DVD
REVIEW:
THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT
07/12/09
OVERVIEW:
Lionsgate presents the July
14, 2009 DVD and Blu-ray Disc release of the supernatural
ghost tale The Haunting in Connecticut. Based on a chilling
true story, the film chronicles one family’s terrifying,
real-life encounter with the dark forces of the
supernatural. The Haunting in Connecticut features an
all-star cast led by Academy Award® nominee Virginia Madsen
(Sideways, Actress in a Supporting Role, 2004), Elias Koteas
(The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Martin Donovan
(Showtime’s “Weeds”). The 2-disc Special Edition DVD
features the unrated version of the film while the Blu-ray
Disc features the PG-13 theatrical version of the film with
an option to view the unrated version of the film. In
addition, the Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray Disc contain a
standard definition digital copy of the theatrical film as
well as bonus materials that include separate audio
commentaries with the filmmakers and the actors plus
multiple featurettes that look at the making of the film,
post mortem photography and an interview with a PHD and
psychic examining the haunting. A two-part documentary on
the actual 1987 haunting with interviews from the real life
family and demonologists is also included. The standard
one-disc DVD of The Haunting in Connecticut will include a
Widescreen and Full Screen version of the film and the
theatrical trailer.
SYNOPSIS: When the
Campbell family moves to upstate Connecticut, they soon
learn that their charming Victorian home has a disturbing
history: not only was the house formerly a funeral parlor
where inconceivable acts occurred, but the owner’s
clairvoyant son Jonah served as a demonic messenger,
providing a gateway for spiritual entities to crossover.
Now, unspeakable terror awaits when Jonah, the boy who
communicated with the dead, returns to unleash a new kind of
horror on the innocent and unsuspecting family.
FILM REVIEW: W
With the
catch of being based on a true story, we get the Haunting of
Connecticut. A "horror" film with big expectations, tons of
publicity and very few scares.
When reviewing films based
on adaptations or true stories, it is very difficult stay
away from comparing the film to the real story or to the
book in the case of an adaptation. To not deviate too much
from that point of view. I just have to say that there were lots of problems
that I had with this movie. I don’t know if it was the lack of
research by the writers or Hollywood just being Hollywood,
that filmmakers continue to fail to produce an intelligent
and interesting film, based on a suppose real paranormal
story.
I have read and seen the
Discovery Channel documentary about a The Haunting in
Connecticut, so I know a little about of the presume true
story and I must say that I was very disappointed with the
film.Like is always the case
with these adaptations, there were many of key
moments and elements that happen in the lives of the Snedeker's family that are not
part of the film. An example of this was not having in the
movie Ed and Lorraine Waren, that in my opinion play a major
role in the lives of the Snedeker's family. Having them in the movie could of
have been so
much better, making the film more intriguing for the
audience. Instead screenwriters Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe decided
to focus on Reverend Nicholas
played by Elias Koteas, which was contacted by the Snedekers to examine the house.
It looks like the screenwriters were trying to make the
audiences think in of the "Exorcist".
Overall if you don't know
anything about the story, you would probably find The
Haunting in Connecticut entertaining enough, on the other
hand if you know the story you will be very disappointed.
VIDEO:
2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
AUDIO:
English
5.1 (Dolby Digital EX).
Subtitles - English Spanish- Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
“Two Dead Boys:
The Making of The Haunting in Connecticut”
“The Fear is Real:
Re-Investigating the Haunting” two-part documentary
“Memento Mori: The
History of Post Mortem Photography” featurette
“Anatomy of a
Haunting” – a conversation with Barry Taff PhD and Psychic
Jack Rourke
Deleted scenes with
optional commentary by Director Peter Cornwell
Audio Filmmaker
Commentary with Director Peter Cornwell, Co-writer Adam
Simon, Producer Andrew Trapani and Editor Tom Elkins
Audio Commentary with
Director Peter Cornwell and actors Virginia Madsen and Kyle
Gallner
Theatrical Trailer
Digital Copy
RATING BREAK DOWN:
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VIDEO |
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AUDIO |
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