Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Samantha is a sweet-natured and retiring young woman, unlike her rambunctious, loud, and self-assured best buddy, Megan. After moving into a new apartment, Samantha is desperate for a way to make a few more bucks. When Mr. Ulman comes on campus looking for a babysitter, Samantha jumps at the opportunity. Once she convinces Megan to give her a ride to the creepy old Ulman house, Samantha learns that the job is not quite what was advertised. Ulman and his wife don't even have a child. He tells Samantha that she just has to stay in the house with his elderly mother-in-law while he and the missus go out to celebrate the lunar eclipse. When she balks at the change of plans, he offers her more money. As the night goes on, it becomes clear that Samantha is a much bigger part of the Ulmans' plans for the evening than she would ever want to be.

I had really high hopes for this one going in. I’d heard a lot of good buzz about this throwback to late 70’s, early 80’s style horror and many raving that this was one of the best horror films of recent memory. I don’t think so. From a production standpoint they nailed the look and feel of 70’s horror in every way. If you didn’t know this was shot last year, you would swear this was shot back in the day. While that is great and all, it doesn’t make up for the methodically slow film. While the film has plenty of atmosphere, it just doesn’t lead anywhere. The film is SLOW, building and building to what you hope is something, anything by the time you get there, but the payoff is almost comical in its banality. While effective in atmosphere and impressive in execution the film just ends up being a bore that leaves you scratching your head over why you just spent the last 90 minutes watching it.

MPI has done a good job with this Blu-ray release. Because of the stylistic choices made in the production, the video has a dated look to it. Lots of grain and occasionally some obvious print damage. To say it looks vintage is an understatement. Some may not like the look, but I understand what they were shooting for. The soundtrack is all about mood and I liked the throwback 80’s soundtrack. I also love the use of silence in this movie; it creates the perfect atmosphere for the creepy house. Aside from that there are some nice moments of deep bass and a reasonably atmospheric surround soundstage.

Extras include two feature commentaries with cast and crew and some behind the scenes features giving you an on-set look at the production. Some deleted scenes and the trailer are also included.

They did a lot right and a lot wrong in this one. I love the production effort, but the film as a whole turned out to be a dud for me. The Blu-ray is a great presentation if you’re a fan though!