This is a worthy addition to Lovecraftian cinema , a brave attempt to bring the stories (mainly shadow out of innsmouth but not literally)into the 2000's . Lets face it the average cinema goer would laugh their pants off at some of Lovecraft;s creations and ideas. This movie pulls off the eerie atmosphere and dreamlike qualities of the stories without the excess of previous attempts. Obviously after listening to the commentary on the DVD the budget did not allow many sfx ,perhaps working to the films advantage, but delivers in other ways and has some nice suspense and overall is well worth a look for any Lovecraft fan. It is lacking the real terror of the stories it falls way short in this department and the editing could have been tighter, all suspense and little pay off it could be said. The issue of the main guys sexuality has far outshone the movie which is a shame i think many miss the point. If your coming to this looking for tentacles and monsters you may not enjoy it at all but if your coming for a brooding well filmed small budget film heavily influenced by Lovecraft you may be on to a winner. An interesting movie an one that leave the uninitiated viewer needing to know more about the mythos.
Reviews
4 Reviews
Black Noon
(1971 TV Movie)
Classic 70's TV Fright !!!!!!!!!
13 March 2008
Finally got to see this classic TV movie on an unofficial disc recorded from an old VHS, it is a classic piece of horror. Its a pity more of this neglected corner of horror in terms of official releases on DVD and VHS ... the TV horror movie. Recommended for all fans of the 70's TV movie much like trilogy of terror. Those interested should get the book on the subject by David Deal - Television Fright Films of the 70's. Email me for a chance to see it.....its fabulous to see it again.
It does have it problems like many TV movies they have to be rather inventive in the effects dept and even at 70 mins it can seem to drag possibly we are all used to more modern editing but still great stuff and far better than many theatrical frights released today.
It does have it problems like many TV movies they have to be rather inventive in the effects dept and even at 70 mins it can seem to drag possibly we are all used to more modern editing but still great stuff and far better than many theatrical frights released today.
Beasts
(1976)
Childhood Nightmares And Many Sleepless Nights from the episode BABY!!!!!!!
29 April 2005
There have been many moments on television considered the scariest but i remember vividly an episode from this series entitled BABY. Like many other reviewers here it scared me half to death as a boy, so it was with much trepidation that and interest i began watching a copy of the series ....believe me that episode has lost non of its power. Obvious;y some of the effects have dated but its such a frightening story and so well told that it still sends a shiver down the spine. I never watched any other episodes so cannot comment on how they came across at the time but having watched them now they stand up very well indeed.
They are a little on the 'wordy' side and are very studio bound, the lack of budget allows the stories to breath (sometimes a bit too much on BUDDY BOY), relying more on actors than flashy MTV editing styles. Stand outs be During Barty's Party (relying on 2 actors and a sound effect) and Baby (that thing!!!).
They are a little on the 'wordy' side and are very studio bound, the lack of budget allows the stories to breath (sometimes a bit too much on BUDDY BOY), relying more on actors than flashy MTV editing styles. Stand outs be During Barty's Party (relying on 2 actors and a sound effect) and Baby (that thing!!!).
The Ice House
(1978 TV Movie)
The Last In This Haunting Series.
29 April 2005
The last in the series of BBC Ghost Stories For Christmas (8 adaptations shown every year from 1971 to 1978) Shown Christmas 1978. It is a very low key end to this series and not at all frightening in the traditional sense of the word, its more of haunting mood piece. This and the previous Stigma saw the productions place themselves in modern settings , far removed from the previous M R James and Dickens adaptations. The story concerns a health spa visited by Paul played by John Stride , strange incidents occur with members of staff whom Paul notices are all icy cold to the touch. The Brother and sister owners seem otherwordly , as do the residents, and they have a strange relationship with two vines. The owners take an unnatural interest in him and the story evades explanation for many of the minor occurrences. Much is left to the audience to make up their own minds. A strange story which needs repeated viewing to appreciate, but it has only been shown once and chances of repeats are fading with every passing year.
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