The horror genre has had a huge following for decades with storylines from nasty to just plain diabolic. The resent films have profited by the past however, and one that stands out is 1999’s The Haunting that capitalized on the upshot of special effects. The audience was ecstatic with the results of the movie magic of this film’s visual effects, computer graphics, artistry, lighting, animations, illustrations, set designs, props, sculptures, special makeup effects; all coming together to bring one of the best scenes for its time. Now remastered on a special 20th anniversary edition Blu-ray, it’s now even better for home viewing.
The film opens with sisters Nell (Lili Taylor) and Jane arguing over the sale of their deceased mother’s house where Nell has been living while providing the care of their mom. But, the conversation ends with Nell’s future in jeopardy. Looking through the newspaper classified for job, she comes across an ad from a research company that is doing a sleep study with excellent pay for a week’s work.
Chosen for the job as one of the subjects, she arrives at Hill House, a deserted mansion with amazing gothic architecture and opulent turn of the 16th century interior. There Nell is greeted by Mrs. Dudley (Marian Seldes) who leads her a Victorian grand suite. Soon after she’s joined by Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones) a stylish woman who will be in the same suite in an adjoining bedroom.
Dr. David Marrow (Liam Neeson) arrives and joins the group with his assistant Mary (Alix Kormzay) and another study subject Luke Sanderson (Owen Wilson). The five settle in and Dr. Marrow invites the subjects to the drawing room. Thus begins a nicely laid out story under the direction of Jon de Bont who guides his famous cast through the mystery surrounding the experiment, secrets of the house, and a very sinister spirit that roams the mansion. The Haunting was an instant classic back in the day and remains as one of the interesting mystery horror dramas of all time.
The house itself is a character in the film with its ancient architecture, and furnishings, secluded passageways, towering hallways, lavish dining room, great hall with a huge fireplace, a revolving mirrored room and luxurious living rooms. The sets and locations alone are an experience and it adds to the strange story that unravels.
The Blu-ray has some nice extras that include:
“Filmmaker Focus” Director Jon de Bont on the facts about The Haunting
“Behind-the-Scenes Featurette” Director, Principals and Cast
“Theatrical Teaser Trailer”
“Theatrical Trailer”
The film has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for intense horror sequences.
A very good choice for some Halloween night fun.
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
