New Orleans. I won't give anything more away, cause there are acually a few good surprises in this well crafted and entertaining thriller.

The worst Dracula movie ever
This is one of the worst movies I've seen. The plot is bad, the characters are week, the acting is absurd. The idea that Dracula is really Judas is stupid, and so is the ending. Please save your money, there are plenty of good Dracula movies. Bram Stokers being my favorite.

Dracula 2000
I went to see this movie with my dad when it came out, and we weren't very disappointed. I thought it gave a fresh twist to the ...-master himself.

For what it is ( a dumb horror movie, sent out make a few extra million dollars for the movie company) it is pretty good. I mean, we aren't talking Gone With The Wind here, but if you have an extra $5, it is well worth it.

There is plenty of special effects, and if you don't want a movie that makes you think too much, and you just want to jump out of your chair a few times, you have come to the right place.

There are plenty of familiar faces in there, (i.e. Vitamin C, Jennifer Espisito, and Omar Epps)and they hold their own pretty well.

The best scene is with the young vampire hunter and the she-pires. You can really see the quality special effects when Jennifer Espisito and Vitamin C jump off the top of the building and then saunter their ways over to him. It is visually stunning.

Check this one out for a good Saturday night scare! ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Probably my favorite little-known horror film.
If you're all stocked up on the requisite horror/sci-fi DVDs and are looking to go deeper in your collection, here is a little gem from 1987 that I guarantee will please. Everyone has a movie they love that nobody else saw - this is one of mine.

You can get a feel for the story from the Amazon blurb above. My testimony is for the fun of the film. It's not gory, or even necesarrily bone-chillingly scary. It's just extremely entertaining and really well done (it's cousin in this genre is TREMORS, for the fun and campiness of it all).

But what makes this DVD worth BUYING is its extras, especially the commentary by director Jack Sholder. This guy is a B-movie director if ever there was one, and his resume isn't all that impressive: Nightmare on Elm Street 2, Renegades, some other forgettable 80's films, and the recently abysmal Supernova. But gosh darnit if he didn't make a good enough film to warrant some director's audio commentary, and boy does he go to town. You can tell he's probably a real jerk to work with, and quite impressed with himself. And his cranky disposition makes for some great dirt on the making of this film. He disses the star, Michael Nouri, and even blasts the poor acting of some of his bit players. This is a guy who likely makes few friends with his commentary, and it's VERY entertaining, especially after having enjoyed the film for your first time. On top of that, he's a pretty practical low-budget director who shares the tricks of what he did and adds depth to one's appreciation for the film.

So to sum up - a great little movie on its own merits, with great director's commentary to warrant purchasing the DVD.

Graphic sci-fi with a sharp sense of humor.
"The Hidden" turned out to be a real surprise. The aliens in this picture love fast cars and rock-'n-roll music. The story is about an alien cop of one species looking for a criminal alien of another species, which he follows to Earth. Both aliens enter human bodies and control these bodies until the host is dead. Violent and graphic, this film doesn't cover new ground, but twists it by juxtaposing this violence with a keen sense of humor. Michael Nouri is fine as the haggard city cop trying to understand the random killings suddenly spreading throughout his city, and Kyle MacLachlan is perfect in the roll of the quirky alien using an FBI agent's body to hunt down the criminal. Between 1 and 10, "The Hidden" gets a marginal 7.

An Excellent Sci/Fi Thriller.
A Series of Bizarre, Unusual Crimes are Committed by Seemingly Ordinary Citizens of Los Angeles. L.A. Police Detective (Micheal Nouri) is totally buffled by these stranges crimes. When a Mysterious F.B.I. Agent (Kyle MacLachlan) is helping the Police Detective with these inexplicable robberies and murders but not telling the detective that a Demonic Extraterrestrial Creature is Invading the Bodies of Everyday Citizens and Transforming Them into Inhuman Killers.

Directed by Jack Sholder (A Nightmare on Elm Street 2:Freddy's Revenge, Wishmaster 2:Evil Never Dies, Alone in the Dark) made a entertaining, wildly violent, kinetic, sci-fi action/thriller that is even touching with a sense of humour. This Independent Film has High Production Values was made with a Budget of $5-6 Million. This was a Small Hit for then Independent Studio-New Line Cinema. MacLachlan and Mouri are good in the film. DVD has an fine anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) transfer (also in Pan & Scan) with an digitally remastered-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.

DVD has an great filmmakers commentary track by the director:Sholder and another film director (Who nothing to do with the film production but He's a fan of the film):Tim Hunter (River's Edge). DVD also has Unused Footage, never seen before special effects production footage with narration by the director of the film and the Original Theatrical Trailer. This film has become a Cult Classic and it's also a Underrated Film. This is a Fast, Violent, Edge of your Seat Thrill Ride of a Movie. Writer:Bob Hunt, who wrote this film is really-Jim Kouf. Which Kouf wrote "The Stakeout Films" and the little seen-"Gang Related". Terrific Music Score by Micheal Convertino. Grade:A.

Kill Those Smarmy Car Salesmen!!
This movie takes a tentacled stab at the Human Race. A great sense of humor throughout the film. Wild special effects. Surprised faces on nearly everyone in the movie! If you need a worthy SCI-FI flick for your collection this would be a good choice. Very re-watchable for the [gory scene/surprised faces] laughs alone.

The Hidden (1987)
Director: Jack Sholder
Cast: Michael Nouri, Kyle MacLachlan, Ed O'Ross, Clu Gulager, Claudia Christian.
Running Time: 97 minutes.
Rated R for violence, sexual situations, gore, and language.

A nice surprise of an action-science fiction feast, pitting police detective Michael Nouri and federal agent Kyle MacLachlan to join forces against an unknown evil. When a bizarre series of crimes wreck havoc on the streets of Los Angeles, California, the two discover that they may be up against a slithery alien intruder that wants to take over the world. MacLachlan's behavior gets stranger and stranger as the film goes on, prompting Nouri to suspect that he may have something to do with it.

Director Sholder creates a "Lethal Weapon" on extra-terrestrial steriods, creating an original and amusing cop-buddy flick that is satisfyingly different. While the script is fairly bogus and the performances are only mediocre, the action sequences and special effects are very well-done. Not a film that should cause anyone to drop all of their things and watch at once, but an exciting motion picture that will gratify those who enjoy many genres. ... Read more

Description

Directed by Ishiro Honda (The Godzilla Series!) After a yacht is damaged in a storm and it’s boarders stranded on a deserted island the passengers; a psychologist and his girlfriend, a wealthy businessman, a famous singer, a writer, a sailor and his skipper take refuge in a mysterious fungus-covered boat.While using the MUSHROOMS for sustenance they find in the ships journal that the mushrooms re poisonous, however some members of the shipwrecked party continue to ingest the mysterious fungi transforming them into hideous ungal monsters. One of the strangest and most horrific TOHO productions to date. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Connections to Gilligan in terms of inspiration
Actually as stated on this DVD's actor commentary Matango premiered in Japanese theaters in and around mid 1963. The Gilligan's Island first pilot (with different actors as The Professor and Ginger)was made in late 1963 thus the Japanese film does not predate Gilligan by a few years as another poster here thinks.Schwartz could have heard about a Japanese film made with seven castaways (as Hollywood and Tokoyo's Toho were in communication). But he definitely didn't see the Japanese film before he pitched gI to the networks in early 63. As for Matango itself it definitely is the creepiest Japanese monster film ever. But why do only some mushroom monsters go down when getting hit by bullets from the protagonist's rifle and others stay standing.. Loved the Tokoyo showgirl delusion scene best.

