House Blu-ray Review

House arrives on Blu-ray, meticulously presented in an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a high-definition 1080p transfer. The Criterion release benefits from a comprehensive restoration process conducted on a Spirit Datacine from a 35mm low-contrast print derived from the original camera negative. MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean systems manually addressed thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and other imperfections, while Digital Vision's DVNR system handled minor dirt, grain, and noise reduction, ensuring a pristine visual presentation.

The result is an outstanding high-definition transfer with commendable fine object detail, clarity, and consistent contrast levels throughout the film. The vivid color scheme—a kaleidoscope of soft reds, blues, greens, yellows, browns, and blacks—enhances the film’s psychedelic aesthetic. Edge enhancement and macroblocking are virtually nonexistent, and the film's natural grain structure remains intact, contributing to an authentic cinematic experience. Stability issues are minimal, and the image exhibits pleasing depth and natural tightness when projected digitally. Additionally, no significant compression artifacts or large scratches were observed.

The transfer encapsulates House's vivid and eclectic visual style, from the blinding whites of a ghostly bridal gown to the fiery backdrop revealed through a disintegrating face mask. The colors are mesmerizingly vibrant, making each frame visually captivating. Skin tones appear natural, exterior scenes display realistic detail and texture, and the blacks are deep and rich. Although some scenes exhibit intentional softness to emphasize the dreamlike quality of the narrative, these stylistic choices enhance the film’s unique charm. The overall presentation not only preserves but also magnifies the quirky and endearing qualities of Nobuhiko Obayashi's cult classic.

The Blu-ray edition of "House" features a single audio track: Japanese LPCM 1.0, with optional English subtitles for the main feature. The monaural soundtrack was meticulously remastered at 24-bit from an optical track print, utilizing advanced tools like Pro Tools HD and AudioCube's integrated audio workstation to remove clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum while attenuating crackle. The result is a solid audio track that delivers a pleasing depth and clarity despite its limited dynamic amplitude.

Dialogue in the Japanese LPCM 1.0 track is clean, stable, and very easy to follow. Notably, the haunting music score by Asei Kobayashi and Micky Yoshino, with contributions by Japanese pop sensation Godiego, is well-balanced and sounds exceptional. The attention to remastering ensures the music tracks come across with surprising crispness and clarity, maintaining the atmospheric essence that "House" is known for.

Overall, this monaural track might not compete with modern multi-channel mixes in sheer dynamism, but its well-executed restoration offers a wonderfully immersive experience. It effectively retains the original auditory elements while enhancing the overall listening experience with improved sound effects and music clarity, making it a commendable presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "House" offers a rich selection of expertly crafted extras that delve deeply into the film's unique production and enduring impact. Notable is the inclusion of Nobuhiko Obayashi's experimental short film "Emotion," which is visually striking and an interesting precursor to "House." The "Constructing a House" documentary is a highlight, presenting touching and insightful interviews with Obayashi, his daughter, and screenwriter Chino Katsura, enriched by behind-the-scenes stills and promotional materials. This documentary not only humanizes the creative process but also underscores the director's emotional journey. Ti West’s video appreciation, while brief, profoundly captures how "House" influenced his work and its significance in the horror genre. The original theatrical trailer is a quirky and engaging artifact, promising to intrigue newcomers. The accompanying booklet features Chuck Stephens' insightful essay, although it feels a bit slim.

Extras included in this disc:

• Emotion: An experimental short film by Nobuhiko Obayashi about a young girl who falls in love with a vampire.
• Constructing a House: Interviews with Nobuhiko Obayashi, Chigumi Obayashi, and Chino Katsura discussing the production history and story.
• House Appraisal: Filmmaker Ti West discusses the film’s bizarre nature and its influence.
• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for the film.
• Booklet: A 28-page illustrated booklet featuring Chuck Stephens' essay "The Housemaidens".

Nobuhiko Obayashi's cult classic "House" (1977), also known as "Hausu," arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, presenting an experience that is as unique as it is bizarre. The film follows seven teenage girls with whimsical names like Fantasy, Kung Fu, and Mac as they spend a night in a haunted house. What unfolds is far from your typical genre picture; it’s a kaleidoscopic blend of horror, fantasy, and absurdity. Obayashi, leveraging his background in commercials and short films, employs a diverse array of techniques including animation, puppetry, and rudimentary blue-screen work from the late '70s to create something truly singular and captivating.

"House" assaults the senses with its manic pacing and loud, in-your-face visuals reminiscent of an unusually long TV commercial. Critics often label it a horror film, but such a categorization feels reductive. The film's charm lies in its fusion of horror, comedy, and absurdity, making it more accurately an experimental pop film. The narrative, conceived partly from the nightmares of Obayashi's seven-year-old daughter, dives into the surreal early on. This is evident in scenes where the girls witness atomic explosions and remark on them with a childlike sense of wonder. The house itself becomes a labyrinth of supernatural chaos, replete with decapitations and an evil cat, serving as a vessel for the director's unrestrained imaginative vision.

Supported by a fittingly bizarre music score by Asei Kobayashi and Micky Yoshino, the auditory experience mirrors the film's visual madness. Though its high camp and stylistic extremes might not be for everyone, those who can appreciate sensory overload with a distinct purpose will find "House" to be an absolute gem. It's no wonder that it has gained a revered status within the genre community. In sum, "House" is that rare masterwork where every frame promises something unexpected and extraordinary, making it unlike any other film you are likely to encounter.

Nobuhiko Obayashi's "House" is an extraordinary piece of cinema that defies conventional categorization. This psychedelic horror film is known for its surreal narrative and inventive visual style, making it a highly unique viewing experience. The plot, which centers on schoolgirls succumbing to the sinister will of a haunted house, is an exhilarating blend of the bizarre and the terrifying. Criterion's Blu-ray release of "House" boasts exceptional video and audio quality, ensuring that Obayashi's imaginative vision is preserved in stunning high definition. While the extras package is not overwhelmingly extensive, it includes an invaluable interview with Obayashi, his daughter Chigumi, and screenwriter Chino Katsura, which offers critical insights into the film's conception and production.

It’s important to note that "House" is not for everyone. This film demands full engagement from its audience, bombarding viewers with relentless visual stimuli and chaotic narrative shifts. It is less about linear storytelling and more about an avant-garde immersion into a visual and emotional whirlwind. The film’s sheer eccentricity can be overwhelming, leaving some viewers feeling exhausted rather than entertained. However, for those willing to embrace its madness, “House” offers a cinematic experience like no other, standing out in stark contrast to conventional horror films.

One has to be in a very particular mood when watching "House" to fully appreciate what the film has to offer. So, prepare yourself. As expected, Criterion's treatment of "House" is very impressive. Their Blu-ray disc also contains a very interesting interview with director Nobuhiko Obayashi, his daughter and story scenarist Chigumi Obayashi, and screenwriter Chino Katsura, which I urge you to find the time to see. RECOMMENDED.