The AMITYVILLE HORROR is a sequel to AMITYVILLE II THE POSSESSION. The book was based on what George, and Kathy Lutz reported to have experienced while living inside the house after the previous family had been murdered a year before. In 1974 Ronald Defeo was charged with killing his entire family inside their home in Amityville Road Island. Ron Defeo claimed that there was an evil force within the house which forced him to commit murder beyond his control. There have been several documentaries which discuss the facts, and theories behind the murders. Ron Defeo was said to have been a compulsive gambler who was on drugs. This movie shows what happens to the Lutz family who believed that Ron Defeos reign of terror could not have been his fault, and that this house was in fact haunted based upon their own experiences. After only twenty eight days the Lutz family moved out leaving all their belongings behind after encountering some horrific events. These incidents led to George, and Kathy Lutz being interviewed on several talk shows. There is no real sufficient evidence however to back up their story which is believed by several to have been a hoax. However it would not be long before Hollywood would decide to turn the book into a movie. James Brolin, and Margot Kidder were cast as George, and Kathy Lutz. There are some real tense, and suspenseful moments throughout the movie. Lalo Schifrin's soundtrack for the film is terrific. Some incidents described in the book are inaccurate in the movie according to George Lutz. Blood coming out of walls, and stairwells was pure Hollywood make believe. George Lutz claimed their ordeal was true throughout his entire life, and received quite a bit of the profits from the book which was a #1 Best Seller, and the film which grossed over $100,000,000. The family who moved in after George, and Kathy Lutz never had anything unusual happen while living in the house. In a 1978 People Magazine interview George Lutz was accused of being the biggest liar to come down the pike. Whether it is true or not I thought it made for a good horror film. The Amityville house is really creepy looking, and there are several shots of it throughout the film. What I disliked were all the scenes which involved Rod Steiger as the Priest because I found them rather pointless. According to George Lutz it was the Priest who helped save their lives, and there is no interaction between the Priest, and the Lutz family. AMITYVILLE II is scarier, and it is based on Ron Defeo.Read full review
First of all, the version states that the widescreen presentation is at 2:35 aspect ratio. It is not. With 2;25 widescreen, you would be able to see black top and bottom lines on widescreen televisions. The actual widescreen ratio is 1:85, just like DVD versions, wide enough o cover the entire TV screen. It was difficult to navigate the selection of languages for subtitles. Other features presented are on Trailors of the movie. No other features come with this copy. I think there may be other versions that have commentaries, which I expected, but this version does not.
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This was my first horror movie I watched when I was a kid
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This blu-Ray is a terrific transfer with an excellent 5.1 sound remix. Highly recommended.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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