Curse of the Mushroom People
I think most people have a film that they saw when they were younger, one that stayed with them, perhaps even haunted them, into their adult years.For example, one of my friends can't watch the film Trilogy of Terror (1975), specifically the scenes with that little Zuni doll, without having a full blown freakout ...my youthful cinematic scarring occurred at the hands of Mantango: Attack of the Mushroom People (1963) aka Curse of the Mushroom People, Fungus of Terror, Matango the Fungus of Terror, Matango: Fungus of Terror...I remember seeing it on WFLD in Chicago (before it got co-opted by FOX) on the Son of Svengoolie show in the early 80's, and while I didn't remember much of it prior to watching it last night, certain visuals from the film have been stuck clearly in my mind for the past 20 years.Funny thing is I've hesitated watching this film, as I purchased it back in January of this year, but, there comes a time when one must face his or her demons...looking back, I can see how this could have warped me at a tender young age, given the strength of some of the scenes, but since having learned the true horrors of life (working for a living and such), the film seems more bizarre than frightening now, so many years later.Directed by the legendary Ishirô Honda (The Mysterians, King Kong vs. Godzilla, Godzilla vs. Mothra), appearing in the film is Akira Kubo (Gorath), Kumi Mizuno (Frankenstein Conquers the World), Hiroshi Koizumi (Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster), Yoshio Tsuchiya (The Monster Varan), Kenji Sahara (Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla), Hiroshi Tachikawa (Gorath), Miki Yashiro (Godzilla vs. Mothra), along with Eisei Amamoto (King Kong Escapes), credited as `Skulking Transitional Matango'.

The story begins at the psych ward at Tokyo Medical Center as we listen to what appears to be an internal monologue from a patient, but it's hard to tell as his back is to the camera.This segues into a flashback with some very peppy pop music and 7 people (5 men and 2 women) crusing the ocean on the sailing yacht Aho Dori, which, I think, means short-tailed albatross.Aboard the yacht is Mami (Mizuno), Akiko (Yashiro), Etsuro (Tachikawa), Kenji (Kubo), Fumio (Tsuchiya), Naoyuki (Koizumi), and Senzo (Sahara).Anyway, night falls, a storm hits, one that features giant waves pounding a miniature boat, and the next day we see a very damaged yacht adrift in foggy, unknown waters.Hope arrives in the form of an island, and the group makes their way to shore, and begin searching for food and water, noticing an unusually large amount of mushrooms growing throughout the area.While traversing the seemingly deserted island, they find a derelict, beached, research ship grounded on the beach, one covered with fungus.After finding some canned goods on the ship, they decide to take up residence, and begin making plans to fix their yacht.Tensions build as the food runs out, and it appears they may not be alone on the island as shadowy, lumpy figures visit the ship during the night.What happened to the crew of the research vessel?There weren't any corpses on the ship, and the captain's log offers little in the form of answers...perhaps their disappearance had something to do with the fungus that populates the island (you bet your mold covered bippy it does)...

Someone else mentioned this, and it occurred to me as well, in as far as at times I got a sense I was watching an episode of Gilligan's Island, if David Lynch had directed it.We have a small ship that runs afoul of some adverse weather, and the seven castaways are stranded on a deserted isle.As far as characters go, there's Mami, a professional singer/part time strumpet, who would be the Ginger character, Akiko, the student, is Mary Ann, Naoyuki is the Skipper, Etsuro, the goofball writer, is Gilligan, Kenji, a university professor, is obviously the Professor, Fumio, the rich businessman (who's also the dork dressed in full sea captain gear including the hat), is Mr. Howell, and Senzo, the deckhand would have to be Mrs. Howell only because there's no one else left (sorry Senzo).But seriously, this has to have been one of the strangest films I've seen in awhile.The story was pretty slow throughout, but I found it really interesting as director Honda does an amazing job creating a moody, oppressive, nightmarish atmosphere that permeates the film much like the fog on the island.Looking at the title, one would get the impression of a silly B type movie, but the tone is pretty serious, about as serious as one can get given the antagonistic fungi factor involved.The performances and characters were decent, but what really sells the film is the overall direction, extensive sets, and appropriately creepy musical score, along with some fairly sophisticated special effects (for the time).There were some scenes near the end where I felt like I was watching a Sid and Marty Krofft (the pair responsible for such wiggy 70's television fare as H.R. Pufnstuf, The Bugaloos, and Sigmund and the Sea Monsters), particularly when the giant fungus creatures become more active, but the overall production worked well to overcome any minor silliness attributed to limitations on the visual effects regarding the giant shrooms.Is there a moral implication present with regards to the consumption of the mushrooms (they induce psychedelic hallucinations, among other things) and their harmful after effects?There sure is, and it worked on me...I've never eaten a mushroom I've found in the woods.I think my favorite scene in the film was when we saw Etsuro Yoshida, the goofy writer character (the Gilligan character), sitting in a patch of mushrooms, consuming them with a silly grin on his face.Oh, and by the way, I'd rather eat my left foot than any food I might have found on that wreck of a vessel, especially if I thought the ship was involved in some sort of nuclear research.

Media Blasters presents a superior anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1) picture, along with three audio tracks including English 5.1 Surround, English mono, and Japanese Mono (I'd recommend the Japanese mono with English subtitles, but to each his own).There are some worthwhile extras including a commentary track by star Akira Kubo, an interview with chief assistant director of special effects Teruyoshi Nakano, a spoken word piece with scenes and stills from the movie by writer Masami Fukushima, and an original theatrical trailer.There are also previews for other Media Blasters releases including Dagora, the Space Monster (1964), Gappa, the Triphibian Monster (1967), The Mysterians (1957), and Varan the Unbelievable (1962).

Cookieman108

It Grows On You!!!
I happen to suffer a severe financial disability, I have this incredible urge to purchase almost every 1930's thru 60's classic and not so classic Sci-fi and horror title that hits the market. Last month, I purchased an excellent Toho movie from Tokyo Shock entitled MYSTERIANS which I had always heard good things about but had never seen. I was pleasantly surprized how truly good this movie was when I watched it. After the movie, I watched the trailers and noticed that a movie (which I had always figured in the past MUST be just the cheesiest and worst Japanese sci-fi movie ever made due to the stupid title) entitled "Attack of the Mushroom People" was due for release. Well, being a fan of the genre, I was now excited to have this "screen gem" in my collection which I figured would be filed away with my Ed Wood collection alongside Phil Tucker's ROBOT MONSTER. I never had the chance to see this movie shown on TV so I had no basis for my opinion other than it's title.

