HOUSE/HOUSE 2

Anchor Bay Home Entertainment

Limited Edition 2-DVD Set, $29.95

House tells the tale of novelist Roger Cobb, a man suffering from a recent divorce, the unsolved disappearance of his son, and the pressure of writing a new book.  When his aunt passes away, Roger moves into her mansion to continue his writing.  As supernatural occurrences start taking place though, Roger comes to discover that the house itself may hold the key to his missing son's whereabouts.  House 2 is the story of a powerful crystal skull that gives a house the ability to access multiple dimensions and time periods.  When two men dig up the skull, they encounter evil taking the form of cavemen to cowboys.                  

House stars William Katt, George Wendt, Richard Moll and Kay Lenz.  Ethan Wiley wrote the screenplay.  The movie was directed by Steve Miner and features music by Harry Manfredini.  Released theatrically in 1986, the film is rated R with a feature length running time of 92 minutes. House 2 stars Arye Gross, Jonathan Stark, Royal Dano, Lar Park Lincoln and John Ratzenberger.  The movie was written and directed by Ethan Wiley and features music by Harry Manfredini.  Released theatrically in 1987, the film has a feature length running time of 88 minutes. 

Both movies are presented in anamorphic widescreen versions (1.85:1).  The overall quality of the transfers is very good.  Images are well defined and colors are accurate, although a bit soft.  There is nice contrast with deep black levels.  Picture defect mastering is perfect with no major flaws or digital artifacts.

Video Rating: 8 out of 10

The following language tracks are available on these discs: English Dolby Digital 1.0 mono.  The following subtitle tracks are available on these discs: English closed captions.  The English Dolby Digital 1.0 mono tracks are the basis of this review.  Dialogue is clear and intelligible.  There is limited bass response, but enough to give the soundtrack adequate depth.  

Audio Rating: 5 out of 10

The tactile sound effects for these films are subtle and scattered throughout the DVDs' chapters.  Light impacts are the only type of tactile effect that can be experienced on either disc.

Tactile Sound Effects Rating: 4 out of 10

Bonus features for House include an audio commentary with director Steve Miner, producer Sean S. Cunningham, writer Ethan Wiley and star William Katt; two theatrical trailers, still gallery; The Making of House featurette; interactive menus and scene selection.  Bonus features for House 2 include an audio commentary with writer/director Ethan Wiley and producer Sean S. Cunningham; theatrical trailer; interactive menus and scene selection 

Bonus Features Rating: 6 out of 10