House III: The Horror Show Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory's Scream Factory imprint brings "House III: The Horror Show" to Blu-ray with a 1080p AVC encoded transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Unfortunately, the video presentation is somewhat disappointing for a title from this respected label. The transfer suffers from numerous issues, including compression artifacts and a slightly over-processed image. Contrast and black levels are inconsistent and spotty, often failing to deliver the depth and clarity expected of high-definition content. While some extreme close-ups manage to register acceptable levels of detail, the overall image softness can be attributed to the source elements used.

Despite these shortcomings, the Blu-ray does offer a few redeeming qualities. The 1.78:1 image retains a thick layer of natural grain, lending the film a pleasingly film-like texture. Black levels are surprisingly rich and provide good shadow delineation, enhancing the visual depth of certain scenes. Additionally, primary colors are rendered cleanly, ensuring that specific details like furniture, buildings, and clothing exhibit distinct lines and good resolution. Occasional white specks and dirt are present but don’t significantly disrupt the viewing experience. However, the overall color palette remains subdued, often giving facial complexions a somewhat drained and sickly appearance.

To sum up, this high-definition presentation is an average effort marred by both source-element limitations and digital processing issues. While moments of clarity and a film-like grain exist, these positives are overshadowed by contrast problems and image softness. This makes for a serviceable yet underwhelming viewing experience for fans of the lesser-known horror flick.

The audio presentation of "House III: The Horror Show" on Blu-ray boasts a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, elevating the auditory experience beyond its visual counterpart. Dialogue is cleanly articulated, and the film’s score is delivered with clarity. Although the mix refrains from the bombastic tendencies prevalent in some horror films, this restraint contributes to a more balanced and effective soundscape. This narrow approach aids in maintaining a clear focus without overwhelming the listener, ensuring that nuances are not lost amidst the chaos.

Impressively, the DTS-HD Master Audio stereo track delivers a surprisingly engaging experience. The mix achieves a wide imaging, successfully spreading music and effects across all channels to generate a robust soundfield. Vocals are consistently clean and well-prioritized, even during intense action sequences, ensuring clear communication. The separation and dynamics are well-balanced, offering deep and responsive low-frequency effects that provide appreciable weight to both action scenes and musical scores. Overall, this lossless mix accomplishes its task with distinction, creating a pleasing and immersive auditory journey for its audience.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "House III: The Horror Show" are a compelling addition that enhance the viewing experience with insightful backstories and production details. The audio commentary by producer Sean S. Cunningham, moderated by Michael Felsher, provides valuable historical context and engaging anecdotes about the film's production, cast, and story. The interviews with stunt coordinator Kane Hodder and actress Rita Taggart are presented in high definition and offer personal reflections on their roles and experiences. Additionally, the theatrical trailer serves as a nostalgic glimpse into the film's original marketing.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Producer Sean S. Cunningham: In-depth discussion about the film’s history, cast, and production.
• Interview with Stunt Coordinator Kane Hodder: Insight into Kane Hodder's role and contributions.
• Interview with Actress Rita Taggart: Actress Rita Taggart shares her experiences.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material for the film.

"House III: The Horror Show," combines the talents of Lance Henriksen and Brion James, two of the most intense actors in horror cinema. Henriksen plays the relentless cop Lucas McCarthy, who manages to capture — and briefly kill — the notorious serial killer Meat Cleaver Max Jenke, only to have Max return as an electricity-based supernatural entity. Despite the intriguing use of electricity as a plot device and the potential of its leads, the film falls remarkably flat, delivering tepid scares and an overextended narrative. The script, credited to Leslie Bohem and Allyn Warner (later changed to Alan Smithee), vacillates between supernatural horror and slasher genres but fails to harness the strengths of either, resulting in a perplexing and unscary experience.

Henriksen’s performance is undoubtedly one of the film’s few highlights. Portraying a frazzled and vengeful father, his emotional range brings a level of authenticity to an otherwise disjointed and sluggish film. Notably, Henriksen’s haunted expressions during a dinner scene where he hallucinates a turkey coming to life add a memorable, quirky touch to an otherwise bland story. Still, his efforts are wasted in what can only be described as a half-baked production. On the technical side, Howard Berger's, Robert Kurtzman's, and Greg Nicotero's practical effects provide some redeeming qualities with their gruesomely laughable death sequences, despite the low budget.

The 1989 release overlaps with Wes Craven’s "Shocker," offering a nearly identical premise. However, while both films are considered low points in their creators' careers, Craven's film manages to embrace its inherent campiness, unlike "The Horror Show," which clings misguidedly to a serious tone. Ultimately, "House III: The Horror Show" is a misfire from director James Isaac and producer Sean S. Cunningham that barely registers any fright or fun.

"House III: The Horror Show" delivers an uneven viewing experience. Directed by James Isaac and produced by Sean S. Cunningham, this obscure horror film features Lance Henriksen and Brion James. Despite its almost identical plot to the more beloved 'Shocker' by Wes Craven, it doesn't hold the same cult-following appeal. The Blu-ray edition, regrettably, offers subpar video quality compared to other Scream Factory releases. Fortunately, the audio presentation is robust, and the commentary from Cunningham along with interviews provide some valuable insights, but it’s not enough to completely salvage the package.

The movie's most notable element is its special effects, but unfortunately, they are sparse, which only accentuates why "The Horror Show" is easily forgettable. The Blu-ray release does come with a collection of supplements, including intriguing commentaries and interviews that add some value for hardcore fans of the genre. However, these offerings may not suffice for new viewers hoping for an engrossing horror experience.

In conclusion, while there have been numerous Scream Factory releases that cater to established cult followings, "House III: The Horror Show" will likely surprise those unfamiliar with its existence. The disappointing video quality and mediocre film elements stand in stark contrast to the better-than-average audio and insightful supplements. Ultimately, this Blu-ray is tailored for devoted genre enthusiasts rather than a broader audience.