Last night, I watched this movie for the first time and let me state how absolutely wrong my pre-conception was. Please keep in mind this movie was inappropriately re-titled for the American audience and that MIS-titling of the movie lowers it's viewer's expectations to the ranks of such Toho "classics" as SON OF GODZILLA. There are many amazing, classic movies of this era that suffer from terrible titles (such as the awesome I MARRIED A MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE) but this is a movie whose title suffers from Americanization.

Anyway, let's get back to the movie. Others who have reviewed this seem to have wonderful childhood memories of this movie, something I lacked while viewing it. The nostalgia would have been nice but the absolute freshness of this movie to me was what truly sold me. There is nothing like seeing a movie that you have dismissed as cheesy fodder (don't get me wrong, I do LOVE cheesy fodder) only to discover a brilliantly executed tale. This is a well-acted, well-directed story that really caught me off guard. The actors tensions continue to build realistically throughout the movie as they find less and less to eat. The sequences in the abandoned "ghost" ship are truly gripping but what grabbed me the most were the psycedelic scenes shot in the mushroom fields. As demetia and insanity saturate the minds of the castaways, the wonderful cinematography captures the kaliedoscopic fungal phantasms amazingly well with it's unnatural lighting and frenzied sequencing. These scenes near the end of the movie are actually mildly disturbing. The musical score seems to reflect human voices screaming in agony and torment. What a great added touch. And the surprize ending...I didn't see it coming so I won't ruin it for to those of you who have never seen this hidden treasure.

This morning I sat down to a breakfast of sugar-coated vowels and consonants and ate my words with gusto. Don't be fooled like I had been by this movie's American title. From this day forth, this movie will now be placed in the top rank of my sci-fi collection with the best of the best and it will be filed under "M" for MATANGO!!

Fungus among us (finally)

A.K.A. 'Matango - Fungus of Terror' [giggle].

Media Blasters has delivered another great disc. The only other thing I would have liked to have seen is a poster and still gallery, but let's not nitpick. Those of us who've been waiting for this movie for a long time had no reason to expect it to be treated respectfully. And at such a nice price! Bitchun!

Just be aware that, like a lot of Japanese movies released in the US, the bright level on your TV needs to be adjusted down a bit to restore black levels and color vibrancy. I don't know why Japanese source materials have this problem over here, but it's pretty easy to fix. And, given that there's a lot of fog and interesting shades of mold on display, you really don't want to forget to do this.

You would think that with the advent of cable there would actually be more movies to choose from on TV. The fact is, the pool of films getting broadcast has shrunk dramatically. (Notice that you rarely see black and white anymore. In the early days of cable AMC used to show older movies commercial free, but now most of the "classics" they air date from at least the [retch] eighties.) More channels, less variety. Gone are the days when local stations paid for grab-bag movie packages of diverse titles of varying quality - many of which you've never heard of. Back before cable it was actually possible for insomniacs to find buried treasure at odd hours. 'Matango,' like 'Carnival of Souls,' is one of those movies that people accidently stumbled across when they should have been sleeping, and remembered forever after. It would insidiously etch itself on your tired brain. And, if you were lucky, maybe it gave you some pretty f***ed up dreams whenever you finally got to sleep. I actually first found this in the middle of the afternoon at the babysitter's house. It was still too much.

Now you can just forget about it. You can watch 'Rocky' or 'Sum of All Fears' three times in a row (if you want to), but you won't find 'Thirst,' or 'Isle of the Dead,' or 'Detour,' or 'Lady in a Cage,' buried in the airwaves like a mugger ready to jump out at you from all that banality it's hiding in. Now we have DVD - which is a huge improvement in many respects. The catch is, you have to know what you're looking for.

Most of us remember this movie as being really messed up - but we love it for that. It's at least as creepy as it is silly - atmospheric, colorful and surprisingly grim. It won't scare the wee-wally out of you, but, if you give it a chance, it might, uh, grow on you. The characters are mostly a selfish and spoiled lot, and the filmmakers seem to have a less than favorable outlook on the prosperity and growth of the era. This at a time when widespread deprivation and starvation were not such distant memories for a lot of folks in Japan. The characters are pretty young, for the most part, though - perhaps young enough to be of that first generation that wouldn't remember the hardships associated with the war. Thinking themselves invulnerable, they behave stupidly in the face of danger and pay for it with their humanity. If what was done to Japan casts a heavy shadow over Honda's famous 1954 effort, 'Matango' is perhaps haunted by what Japan did to itself - which is maybe even more disturbing. The movie seems to have an all-around ambivalence that is refreshing. The art direction is often wonderous. Even the English dub track is not too bad, as these things go - but the fact that the Japanese track is included shows that Media Blasters knows what their audience wants. Fear and loathing from the people who brought you Godzilla - in color and glorious TohoScope!

Happy, happy happy.

By the way, there is a nice bit of audio by the screenwriter, who appears to be reading a treatment for 'Matango.' (This version bears a somewhat closer resemblance to the very creepyWilliam Hope Hodgeson story 'Matango' is based on.) When that finishes, just let the disc run. There's more.

DON'T EAT THOSE 'SHROOMS!!!!!!
Wow! Was I glad when I discovered "The Attack of the Mushroom People", as I always remembered it, was coming to DVD! I remember seeing this on tv years ago, and never forgot how damn creepy it left me feeling. Story revolves around a handful of young Japanese citizens enjoying fun in the sun on a yacht. They wash up on a little fog-shrouded island after a storm hits them at sea. Finding no food on the island with which to sustain them until rescued, they one by one give in to their hunger, and start eating poisonous mushrooms. This in turn causes them to turn into human toadstools!!
The DVD presentation of this "classic" is outstanding, and their is some really interesting extras. Buy it already!!!! ... Read more

Description

It's the battle everyone's been DYING to see! Teenagers find themselves caught in the middle of a battle between two legendary boogeymen: Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger. Who will win in the bloodiest and goriest showdown in history? ... Read more

Reviews (540)

