The Legend of Hell House - Blu-ray Review - Scream Factory

For The Sake Of Your Sanity, Pray It Isn't True!

Released by: Scream Factory
Release Date: August 26, 2014
Region Code: A
Running Time: 1:33:54
Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
Video: 1080P (1.85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English


THE FILM

It sits there, shrouded in mist and mystery, a nesting place for living evil and terror from the dead. It's Hell House. Roddy McDowall heads the cast of this exciting chiller about four psychic investigators and the dark, brooding mansion they call "the Mt. Everest of haunted houses." It's already destroyed one team of researchers. Now this brave quartet ventures in for another try at unraveling its secrets. But before they succeed, they must suffer through madness, murder and everything else that the spirits who dwell here have in store for them. Yet learning the truth just might drive them all insane. An ingeniously devised ghost story, "The Legend of Hell House" will thrill and delight veteran horror fans from the first creaking door to the very last slithering shadow.

This is my favorite haunted house film. It has so much going for it, from the cast, music and most of all, the house itself. It has a look that most films made now just can't quite capture. Typically they're set in a modern house and to me, it's just not as scary. I also love how when the lights illuminate the cobwebs, it adds another level to the eeriness of it all. You would not want to spend a single night in that house.

"The Legend of Hell House" was written by Richard Matheson, based on his own book. "Hell House". The film was directed by John Hough (Twins of Evil) and stars Roddy McDowall (Planet of the Apes), Pamela Franklin (The Food of the Gods), Clive Revill (C.H.U.D. II - Bud the Chud), and Gayle Hunnicutt (Eye of the Cat).

AUDIO:

The audio portion of the film sounds very good thanks to the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track. The score by Delia Derbyshire and Brian Hodgson is effective at creating a haunting environment for the viewer. This film may have benefited from a new 5.1 audio mix to really immerse its audience, but the track provided does an adequate job. There is a nice balance of dialogue, sound effects and score. I did not notice any problems with the audio.

VIDEO:

"The Legend of Hell House" haunts its way on to Blu-ray thanks to Scream Factory. The film features a 1080p transfer with an Aspect Ratio of 1.85:1. For the most part, the video quality is quite good throughout the film. The quality does dip a bit in darker scenes and is a little soft in wide shots. But in close ups, specifically of the characters, there is very good fine detail in the characters faces and clothing. Colors in general, look good. The film has a nice thin layer of grain but it does get heavier at times in the darker shots. You also have the occasional speck or scratch but they are minor in my opinion. Overall I would say the video quality is quite good and this release is a big improvement over the old DVD from Fox. 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Scream Factory provides a couple of nice bonus features. Along with those listed below you will also find a Chapter Selection Screen and English Subtitles for the film. This release also features reversible cover art. 

Commentary Track - This track is a bit confusing because on the back cover of the Blu-ray it is listed as an "Audio Interview With Pamela Franklin." But on the Blu-ray itself it is listed as an audio commentary. It plays more like an interview since Pamela Franklin seems to be asked and answers questions that rarely pertain to what is on the screen at the time. She doesn't speak until a few minutes into the film and she stops with several minutes remaining in the film. However, the track is worth listening to as she talks about everything from "The Legend of Hell House" to other films she has works on and even her personal life.

Theatrical Trailer

Interview With Director John Hough (28:19) - This was an entertaining interview where John Hough discusses many aspects of the film including locating the house,  the casts wardrobe, and his filming style. He also talks about his favorite shots in the film but did not want to disclose all of his secrets. Mr. Hough talks about other films he has worked on and also mentions how he would like to make a sequel to "The Legend of Hell House" someday. 

Photo Gallery (2:50)

Radio Spots (2:00)

Also Available From Scream Factory (4:47)

IN CONCLUSION:

"The Legend of Hell House" is a great haunted house film that older fans of the genre should enjoy. Younger fans may find the film too tame by today's standards because it is not a gore-fest and only has a PG rating. "The Legend of Hell House" relies more on sounds and what you don't see, to entertain it's viewers. Scream Factory did a fine job with this release and I think those that purchase it will be pleased.

OVERALL RATING: 3.5/5