I recently went on a Lucio Fulci movie spree. Severin Films and Blue Underground sent over several fantastic Fulci flicks and one documentary centered around Fulci. It’s been a good time for a Fucli fan. I have my go to Fulci flicks. It’s usually Zombie, House by the Cemetery, The Beyond, and City of the Living Dead. I rarely venture into his uncharted waters because I love these films so much. If I got the spare time I’d rather watch what I love and not throw in something unexpected.
A few months back BU announced their 4K release of The House by the Cemetery and The New York Ripper. This was exciting news for me because I absolutely love The House by the Cemetery and couldn’t wait to check it out on 4k. They were kind enough to send over a review copy. Thanks guys!
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a family that moves to Boston to. The father is a continuing the research of a colleague that recently killed himself and is trying to uncover the truth behind what really happened. The home they moved into is unlike any home they have been to and soon the dark secrets hiding in the basement make their way up the stairs. **Spoiler Alert**
I love Fulci’s line of horror films from the late 70s and 80s. His atmosphere is unparalleled by other filmmakers and he never shies away from the gore. The House by the Cemetery may not be the most popular of his films but it is one of my favorites of his. In fact, this is one of his films that I have owned on several formats over the years.
The acting in this one is typical Fulci flair. The cast really get into their characters but in times of stress and terror they tend to ham it up. I know most people praise these films but bash the acting but I can’t. I love the cheesy performances you get in most of the scenes. It works for me and I really enjoy it.
The story for this one is very interesting and rather bold. If you stick with it you will find yourself enjoying it but on several occasions during the films running time you will find the story to be rather clunky and not that easy to follow. A little smoother writing or editing would help but the film is still damn fun just the way it is.
Finally, Fulci doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the blood. We get plenty of blood and gore with this one. The kills are pretty brutal at times and Fulci does not make them a quick shot. Fans of the red stuff really get to enjoy the hard work that goes into the effects. Overall, The House by the Cemetery is a must for horror fans regardless if you are a Fulci fan or not. The blu BU released sometime back was a phenomenal release and this 4K is as well. The picture quality is damn near perfect. I struggle with justifying double dipping but if you don’t have this film yet I would go with the 4k release. Hands down. Check it out.
Special Features:
Audio Commentary with Troy Howarth, Author of Splintered Visions: Lucio Fulci and His Films
Deleted Scene
Theatrical Trailers
TV Spot
Poster & Still Galleries
Meet the Boyles – Interviews with Stars Catriona MacColl and Paolo Malco
Children of the Night – Interviews with Stars Giovanni Frezza and Silvia Collatina
Tales of Laura Gittleson – Interview with Star Dagmar Lassander
My Time With Terror – Interview with Star Carlo De Mejo
A Haunted House Story – Interviews with Co-Writers Dardano Sacchetti and Elisa Briganti
To Build a Better Death Trap – Interviews with Cinematographer Sergio Salvati, Special Make-Up Effects Artist Maurizio Trani, Special Effects Artist Gino De Rossi, and Actor Giovanni De Nava
House Quake – Interview with Co-Writer Giorgio Mariuzzo
Catriona MacColl Q&A
Calling Dr. Freudstein – Interview with Stephen Thrower, Author of Beyond Terror: The Films of Lucio Fulci