"Welcome to my Nightmare"
Freddy Vs. Jason started out on a fairly ok note. It brought back that old 80s horror movie feeling. The setup of Jason and Freddy fighting each other is very clever and an imaginitive idea. The acting is well-delivered from some of the actors, but there are lots of flaws in this movie: 1. It is not horror! It is simply not suspenseful, only includes a few genuinely scary moments, and focuses WAY too much on blood and gore instead of thrills and chills. 2. It is a self-parody, instead of a truly original piece of work. The movie is obviously supposed to spoof Freddy and Jason's routes, but couldn't they have thought of more original ways to do it? 3. Typical characters, with not a whole lot of psychological depth. When I watch a movie, any kind of movie, I like to be intrigued with the characters because of their psychological depth and their problems in life, their ups and downs. But, from what I recall, these characters are basically derived from the old 80s slasher movies. 4. The reslotion could've been a little bit more shocking and mysterious. 5. Unbelievable. A movie is only scary when it's believable, and this is just way too over-the top.
All in all, this movie is somewhat entertaining, and it is what I expected: A silly self-parody action film, instead of what it should be: A true horror classic. If you want horror, I suggest you see the original "Nightmare on Elm Street" (still ubelievable, and too gory, but much scarier) or "Friday the Thirteenth" (Which is somewhat scary), or even "Scream" (A clever self-parody that mixes comedy and genuinely scary moments) or "The Silence of the Lambs" (Terrifying and haunting). The list of smart horror movies goes on, and this movie, in my own personal opinion, is not an addition to that list. The fact that this ridiculous movie could be made and brought to screen and actually praised by so many should be saddening to me, since I am a young movie-maker. But, it's not. It's inspiring. If THIS can be praised, then the movie I'm making should be praised! If THIS could be made, there are a lot of things that could be made. Still, don't get your hopes up, filmakers out there. It's not as easy as it may seem.

CLASH OF THE TERROR TITANS!!!
It was inevitable. Two of the biggest horror icons of our time finally meet in a terrifying clash that will satisfy fans of both title characters. In this modern Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man, Freddy is trapped in hell, his once fearsome name all but forgotten completely. He ressurrects Jason to kill a few kids on Elm Street so people will start to fear that Freddy is back: thus giving Freddy the power to return. However, Jason goes wild, and isn't leaving Freddy his share of victims. So, Freddy drags Jason to the dream world for a duel to the "death". The second battle takes place at Crysal Lake, giving each monster a home-court advantage. Both are evenly matched; the real advantage depends on where they fight.
This was a fun movie to watch. The fights are great, and there are plenty of scares. Enjoy, and welcome to MY NIGHTMARE!!!!!

Cool as heck!!!
I TOTALLY love this movie. I think it just rocks. If you like scary action packed movies, you will just love this one. so
please, please, please, buy it...

"2 OR MORE THUMBS UP."

eh...
not scary, it was funny, and a little cool, but not the best I've seen I'm afraid to say.

Entertaining Spin-Off of the Nightmare/Friday films.
Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) is been dead for years in the Real and in the Dream Wolrd. Since Freddy is Literally and Forgetten in Hell, Freddy has a plan to bring back Crystal Lake Serial Killer-Jason Voorhees (Ken Kirzinger) to Life in the Real World. Freddy thinks by bringing Jason back to life to bring Fear on Elm Street Kids and making Teenagers remember Freddy again. Since Jason is an Instant Killer Machine, He isn't willing to Step Aside. Now with a Terrified Town in the Middle, Freddy has to find a way to kill Jason by going his dreams before Jason takes the Elm Street Kids over. A Scared Teenager (Monica Keena) finds a way to bring Freddy to Reality from her dreams, So Freddy and Jason enter into a Horrific and Bloody Showdown.

Directed by Ronny Yu (Bride with White Hair, Bride of Chucky, Formula 51) made an entertaining Spin-Off to the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Friday the 13th" Series. Englund, who played Freddy Krueger for the 8th Time seems that he had a Blast Making this Film. Kirzinger replaced Kane Hodder, which Hodder Originally Played Jason Voorhees in the last Four Friday the 13th Series. Kirzinger is Good as the New Voorhees. Sean S. Cunnigham, who produced the Original "Friday the 13th" is back producing this film. The film also stars:Jason Ritter (Which Jason's Father-The Late:John Ritter also worked with director-Yu on Bride of Chucky), Kelly Rowland (R&B Singer from the Group-Destiny's Child), Lochlyn Murno (Scary Movie) & Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps Trilogy).

DVD has an Sharp Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer (also in Pan & Scan) and an Superb-Dolby Digital 5.1 Expanded Surround Sound. DVD has an engaining Commentary Track by the director-Yu and actors:Englund & Kirzinger. Disc Two has Deleted Scenes with/without Commentary by the Director and Executive Producer-Douglas Curtis, Many Behind the Scenes Feautrettes, Music Video, DVD-ROM Content and More. This film has an Strong Music Score by Graeme Revell (The Crow) that pays Tribute to the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Friday the 13th" Series. The film ended up being a Profitable Hit for New Line Cinema. Extremely Entertaining for the Fans of the Freddy and Jason Films. Watch for New Line Topper:Robert Shaye in a Cameo, which he's One of the Executive Producers of the Film (Which Shaye was Involved with Every Nightmare Film). Great Gory Fun all the Way. Super 35. Grade:A-. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Memorable TV-movie from the 70's
Not a bad excursion into mythology with anthropologist Cornel Wilde and daughter Jennifer Salt doing battle with legendary gargoyles in the American Southwest. Also on hand are "Dark Shadows" veteran and Oscar nominee Grayson Hall as a dotty proprietess of an inn and Berny Casey as the "Head Gargoyle" with a voice that is obviously dubbed by an unnamed actor.

The film was one of my favorites while a college student and it still has a fond place in my memory.

Friday night frights
When I was a kid, my friends and I would watch the "Plenty Scary Movies" on channel 8 in Tulsa, Oklahoma every friday night. It was a tradition. It seemed like once every 2 months the feature would be "Gargoyles", and we NEVER got tired of it.

With a creepy soundtrack and amazing makeup by Stan Winston, Gargoyles was a fantastic scare for us. I know a lot of people will roll their eyes and say that there's nothing scary about this film, but I think that is just because we have become used to non-stop action, explosions, shaking camerawork, quick-cut editting, and CGI monsters.

When Jennifer Salt is walking back to the motel in the dark and you hear noises coming from the darkness, well, I'm sorry, but that is just creepy. When Bernie Casey (amazing as the head Gargoyle) emerges from the darkness, I still feel a chill.

This movie used to be on TBS several times a year. It was on so much that I never bothered to get it on video tape. Then when it stopped showing up on cable TV, I thought I might never see it again. Thank goodness it is available again! And on DVD!

This Halloween, do yourself a favor and include Gargoyles in your scary-movie-mix. When you hear the Gargoyle's voice (sounding like he is talking through a fan) saying "you have nothing to fear", you'll know he is lying. I just felt a shiver up my spine. I think I am going to have to go watch this movie again!

Read Genesis chapter six
Genesis chapter six say is all about this prophetic film. This movie was so far ahead of it time. The original Americans have written of these powerful creations for generations. Coast to Coast radio show talk about the giant ones. This film is apparently more truth than fantasy. Just remember the next time at night when you think its just a bat or you see something out of the corner of your eye.....

From 70s TV Comes an Ancient Evil
A made-for-TV flick that originally aired on CBS in November of 1972, GARGOYLES tells the story of an anthropology researcher (Cornel Wilde) who, with the assistance of his adult daughter (Jennifer Salt), travels to the Arizona desert to investigate an unusual skeleton discovered there. However, when the duo try to transport the bony remains away from the discovery site, they are pursued by a number of gargoyle-like creatures who want to reclaim the unearthed skeleton, and the scientist and his daughter soon find themselves at the locus of an age-old battle between mankind and an evil race of garrulous reptilians.

