The Amityville Horror Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Amityville Horror" offers a mixed bag in terms of video quality. Encoded in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 (1.85:1), the film shows definite improvements over its previous SD versions, particularly in close-up shots where we see appreciable detail, such as James Brolin’s facial features and Rod Steiger’s perspiration. This high-definition transfer, however, remains inconsistent. Background details tend to lose clarity in long-range shots, which appear somewhat fuzzy and flat at times. This inconsistency can detract from the immersive experience, but the overall cleanliness and lack of blemishes on the print are noteworthy. Grain is present and appears natural without significant digital noise reduction (DNR) artifacts, maintaining the film's authentic aesthetic.

Color reproduction aligns closely with the film’s original look, managing to preserve the earthy, autumnal tones integral to the setting. While not vivid or bold, these colors are appropriately muted, avoiding the pitfalls of oversaturation. Black levels are robust in certain scenes, particularly those set at night or in dark interiors, enriching the atmosphere with strong shadows that enhance the film’s eerie ambiance. However, in some sequences, black levels lapse into grayer shades, which seem to owe more to the original cinematography than to any faults in this transfer.

Overall, "The Amityville Horror" looks reasonably good on Blu-ray given its age and inherent source limitations. Though some scenes display notable sharpness and detail, sporadic lapses in clarity and depth might disappoint those expecting a pristine showcase for their home theater setup. Edge enhancement and occasional issues such as slight shimmering during motion sequences are evident, but these are relatively minor. The disc's encode is clean with no obvious compression artifacts. Fans of the film should find this Blu-ray a meaningful upgrade that captures the essence of its original 1979 theatrical presentation.

The audio presentation for "The Amityville Horror" Blu-ray release is largely underwhelming, particularly the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. While certain elements, such as Lalo Schifrin's atmospheric score, are presented with suitable clarity and depth, the overall surround sound experience lacks authenticity and cohesion. Effects like wood chopping, storm noises, and phantom pig grunts are sporadic and overly processed, at times feeling disconnected from the on-screen action. This results in an inconsistent and occasionally distracting listening experience. Dialogue suffers from erratic volume levels, making intense scenes like the babysitter screaming or Kathy's exclamations lack the desired impact.

The original mono track, albeit more restricted in range, offers a more consistent and faithful representation of the film’s audio. It eliminates the contrived surround effects and maintains better synchronization with the visuals. Although there is minimal deep bass response, which is expected given the source material's limitations, this track provides a balanced listening experience that does not detract from the film’s tension. By contrast, the mixed surround channels attempt to be too ambitious but fall short due to weak dynamics and anemic bass extension. The dialogue clarity remains generally good throughout, yet the surround mix's inconsistency underscores the importance of restraint when remixing vintage audio for modern formats.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Amityville Horror" are disappointingly minimal, especially when compared to previous editions. The disc only offers a few trailers, lacking the rich supplementary content fans might expect, such as commentary tracks or behind-the-scenes documentaries. This stripped-down offering feels inadequate for a film with such a historically charged background and dedicated fanbase. Moreover, while the high-definition trailers provide some nostalgic appeal, their inclusion does little to bolster the overall value of this release. The 2011 reissue seems unchanged from its 2008 predecessor, retaining an antiquated menu system that limits user-friendliness.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: An HD version with portentous narration.
• Terminator Trailer: HD preview of "The Terminator."
• Species Trailer: HD preview of "Species."

"The Amityville Horror" (1979) remains a popular yet polarizing entry in the haunted house genre. The film’s staying power largely owes itself to James Brolin's imposing performance, Lalo Schifrin's haunting score, and several classic—albeit clichéd—set-pieces. While some view it as a pantomimic horror story, tapping expertly into expected audience reactions, others critique it for its overwrought and juvenile scare tactics, comparing it unfavorably to more artfully executed contemporaries like "The Shining." Despite its foundational place in the horror canon, the film’s narrative coherence and character development leave much to be desired. Key scenes, such as the infamous red wall discovery and Rod Steiger’s over-the-top priestly torment, highlight its camp flaws but also contribute to its enduring guilty pleasure status.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer has been noted for lacking significant improvements over its standard definition counterpart. The image quality shows only marginal enhancement, and the surround sound mixes fail to deliver a compelling auditory experience. For a film that relies heavily on atmospheric tension and supernatural soundscapes, these shortcomings are particularly disappointing. The Blu-ray edition also suffers from a dearth of extras, making it a lackluster offering for all but the most devoted fans. Compared to more comprehensive releases that come with bonus feature discs, this edition falls short in delivering an enriched viewing experience.

Narratively, "The Amityville Horror" juggles between the Lutz family's haunted trials and Father Delaney's increasingly desperate attempts to confront the malevolent forces, often failing to blend these threads into a coherent plot. Abrupt scene transitions and unresolved subplots detract from the film’s potential depth and terror. Critics argue that the film feels like a product of its made-for-TV origins, marred by episodic storytelling and insufficient narrative grounding. Despite these flaws, its amusingly kitschy moments and memorable score ensure it remains a notable—if flawed—part of horror film history.

Review Summary: The Amityville Horror Blu-ray

The Blu-ray release of 'The Amityville Horror' presents a competent technical representation of this 1979 horror classic, meeting high-definition standards sufficiently. The video transfer is generally solid, offering a clearer and more detailed picture, albeit one that can sometimes highlight the film's inherent deficiencies. The audio mix, while basic, is effective, providing clean dialogue and a reasonable surround experience. However, MGM’s decision to forego any supplemental materials is a significant drawback, especially considering the hefty MSRP of $39.98.

From a content perspective, 'The Amityville Horror' falls short. Despite commendable performances from the cast, aside from a notably over-the-top Rod Steiger, the film lacks genuine scares and often feels like a made-for-TV production. Its camp value may appeal to some viewers, but the narrative's pacing and execution do little to elevate it above mediocrity. For those seeking nostalgia or interested in the cultural footprint of this film, the Blu-ray may hold some value. However, its age and stylistic choices become more apparent in this high-definition format, potentially detracting from its intended horror impact.

In conclusion, while technically proficient, the Blu-ray release of 'The Amityville Horror' does little to reignite its scare factor for modern audiences. The lack of bonus features and high price point further diminish its appeal, rendering it a questionable purchase for all but the most devoted fans. If you harbor a deep nostalgia for this film, this Blu-ray may be as good as it gets, but for most viewers, 'The Amityville Horror' is a relic better left in the past.