The Haunting (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

The Haunting (Blu-ray) review

Studio: Paramount       
 Release Date: October 20, 2020
Rating:  PG-13
Film:  3/5
 
 Plot
 This horror tale focuses on visitors to the secluded mansion of Hill House who have been called to the isolated location by Dr. David Marrow (Liam Neeson) as part of a study on insomnia. However, Marrow is really investigating fear, and he plans to scare the subjects, including the introverted Nell (Lili Taylor) and the seductive Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Unfortunately for Marrow and everyone staying at Hill House, the manor is actually haunted by an evil spirit out to torment its guests.
 
 My Thoughts
 This isn’t a genre I particularly enjoy so I never went out of my way to see it in 1999. My only real experience with the film was a clip from a DTS demo disc that highlighted the reference soundtrack (Chapter 17 on this disc). Surprisingly, I enjoyed it and I thought it was funny how freaked out my wife was during the film—her heart was racing multiple times due to the proceedings. I have to admit, there are a few scenes that have a lot of tension and the VFX effects definitely add to the creep factor.
 
Paramount has done an excellent job in the transfer on this disc and other than some soft-focus shots in the original photography, it’s close to a reference looking disc. The true star of the show is the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track which ups the ante from the original DTS track that I heard on that demo disc. Bass is tight and deep and the use of well-placed discrete effects draws you into the film.
 

  
 Video 4.5/5 
 
 Audio 5/5 (Dolby TrueHD 5.1)
 
 Special Features:
 
-         Filmmaker Focus: Director Jan de Bont on The Haunting                     
-         Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
-         Theatrical Teaser
-         Theatrical Trailer
 

 
 

 Conclusion
 This isn’t a great film, but it is entertaining. Like most films in the genre, things fall apart in the third act although it’s something I’ll probably watch again in the future just for the soundtrack alone. Recommended for fans.

 
 Reference Review System:
  
 JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Fixed Screen
 Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor 
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player 
 System Controller: URC MX-980
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
 HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
 JL Audio Fathom F110 Subwoofers x 2 (stacked)
JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (stacked)

Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Yep! Popcorn entertainment that's fun to come back to every now and then. 


Regards,

[bmoney]

I remember when this was THE DTS disc to have for bass with the “mother” scene 

Remember when this and saving private Ryan came in two versions. One with dts. One with Dd