Yes, it's cheesy. But for many horror fans who grew up in the 1970s, it's one of those guilty pleasures that, in spite of any intrinsic sense of good taste, will always have a special place in their nostalgic little hearts--right there next to Wacky Packages stickers and CRACKED magazine. And to be honest, it's really not all that bad, especially when compared to a lot of the other tripe spewed by the one-eyed monster during the "ME" decade.

At times GARGOYLES can be really atmospheric, especially during the night scenes in which the titular creatures attempt to reclaim the bones of their dead, but at other times it is blatantly ridiculous. The first half of the film actually plays better than the second, as the viewer is then offered only brief glimpses of the nightmarish reptilians as they swoop down on moving autos or attack folk in secluded buildings. The "magic" quickly dissipates, however, when the creatures finally appear in full view and the audience can easily see the Gargoyles for what they really are--a group of actors and stuntmen in unconvincing rubber suits. The one exception to this rule is the make-up job on the Gargoyle king, played by former professional football player Bernie Casey. This character looks like a greenish incarnation of Satan himself, and when combined with the eerie vibrato of his voice, he never fails to invoke plenty of gooseflesh.

In spite of the hokey premise of the plot and the rubber-suit monsters, GARGOYLES is definitely a must-see for serious horror fans. There are some genuinely spooky moments, especially early on, and the film is also historically notable for being the first major professional gig for make-up FX master Stan Winston. (Considering the masterful work he's produced in the years since--everything from Cicely Tyson's "aged" skin in TV's THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MISS JANE PITTMAN to EDWARD SCISSORHANDS to several incarnations of the TERMINATOR--it's not unreasonable to assume that he was responsible for the outstanding make-up of the Gargoyle king and not the rubber suits.)

The DVD from VCI is short on extras, and the image has that same softness common to older TV shows that are transferred to disc. However, the digital transfer was made from the complete, uncut version of the film that was apparently screened only in Europe, and that means that even long-time fans of the show in North America may actually see a few bits they didn't see initially on CBS or during the film's numerous syndicated reruns. Definitely worth picking up a copy.

Creepy movie
I saw this movie when I was a child, it scared the hell out of me. I saw it again at the age of 30, it still did. Ok some of the costumes were cheesy, the special effects were limited and the acting pretty much stunk, but that creepy music.....oh man. I thought this movie was psychologically scary.

This is a timeless B movie classic. ... Read more

Description

With its alluring tales of Gothic mystery and supernatural intrigue, Dark Shadows became one of the most popular daytime series of all time.Since first airing on ABC-TV from 1966-71, Dark Shadows has earned the reputation as being one of the most unusual and enduring programs in television history.The character of Barnabas Collins, a guilt-ridden 175 year-old vampire, brought the show tremendous success.

In 1795, the beautiful and jealous witch Angelique attempts to destroy Barnabas' romance with his fiance, Josette DuPres.She enslaves Collins family servant Ben Stokes to assist her evil plans. Abigail Collins and Natalie DuPres find evidence they believe proves Victoria Winters is a witch. The family moves into the newly-built Collinwood mansion and the fanatical witch-hunting Reverend Trask is summoned to exorcise the Old House. A vengeful Angelique places a vampire curse on Barnabas.

Bonuses: Interviews with actors Jonathan Frid, Kathryn Leigh Scott,Jerry Lacy and music composer Robert Cobert.Starring: Joan Bennett, Jonathan Frid, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Louis Edmonds, Lara Parker, Anthony George, Nancy Barrett, David Ford, Clarice Blackburn, Joel Crothers, Grayson Hall, Jerry Lacy, David Henesy and Alexandra Moltke ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Adventures begin in 1795!
The much-anticipated 1795 Flashback begins in DS DVD Collection 5 (VHS Volumes 29-36). In these episodes, Victoria Winters has trouble accepting the fact that she has travelled over 200 years into the past. Barnabas Collins' fiance, Josette duPres arrives, and the evil witch Angelique Bouchard vows to destroy their romance. She enslaves family servant Ben Stokes to assist her. Eventually she ruins the plans and sets a plague on the entire family, resulting in deaths. Abagail Collins and Natalie duPres begin to suspect Victoria of being the witch and the cause of all the trouble at Collinwood. The fanatical witch-hunter Reverend Trask arrives on a quest to find and destroy the witch. After discovering that Angelique is really the witch, Barnabas shoots her, however she places a vampire curse on Barnabas.

Bonuses include interviews with Jonathan Frid (Barnabas Collins), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Josette duPres), Jerry Lacy (Reverend Trask), and music composer Robert Cobert.

The 1795 Flashback continues in the next collection.

so far,the best!
although all the dark shadows dvd collections so far are great,(a little concearn over collection 4 because of many kinescope recordings),but #5 has to be the best so far.set in 1795,the actors play their lines better,the plots are more suspensefull,and the period costumes are great.they are all a must if you are a true dark shadows fan,but don't miss this one,(collection #5).

Perfect Gothic Atmosphere
Watching the origin of Barnabas was eerie and suspenseful, and I never felt more sorry for Barnabas as in the second to last episode of this set. Some may find that the first ten episodes are somewhat listless, with Angelique casting one spell after the other before finally deciding what to do. That's why I rated five stars instead of six.

An added note for non-US buyers: Although not stated, this set of DVDs and all the previous in the collection are code free (region code 0), meaning you can watch them on any dvd player in the world. Bravo to MPI Home Video for doing this!

