DVD
Review | Amityville 3-D (Region 2)
Written by: Kage
Alan
The 80s have a soft spot in my heart anyway, but
even more so because they gave 3-D films one last breath of life.
There was “Spacehunter,” “Friday the 13th Part 3,” “Jaws 3”
and then, of course, “Amityville 3.” It was important for the
producers to state that it wasn’t a sequel, yet it kinda was and the
big “3” in the title summed it up regardless of its 3-D opticals.
Unfortunately, “Amityville 3” was released in Full Screen non-3-D VHS
here for years and that transfer made the film a bit of a joke. Not
only did it look awkward, but some of the effects and mood either
couldn’t be seen or fully realized. It made Richard Fleischer look a
bit like a b-list director when in fact he was respectable.
John Baxter (Tony Roberts) is one of those
investigate reporters who specializes in bringing fraudulent psychic
shams to light. Where was he when we needed him for Miss Cleo? With
co-worker and photographer Melanie (Candy Clark), John uncovers such a
racket taking place in the old Amityville house, that place where things
happened. You know the story. After busting things up, John decides to
buy the house and move in. There’s just something about it he likes.
Perhaps it’s the sudden icy winds that plague his friends, the flies
that take out the Real Estate agent or the well in the basement that
harbors an evil spirit.
With ex-wife Nancy (Tess Harper) objecting to the
purchase of the house and daughter Susan (Lori Loughlin) curious about
it, something bad is going to happen because, you know, women have a
sixth sense about this stuff. Throw in Susan’s friend Lisa (Meg Ryan),
who likes playing with a homemade Ouija board, and some professional
associates who investigate the supernatural and you’ve got all the
makings of a PG horror movie. Better paced than the first film and
toned down in violence and gore than the second one, “Amityville 3-D”
does offer a great deal of fun and even a few scares along the way.
No, “Amityville 3-D” isn’t as bad we’ve grown up
thinking. There are some effects that are shown here for the first time
on Widescreen that haven’t been seen since the theatrical release. The
3-D effects work a heck of a lot better here in 3-D than they ever did
on a 2-D transfer. I know. I used to make homemade nachos and drink a
beer whenever I pulled out my old VHS copy of the film. Now…now I just
sit there in front of my computer screen (the 3-D comes out better on a
monitor), more enamored with what’s coming at my face than what’s on my
plate.
Sanctuary Visual Entertainment overseas has
released “Amityville 3-D” in its original Widescreen format. The 2-disc
set contains the 3-D version on the second disc and a 2-D version on the
first. The 2-D version actually looks very fine here and the audio nice
and crisp. As for the 3-D, I got a real kick out of it! Extras include
another fantastic commentary (on the 2-D version) with Brits Stephen
Jones and Kim Newman. These two guys have a wonderful rapport and know
their film history. I look forward to anything they contribute to in
the future. Other extras include 2 pairs of 3-D glasses (those help),
some Cast & Crew Profiles, a Photo Gallery, 5 Lobby Cards and a 16-page
booklet. Booklets don’t usually impress me, but this one was pretty
decent.
For a film that will probably never receive a
Collector’s Edition here in the US, this 2-disc set is a perfect
addition to the discerning horror film genre collector. So, now that
you’re tempted to shell out a few bucks for this little gem, where can
you get it since it’s been released mainly overseas? Easy; your nifty
little import website right here in North America, appropriately titled
www.xploitedcinema.com. This may be the time of year for a good
scare, but you won’t find any of those where prices and service are
concerned. I’ve never been quiet about pointing out crappy service nor
do I keep my mouth shut about outstanding service either. You’ll find
all good things at Xploited Cinema…and “Amityville 3-D” to boot.
Film Rating:
B
DVD Special Features: A
|
