City Of The Dead
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Movie Reviews of City Of The Dead
Movie Review: Proceed with what you're leading me to
Summary: 4 Stars
Atmosphere, a decent story and capable acting elevate this horror film above its low budget constraints. Even though it was shot entirely in England, it takes place in the New England section of the US. It concerns a curse placed upon a town by a woman, who is burned at the stake for being a witch. In the present, college co-ed Nan Barlow is sent by her professor (Christopher Lee) to the village of Whitewood in order to research witchcraft for a term paper. Why Whitewood? You'll have a good time finding out. This is a very well made film that at times might remind you of "Psycho" or ambiguously of a "Twilight Zone" episode. As Nan Barlow, Venetia Stephenson lends the perfect combination of competent acting, naiveté and beauty (wow, what beauty). Christopher Lee turns in another dutifully sinister performance as the mysterious Professor Driscoll, and I was genuinely hard-pressed to find any weak aspects of this film. This is a very good, solid horror film that deserves to be seen. The VCI Video DVD is pretty decent, with cast and director interviews and Christopher Lee commentary. The menu is a little funky, but the picture and sound are very good and this is a great value for the price.Movie Review: Surprisingly good film, with nice extras
Summary: 4 Stars
First, this IS a review of the VCI version -- different versions may have different merits, but I believe the VCI version is very good, and the extras included make it worthwhile. I put this on the backburner for a while, and when I watched it last night I was pleasantly surprised. This probably won't appeal to modern/younger audiences, but those who collect and appreciate Hammer films or the classic horror films will find this of interest.
The film transfer is excellent, as is the sound. The plot is different than you might expect and I'm afraid other reviewers have told you too much. However I do agree with the reviewer who said perhaps this will put off people from "investigating" satanism! Another film in rather the same vein is "The Devil Rides Out."
There is an interview with Christopher Lee that is dated after his role in the Lord of the Rings movies and it is fascinating. He lambasts the British film industry and I think the interviewer was kind of stunned by his amazing anecdotes (and his powerful indictment of British film-making). I'm sure if you enjoy classic horror this will be a worthy addition.
Movie Review: Good Spooky Fun
Summary: 4 Stars
I had no expectations going into this, other than knowing that Christoper Lee was in it and I could watch Chrispher Lee read the phone book and enjoy it. So I was pleasantly surprised to find this movie genuinely creepy and unsettling. Lee is limited in his screen time but gives a dark and weighty performance. The subject matter is pretty grim and the production treats it with appropriate earnestness. The cinematography is great, with some wonderful use of dark, inky black shadows. Very nice sets and use of atmosphere, giving the film an almost suffocating, insular feel. And befitting the era, the performances and music are *big*, which will come across as corny and old-fashioned to some, but fun and just what the doctor ordered for people like me who appreciate "big". Some great music "stingers" too. The satanism and witchcraft practiced in the film are pretty heavyhanded, so its a real trip at the end to see witches and warlocks taken out by literal "fire raining down from heaven". An unexpected and wonderfully literal touch. I loved it.Movie Review: Witches and atmosphere
Summary: 4 Stars
This review is of the VCI DVD - called CITY OF THE DEADalso known as HORROR HOTEL.
COTD is a great creepy witch story with lots of atmosphere, a great New England setting and lots of fog.
The film starts with wonderful title sequence with faceless, hooded figures and medieval chanting. Then a recreation of a 1600s witch burning in Massachusetes. The exploration of witches in a fog drenched town. Finaly great tension and action in a graveyard setting.
If you like fun/scary, old style, black and white films that rely on atmosphere rather then special effects this is for you.
Almost on par with the original Dracula, the original Haunting, The Uninvited (Ray Miland), The Innocents (Deborah Kerr) and all the Val Lewton films.
The VCI version has great extras and VCI acquired a beautiful wide-screen print of the film. The VCI DVD is the best version yet. My only complaint is that the sound is a bit thin even for an older film but the original soundtrack for the most part excelent.
Movie Review: Spell Bound
Summary: 4 Stars
Much like the Hammer Productions of the 70's, this Britiannia produced film will leave you wanting more, this Classic witch tale is superby done, the plot is not original, but very entertaining and the actors captivate and hold your imagination. The setting and back drop of the film are classic for the 1960's and the black and white cineamtagory is very well done. The actors, led by perennial horror actor Chirstoper Lee, do a great job in creating a sense of believers VS non belivers of witchcraft or science VS superstition. There are the stereotypical moments in the film such as the black hooded servants of the devil marching towards the alter and the ending is pretty predicatable but climatic in a different avenue as to how to cast the evil out, which is much more associated with vampires. This movie was done with good taste, as no nudity is shown, but the mystique is in no way lost as the diretor uses the dialouge and the actors strenghts to pull off a very entertaining movie.