SINK YOUR TEETH ... YES, AGAIN!
There are grand operas, horse operas and soap operas. But we're not horsing
around when we say that there's only one grand, gothic soap opera --- the
indestructible Dark Shadows.
Premiering on ABC in 1966, it ran for five years, chalking up 1,225
episodes. And now it's time, once again, to sink our teeth into one of TV's more
quixotic offerings. Pass the garlic, please.
And pass the DVD sets issued by MPI Home Video, dedicated folk who
have worked tirelessly to bring the series out of its forgotten shadows and into
an era of rediscovery. Each of the 5 DVD sets contain 4 discs, a chronicle of
Dark Shadows episodes --- approximately 75 hours of our favorite fanged ghoul,
Barnabas Collins, and the dark doings set in the small fictional fishing village of
Collinsport, Maine. Be forewarned, however, that as much as we have a stake in
the revival of the series, we question why MPI only included episodes #211 to
#412. (We asked the question, but they never answered. Talk about being kept
in dark shadows.)
The late '60s were an odd time in our cultural history, a kind of a
maturation into reality after the bland '50s and a precursor for the entitlement
and permissiveness of the '70s. Violence permeated our society and its
entertainment ... and escape was the order of the day. Dark Shadows brought us
to a strange set of performers playing even a stranger set of characters.
Grayson Hall and Joan Bennett came from the movies, Jonathan Frid and David
Selby came from the stage, and they were supported by actors and actresses
who had spent literally decades gracing some of the most popular soap operas
from radio and television.
Adding to the escapism was the time element. You were never quite sure
what century you were in while visiting the New England branch of Transylvania.
It could be modern-day Collinsport, or it could be the late 18th century.
Performers could be playing the present-day characters, or their great
grandparents. Still, one thing was sure: High on Windows Hill stood the family
manse, Collinswood (the name most likely came from Wilkie Collins, the author
whose gothic gems graced book stalls in late Victorian times), and, regardless of
the century, it was here that the haunted Collinses plied their depraved trade.
Dark Shadows had a narrative link in a way, but the performers never
seem to know exactly where they are, were they've been, or, most importantly,
where they were going. To be sure, there were the normal and accepted gaffs of
daytime television, such as a boom mike boinking a performer on the head or
people tripping over cables. But, there was the added zest of poor Joan Bennett
looking confused, calling performers by their real names, and trying to cover
rising panic with a look of sheer exotic boredom. Bennett made her first film well
before the talky revolution, but she hadn't seen or heard everything yet, until she
sojourned into daytime television.
As a matter of fact, the growth and development of the television show
parallels to a greater or lesser extent the growth and development of theater of
the absurd in America. The players and the set remained basically the same, but
the period and action varied wildly. And, ultimately it didn't matter where you
were, or where you thought you were, or where you thought you were going,
because you were under the spell of the Collinses, in Collinsport, and they were
in control. If the reality seemed fractured, hallucinatory and vaguely scary, well,
then, wasn't life exactly like that?
Dan Curtis, who also brought us War and Remembrance, The Winds of
War, The Night Stalker, Dracula and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (both with Jack
Palance) and the cult film Burnt Offerings, spawned the series. But the greatest
success of this veritable one-man cottage industry is undoubtedly Dark
Shadows. The brooding gothic setting, the sprawling, elephantine plot twists and
the idiosyncratic, not to say colliding, acting styles come together to create
something unique and strangely satisfying.
For the last 20 years, there has been an annual Dark Shadows Festival,
held either in the Los Angeles or New York area. This year, it will be held in
Brooklyn at the end of August. An ominous press release informs us that this
year marks the final full fledged festival, the last of its line.
Knowing the denizens of Dark Shadows, we don't believe it for a moment!

Dark Shadows . . .
really hits its' stride in this collection.... this is what we remember as the darkest of shadows! well written and entertainingly acted ... Read more

Amazon.com

Is there anything scarier than clowns? Of course not. And who knows scary better than Stephen King? You see where we're going. It puts a malevolent clown (given demented life by a powdered, red-nosed Tim Curry) front and center, as King's fat novel gets the TV-movie treatment. Even at three hours plus, the action is condensed, but an engaging Stand by Me vibe prevails for much of the running time. The seven main characters, as adolescents, conquered a force of pure evil in their Maine hometown. Now, the cackling Pennywise is back, and they must come home to fight him--or, should we say, It--again. Admitting the TV-movie trappings and sometimes hysterical performances, this is a genuinely gripping thriller. As so often with King, the basic idea (the bond formed during a childhood trauma) is clean and powerful, a lifeline anchored in reality that leads us to the supernatural. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (256)

Through the Eyes of Children - Great Movie!
This movie I believe was one of the first mini series I have seen by Stephen King. I watched from start to finish I was so interested in the kids in this film. Two who are played by popular actor's today Seth Green (Young Richie Tozer), and Jonathan Brandis (Young Bill Denbrough). The children band together and call themselves "The Looser's Club" they face being different from their classmates and they also face their parents. But what they must ultmiately face is the monster who kills children called "Pennywise the Clown." Together and only together as a team can they defeat the monster.
In the first half of the film we learn of the Clown (Played by the great Tim Curry) and the history with the town of Derry, Maine. We see the kids meeting for the first time and the fun they all have. But the serious times comes when they band together to stand up for themselves against a few of the classmates namly Henry Bowers who likes to torment the other kids in the school. They then come together to form a circle and defeat the clown/monster. With a promise that if it wasn't dead they would all come back to destroy it.
In the second part of the film we see whats happened to them career wise and love life wise. Its a tad slower, but it is definately funny and has its serious moments as well. The kids all grown up are now played by a great cast: Henry Anderson (Richie Tozer), Dennis Christopher (Eddie Kaspbrak), Richard Masur (Stan Uris), Annette O' Toole (Beverly Marsh), John Ritter (Ben Hascom), Tim Reid (Mike Hanlon), and Richard Thomas as (Bill Denbrough). Again the second part starts off slow. But its fun to see them all come together again. And to try and remember the good and bad times and defeat the "clown."
I was very much interested to see Stephen King use children to believe in this monster to where the adults couldn't. It's also interesting to see this sort of similarity in some of his other where the children are the key. Which I find really grand in a way. This movie did; however, really turn me off of clowns. So it does have its creep factor in the movie. I would definately recommend it! Athough the book does give more great detail and is better, and the book is different in most parts. But for a mini series this was my first love of Stephen King.

"They All Float Down Here!"
STEPHEN KING'S IT is arguably the best of the TV films based on a Stephen King work. While devoid of countless details from the novel that would have made the plot more understandable to those viewers who don't actually READ King, the movie is nonetheless engaging and downright SCARY!

One reason STEPHEN KING'S IT rises above standard TV-movie fare is the excellent cast. John Ritter, Annette O'Toole, Richard Thomas, Tim Reid, and Harry Anderson deliver stellar performances in their roles of adult versions of the story's protagonists, and Jonathan Brandis (later the teen-heartthrob co-star of TV's SEAQUEST DSV), Seth Green, and Emily Perkins do an excellent job of evoking childhood crisis and trauma in the flashback segments. But it is Tim Curry (yes, THE Tim Curry of ROCKY HORROR fame), as antagonist Pennywise the Clown, who really chews the scenery and steals the show. If Curry's marvelously malevolent merry-andrew doesn't make you develop coulrophobia (fear of clowns), he will at least haunt your nightmares for a night or two after your first viewing.

Another reason this flick rates so highly is that it is, simply put, a ripping good horror story. King is a master at realistically recreating the wondrous ambiance of youth and childhood, and in spite of the minor shortcomings in the film's recreation of King's plot, the atmosphere of the novel is perfectly translated to the screen. Besides that, King is also keenly aware that the things that scared us when we were kids are probably still lurking deep down in our grown-up psyche, just waiting to find a little mental crack to jump out of and give us a case of goose bumps and chills. The film version of STEPHEN KING'S IT finds that same little crack...then pries it wide open!

