Editorial Reviews

I find it hard to believe that any horror fan dislikes the two House movies. It had been quite a few years since I'd seen either of these films, and though the first House moved a little slower than I remember, both movies were a lot of fun and held up well after almost fifteen years.

What's so good about them, you ask? Maybe it's the fact that House II: The Second Story features a half caterpillar/half dog creature. Or maybe it's because the original House includes Richard Moll (Bull from Night Court) as a raging, rotting Vietnam zombie. These are very good reasons why both House movies are good flicks. However, I'd argue that the reason House and House II: The Second Story are such great movies hinges on the fact that they both have Cheers alumni in them. The first movie has George Wendt (Norm) and House II: The Second Story stars John Ratzenberger (Cliff). Where else in the history of cinema can you find such a random event occurring? You'd be more apt to see a blind man find a single marked grain of sand in the Sahara Dessert than see a miracle of that magnitude happen. To cap it off, Bill Mahar of Politically Incorrect appears in House II: The Second Story. I'd like to point out that I saw a taping of P.I. a few years ago, and when the audience was given the chance to ask Mahar questions, I probed him about his role in House II: The Second Story. I assume it never showed up on his future resumes, as Bill was none too amused by my inquisitive nature.

Both movies have loose scripts, but who cares? I'm all for schlocky horror films as long as they don't bore me and keep the pace moving rather briskly, which both films do. The first House tends to be a bit sluggish at times, though always kept me entertained. I find that only the cynical in heart wouldn't laugh at the sight of a cute puppy carrying around a rotting, severed monster hand. House II: The Second Story isn't so much horror as it is comedy, though there are moments of tension and terror that will satisfy those looking for some scary, old fashioned fun.

Neither House movie has anything to do with the other, save for the fact that they take place in a large, spooky "house." Unlike traditional sequels, each story free floats in its own world (care of writer Ethan Wiley), unconnected to the other film. The first movie has a more serious tone while House II: The Second Story plays mostly for laughs. Both casts are very good, with leads William Katt (from the original House) and Arye Gross (from House II: The Second Story) playing well off whatever material is thrown at them. The supporting cast is unusually good for horror movies, with the two Cheers alumni, Richard Moll, and Bill Mahar giving goofy, funny performances. Even Royal Dano (Killer Klowns From Outer Space) plays it up as Gramps, the oldest living man in need of some serious plastic surgery.

Both House and House II: The Second Story are presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, and all I can say is wow! For two films that are relatively old, and pretty low budget, they look excellent! Anchor Bay has really done a fine job of giving fans the best looking House transfers you'll ever come across. Colors were very bright and sharp, blacks solid and dark. I spotted only the slightest edge enhancement, though nothing that will be a problem during the viewing. Both of these films are on an equal plane in terms of quality, and I'm happy to see Anchor Bay do such good work on them.

Audio includes Dolby Digital Mono on both discs, and the sound is passable, if a bit less impressive than the video portions of the disc. The track had no distortion, and all effects, music and dialogue were mixed well. Just like the video, both discs rank equal in audio presentation. Though nothing great, they both do a fine job for the task at hand.

Both House and House II: The Second Story contain some very nice features, including commentary tracks on both discs. Like the movies themselves, these tracks are both fun to sit through. The House commentary track features director Steve Minor, star William Katt, producer Sean S. Cunningham and writer Ethan Wiley. House II: The Second Story features producer Sean S. Cunningham and writer/director Ethan Wiley. The first film's commentary tends to be a bit lighter and enjoyable, mainly because there are more people there to poke fun at the movie. They all seem to have a good time, and think highly of the film they've created. The second film's track is a bit less fun, though I found it more informative than the first track. Both are very nice extra features, and any fan who likes House will surely get a kick out of either track.

House also includes a full frame, 12-minute "Making Of House" documentary. Though relatively light, it's still a fun behind-the-scenes look at the making of House, including some 1985 interviews with the cast and crew. Also included are two anamorphic trailers for House, as well as some promotional materials featured in a still gallery. House II: The Second Story also includes an anamorphic trailer.

Plot Summary

• Plot Synopsis:

  Horror novelist Roger Cobb is a man on the edge, reeling from his recent divorce, haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his young son, and struggling with his new book about his traumatic experience in Vietnam. But when he moves into the strange house left to him by his late aunt, Roger's precarious sanity comes under siege by nightmares of his dead war buddy, visits from a nosy neighbor, and an onslaught of hideous creatures from another dimension. Horror has found a new home, and it's fully furnished with murder, monsters and madness!

Product Details

• Actors: William Katt, Kay Lenz, George Wendt, Richard Moll, Mary Stavin
• Directors: Steve Miner
• Format: Anamorphic, Color, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
• Subtitles: -
• Disc Origin: Region 1 (USA) Original
• Region: All
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 (Anamorphic)
• Number of discs: 1 (1 x DVD5)
• Rating R
• Studio: New World Pictures
• DVD Release Date: June 25, 2002
• Run Time: 93 minutes