The Haunting [Blu-ray]

I vividly remember watching this movie when it first came out with a girlfriend; we had to walk home that night from the theater (and you can believe we were looking over our shouders). I was able to buy the video a few years ago and, periodically, have watched it and freaked myself out. I have made it my mission to turn as may people as I can onto the original version, as I am less than enthralled with the remake (the sets & special effects were fantastic, but hey, that doesnt make a great movie!!) In fact, my video version is in circulation; I just hope I get it back (Id better!!)

Nothing to see here

A true classic!

This is the classic 1963 b&w movie version of the modern classic book, The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. It includes a stand out performance by Julie Harris, supported by a superlative cast. No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream. Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against the hills, . . . . If you have any interest in the 1999 remake, or have watched the Netflix series, this picture is a must see. But I dont recommend you see it . . alone. In the dark.

Who needs crazy special effects? When I was a kid this movie scared the hell out of me. Brilliant acting, compelling story, and masterful cinematography make this film a great experience. Like Hill House, the shots and angles add up to one frightening distortion. Nell pulls you into her world, and through her, you are pulled into the beating heart of Hill House.

One of the spookiest movies Ive ever seen. When my husband and I first saw it in the movie theater in 63, we were clinging to one another, it was so frightening. Now, in 2017, it seems dated of course, but the bones of the story are still there. Its a classic, as is everything Shirley Jackson ever wrote.

Hill House is no place if youre nervous. Built by a madman, its seen more than its share of trauma and death. Its stood for 90 yrs. and might stand for 90 more. Its haunted and theres always room for one more guest. The permanent kind. Robert Wise directed this 1963 version of Shirley Jacksons famous novel and proves that what scares us most is what lurks in the shadows, the woodwork, whispered disembodied voices, the odd disconcerting angles of a hallway...and something that pounds its way around a huge, dark old house at night...and that terrifying feeling of being watched by something you cant see. The DVD of The Haunting is a fine widescreen/letterbox print that preserves the integrity of the marvelous b&w photography. The sound couldve been punched up a little but its adequate. The story of a parasychologist and his three specially chosen investigative guests who stay in Hill House is engrossing and literate with Richard Johnson as the fatherly Dr.Markway and Julie Harris, Claire Bloom and Russ Tamblyn as the guests all giving excellent performances. Harris especially (as the nervous and tormented Eleanor) is a standout as the bulk of the film rests on her shoulders. She is singled out by the house to come home and finds herself at odds with the others when they think she should leave. Scared out of her wits yet morbidly fascinated by what could be her dream come true, she learns to be very careful what you wish for...for those who walk in Hill House, walk alone. The last line by Russ Tamblyn, This house should be burned down and the ground sowed with salt still gives me chills. The Haunting is a haunting film and probably the best haunted house film ever made. Lots of great extras on the DVD, too. Enjoy this one with a friend.

Formula horror movie with a weak ending.

No ghost is ever seen in this film by Robert Wise; The atmospheres created by suggestion and surmise. This feeling of suspense - of things not properly understood Or not yet revealed - makes the film especially good. The set design evokes a sense of claustrophobic dread, With splendid cinematography (some shot in infrared). The plot concerns four very different people and their search For ghosts at night in a haunted house, ostensibly for research. Leading the expedition is the ruthless Dr. Markway, Determined to get proof that spirits really exist in some way. Luke, by contrast, is a wisecracking cynic, While Theos a decadent lesbian, whos partially clairvoyant. But the central figure of the film is lonely Eleanor, A disturbed individual who is sick of being ignored. For Eleanor, the house, no matter how disturbing, Represents a refuge from her past life so perturbing. I want to stay in here forever, she implores, Where Ill never be frightened or alone anymore. Whether a result of the house possessing her mind, Or her love for Dr. Markway, is never quite defined. This films success rests largely on the things that arent explained, In contrast to the patronising movies of today!

Although it didnt incorporate a few incidences from the book(i.e. the blood in Theodoras bedroom, Eleanor and Theodoras abrupt personality changes/mood swings)this movie still had a few of its own original tricks up its sleeves... You start your journey of absolute terror once you see the untimely deaths of Hugh Crains several wives(with absolutely no gore at all), and it finally ends at the slightly edited, slightly more satisfying than the book ending, but even then I woke up at 4 AM in the total darkness after having a nightmare about Hill House only to find the bulb in my nightstand light to burnt out... It took me gallons of courage to get up, dash to the bathroom and turn on the light... This movie is, by no doubt, scarier than the book, however the book has more scary elements which I wish Robert Wise put in the film... I would have loved to see the part where Eleanor decides to have a little stroll through the house whilst the rest of the cast are sleeping... Anyways, I warn you now, if you intend to see the movie AND read the book if you already havent, watch the movie first! Otherwise youll be VERY disappointed... But dont get me wrong! This is a must see!