The long-awaited DVD version of STEPHEN KING'S IT is sparse on frills, but it does have an excellent feature commentary with stars John Ritter, Richard Thomas, Tim Reid, Dennis Christopher, and director Tommy Lee Wallace. Of course, the picture quality is beautifully crystal clear, especially when compared to the VHS version, but purists should consider a few caveats before purchasing. First, the picture has been cropped a bit to simulate theatrical widescreen format. In comparison to the VHS version, which offers the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, there are small slivers of image missing from both the top and bottom. (To be fair, it should also be noted that the picture on VHS appears to be scrunched a bit horizontally to fit it into the TV "square," so it really doesn't seem as if all that much has been removed to create the faux widescreen on DVD.) Also, gone are the "To be continued" message and the second set of credits, both of which originally appeared between the first half and second half of the original two-part movie (these were included on the VHS).

So the new DVD version of this excellent movie should, for the most part, please King fans and general horror fans alike. For the movie alone, STEPHEN KING'S IT would easily rate 5 stars. But taking into account the adulterated aspect ratio and the slightly altered transition from Part 1 to Part 2, this DVD gets an overall rating of 4 stars.

It traumatized a whole generation about clowns
The second best translation of a Steven King novel into a movie (the best being Carrie). It caused a whole generation of people afraid of clowns. The other option is reading the 1500 page book.

Welcome to Derry, Maine...
I have read many reviews and they all complain about the novel being TOO long, "over 1000 pages long" they say. Well excuse me but many of the great literary works are extensive. This novel in particular is extensive due to the perfect description of places, chacarters, thoughts, etc.

Taking into account the enormous amount of detail and description put into this book, I think it would be more than clear to anyone that MAKING A GOOD MOVIE OUT OF THIS NOVEL IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!

-Please save yourself some money.
-Watch "The Shining", that's good acting
-Read the book when you are 11, 12 or 13
-Read it again 10 years later
-Read it at night

great book, ultra bland 'made for tv' movie
I'll put it like this: if your expectations are to see an 'ABC/CBS/NBC Movie of The Week' type thing , then you may be MILDY entertained by this. Yep, this DVD is actually a 'made for TV' movie done in 1990 or so. These things are at best, usually hokey, sappy, shlock filled semi-entertaining fare, where your constantly reminded how every shot, dialogue, scene ,script and action sequence could have been done SPECTACULARLY better as a 'big budget movie' movie. This DVD is no exception! Horror movies just don't have the horror , imo, in a made for TV format. And to make matters much worse, I don't think even a big blockbuster could even touch the magical depth and character the book has. It truly is one of Stephen King's best, imo. ... Read more

Reviews (282)

The Best Movie, Horror or Otherwise, of All Time
After having absolutely no sleep, I saw IWTV at 6:30 in the morning, and put off going to bed just to finish watching this incomparable movie. It is the singular best movie of all time. In a nutshell, Louis de Pointe du Lac, the younger vampire, struggles with regret about his killings after being "made" by Lestat de Lioncourt. I had heard in advance that Tom Cruise played an excellent Lestat, but when he appeared on the screen, I was shocked. He was a chilling, amazing character, virtually unrecognizable with fangs and blond hair. Louis, played by Brad Pitt, was occasionally whiny and melancholy, but he certainly fit the part. Stealing the show, however, was an extremely talented and extremely frightening Kirsten Dunst (at 12) as Claudia, the child vampire whose mind and soul matures, but whose body remains that of a 12-year-old. Louis's only love, she keeps him with Lestat in the immortal family. Antonio Banderas, as Armand, was also amazing, although a far cry from the auburn-haired, eternally youthful character of the book. I was inspired to read the novel by Anne Rice after finishing the movie, (I cried for hours at its end, partially because it was over) and it too was great. If only Tom Cruise was Lestat in the feeble Queen of the Damned!

Sumptuous, magnificent and mournful
INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE THE VAMPIRE CHRONICLES (1994) is that rarity in modern Hollywood terms: A star-driven blockbuster which uses the theme of eternal life to explore the meaning of existence and the nature of death and grieving. Based on Anne Rice's bestselling 1976 novel (itself written as a response to the death of a beloved child), the movie features two of contemporary Hollywood's most recognizable stars - Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt (both astonishingly beautiful here) - as vampire and willing victim, remaining eternally young as the world changes around them. Cruise plays a seasoned bloodsucker who revels in his own outrageous decadence, and his wilful excesses are roughly contrasted with Pitt's horror at the necessity of consuming human blood, until Cruise is forced to create another 'companion' for Pitt in the shape of a little girl (Kirsten Dunst) who subsequently refuses to grow old gracefully, leading to betrayal and tragedy. Scored with melancholy grace by composer Elliot Goldenthal (TITUS, FINAL FANTASY THE SPIRITS WITHIN), and beautifully designed (by Dante Ferretti, GANGS OF NEW YORK) and photographed (Philippe Rousselot, A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT), the film's epic sweep carries its central characters through the social upheavals of 17th and 18th century America and the horrors of 19th century Europe, where a nest of ancient vampires (led by scene-stealer Antonio Banderas and a miscast Stephen Rea) wreak terrible revenge on those who transgress against vampire lore. But, for all its spectacle, director Neil Jordan (THE COMPANY OF WOLVES) - working from a script credited to Anne Rice herself - allows the story to unfold at a leisurely pace, providing us with a deliberate insight into the monsters at the heart of the story and the catastrophic events which shape their destinies. The film concludes ironically, with a 20th century invention (motion pictures) which allows Pitt to see his 'beloved sunrise' once more (illustrated with clips from the likes of SUNRISE A SONG OF TWO HUMANS, GONE WITH THE WIND and SUPERMAN!), and there's an incredibly moving sequence involving a once-proud vampire laid low by his own vanity. The mood is somewhat spoiled, however, by a silly trick ending which upsets the delicate balance established during the first half of the film. And, as with the novel, the homoerotic undercurrent is mere window-dressing, an unconsummated tease which the filmmakers (and Rice herself) refuse to explore in any detail, lest it frighten the mainstream crowd. Sadly, the film is dedicated to the memory of the late and much-lamented River Phoenix who died during pre-production, and his role (as the interviewer who provides one half of the film's title) was taken by Christian Slater.

Warner Bros.' Region 1 special edition DVD - which runs 122m 20s - is letterboxed at 1.85:1 (anamorphically enhanced) and features a range of extras, from trailers, commentary, documentaries and an introduction to the film by Jordan, Banderas and Rice. Sound format is Dolby 5.1 (with a DTS option), and English captions and subtitles are provided.

Movie Introduction to Anne Rice
A different view on vampirism, a city dwelling kind of vampire who enjoys the good life. Based on one of Anne Rice's several excellent books. Great acting by both Banderas, Pitt and Cruise. A pity they didn't produce any of the other books in this quality.

Marvlous!
This is one of my favorite films! absolutly wonderful. It's true to the book as much as possible, and really brings the emotion across. If you loved the book, this will be right up your alley!

different from the book, but just as good.
this movie was absolutely wonderful. presently my best friend and I are in the middle of reading the book, and still love both equally, but we've noticed all the differences too. if you don't want to know what happens in the book, don't read this book, only know that both are wonderful. In the book, Louis has no wife and child, he is instead mourning the death of his younger brother, who he believes he murdered. He becomes a cold shell of a man...etc. then the movie continues correctly. Louis, as a vampire, falls in love with Babette Franiere, a mortal who runs a plantation not 5 miles from Point Du Lac, Louis's old plantation. he helps her, gives her advice from the shadows. she learns of his true form, and calls him the devil and shuns him from her home. the movie continues. Louis and Claudia leave for Europe, they find that Lestat has sired (to turn a human to a vampire) another. The movie continues, but Louis and Claudia search all of Europe for vampires, but mostly all that they find are mindless killing machines. they finally reach paris, where they find: Theatre des Vampires- a play of vampires posing as humans playing vampires. other than these few differences, the movie is almost exactly like the book. but even with these differences, both are by far some of the best vampire lore/stories i've read/seen ever. ... Read more

Reviews (261)

Stylish, beautiful, and mesmerising
I first saw Suspiria a few years ago as a VHS rental but I couldn't remember too much about it. But suddenly, the world of Italian horror has been broken wide open so I picked up this three disk limited edition. Watching Suspiria is sort of like dreaming awake. Colored lighting is used to great effect and the sound track just sort of lulls one into submission. The plot makes about as much sense as a dream, that is to say, the movie all makes sense while watching but looses cohesion quickly once one returns to the "real" world. I think that is why I only remember watching the VHS rental but not too much of the movie.

The three disc set includes a newly made documentary and a Goblin soundtrack from the movie. The documentary suffers from subtitles that are sometimes washed out against a light background. Otherwise, it is informative. The Goblin CD is a lot fun to listen to and I find myself humming the main theme all the time. Unfortunately, I do not find a listing for the names of the songs. The main disk also includes trailers and radio spots and a Goblin music video of Demonia, which appears to be the main theme song.

Terrific DVD for a terrific movie
What many claim is the definitive Dario Argento movie(some say "Deep Red" but I say this), has been put into a wonderful DVD. I waited for weeks for the limited edition. It was well worth the wait. The limited edition throws in everything, but the kitchen sink. While the laserdisc was in letterbox, the colors were washed out. Pity too, since that was they used a technique which enhanced the colors into a deeper, richer texture (in letterbox to show the entire picture). Thankfully, the DVD lets us see this wonderful enhancement beautifully. On the second disc, we see interviews with the filmakers and stars of the film. We also get a bit of a hint why we still haven't seen the conclusion of "Three Mothers" Trilogy. It also has an interesting interview of the composer of the bizarre music to the movie. The third disc is a CD soundtrack to the movie, which contains a terrific updated version of the theme song (a music video of the song is in the first disc). All in all, an excellent DVD set. Bravo to Anchor Bay!

"SUSPIRIA"-Dario Argento's stylishly artistic masterpiece!
Okay, to all those fans of the Italian horror genre (or 'giallo' films as some would call them) I'd like to say that I am a longtime fan of horror movies and am also new to the Italian horror genre. I'd have to say as strange as it is, "Suspiria" (1977) was actually the first one to get me into the Italian horror films. Considering that I personally do NOT like any of Lucio Fulci's work (e.g. "Zombie") Dario Argento is quite better and the atmosphere of his movies are a lot better to draw you into.

Jessica Harper (a very talented actress indeed!) plays the heroine, Suzy Banyon, a young female American ballet dancer who attends a German dance school run by the mysterious Madame Blanc and Miss Tannr (given eerily performances by Joan Bennett & Alida Valli) From there, all hell breaks loose as horrific "accidental" deaths occur as many individuals are picked off one by one by an unseen supernatural entity. There are numerous secret passageways in the school (my favorite being the rose painting on the wall), a cruel and sharply grotesque hanging scene, a flesh eating dog, & many other shocking surprises which await as Suzy must discover the school's true revelation before it's too late!

This 3 disk set is in its WIDESCREEN Presentation(2.35:1) & is enhanced for 16x9 T.V. sets. It also includes the theatrical trailer (including T.V. spots), radio spots, a Daemonia music video, poster and still galleries, and talent bios. The third disk is the soundtrack of the film performed by the Italian rock group, Goblin and is definately one of the creepiest scores I've ever heard in a film. (Though maybe not as scary as Godfrey Salmon's orchestrated and conducted score for the sequel, "Inferno")

It's also one of those rare items which requires you to think, but keep in mind that sometimes it may take more than just one viewing to understand it all. The Dance Academy is also the most beautifully, artistic movie sets to ever be used for a horror flick (but in a grotesque and fun way) Without doubt, this is one of Dario Argento's BEST work! (I haven't seen his first masterpiece, "Deep Red" yet) In fact, as he explained in an interview for "Inferno" this, along with that film was one of the hardest films to make in his career and required A LOT of his own imagination and style. I recommend this to those who don't prefer Lucio Fulci's work and I also recommend the sequel, "Inferno". (it carries some of the same resemblance to the first film but the storyline starts to come together more in that one) Truly, this is a non-stop nightmare into the terrifying unknown! I will most definately be checking out the rest of Mr. Argento's work.

Kcin's review of Suspiria
I suck at introductions so I'm not even gonna try. This movie is very good. I like it. If you are interested in Horror cinema or just visually intriguing films in general you need to check this out. All right then, on with the specifics.

The plot is easily summarized. Suzy Bannion is an American ballet student in Germany. There a bad goings-ons at the academy and she must investigate and defeat the evil to survive blah blah blah. None of that really matters. Even the staunchest defenders of this film often admit that the plot/script/dialogue are not particularly inspired, and frequently kinda lame. I tend to agree with this belief, but as I said before, it doesn't really matter. However, contrary to what many people say, I didn't find this film to be the least bit confusing. I'll admit that not necessarily everything that occurs makes a whole lot of sense, and that some things are shown which are not terribly vital to the plot, but it's hardly difficult to follow. The acting isn't so great either, with the protagonists coming off a bit flat much of the time, and the antagonists overdoing it, particularly the whacky Miss Tanner, whose got a weird female concentration camp commandant thing going on.(or maybe I'm thinking of Madame Blanc, I get the names confused. If you see it you'll know who I'm talking about.) Still, it's a masterpiece visually.

When people talk about this movie they almost invariably describe it as being nightmareish. I don't really care for this description, because it exaggerates the surreality of the film. Visually, it isn't hyper-abnormal, it's really just surreal enough to seem just beyond the bounds of reality, so that nothing in the film seems quite real. This is particularly effective in the Academy itself, which mixes stately, classical looking architecture with extremely garish and tacky, extremely 70s-ish decoration. The night/horror scenes are all the more effective, with natural coloring being essentially abandoned, with everything then being bathed in eerie colored lighting. The two most prominent colors are blue and red, with a smattering of green now and then. On the whole it is startlingly eerie, and can add immense power and atmosphere to scenes where essentially nothing happens. A good example of this comes when they are forced to sleep out in the ballroom due maggot inf