The Pit and the Pendulum
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Movie Reviews of The Pit and the Pendulum
Movie Review: 4 stars for drama! Sound - what happened?
Summary: 4 Stars
When I review a DVD I prefer to stick to the technical details and give folks my impression of the quality. That said, I have to point out that for some reason the sound fades away at the end of this movie and of course that is during the pendulum scene. What gives with that? Otherwise, the sound is okay and the picture is VERY NICE for a 1961 film.Above and beyond the call of duty: Luana Anders is the star AND the atmosphere to this movie! It would not be the same without her. From what I read, she is a natural blonde but is not in "The Pit and the Pendulum." Most eerie, and it is hard to tell her origin here. Most charming too; however, her performance is spooky -- perfect casting (of her) and perfect direction!
I purchased this DVD for other reasons but was totally enriched by Ms. Anders. Haven't seen this movie since I was a child so it was quite a thrill for me to see it again, and obviously with new eyes (or more mature eyes). The DVD does not come with an insert booklet or chapter list.
Movie Review: GUILT, LUST, REVENGE, INSANITY
Summary: 4 Stars
An Englishman journeys to Spain to investigate the circumstances of his sister's untimely death. At his brother-in-law's castle, perched upon the Mediterranean, his welcome is tentative. His brother-in-law is evasive, and his brother-in-law's sister is protective--and beautiful.
And he glimpses a vile world: A torture chamber. A secret passageway. A pedigree of sadism. A suspicion of premature burial. A suspicion of adultery.
Walk beside Vincent Price as he grapples with crippling grief, then crippling guilt, then all-out madness. Run from Vincent Price as he assumes the identity of his father, an inquisitor, and he laughs whilst strapping an innocent man to the table beneath the patient pendulum.
See the mummified corpse of a woman screaming for escape. Hear a harpsichord in the dead of night. Look upon the bed of a dead wife--left just as it was on her last day of life.
Feel the chills clawing up your spine.
Watch "The Pit And The Pendulum."
Movie Review: Excellent DVD release
Summary: 4 Stars
This film and HOUSE OF USHER can be seen on TV fairly often, so why buy the DVD? There are a few good reasons to buy it. (1) The film is presented in its original "widescreen" format, in almost pristine "full color"; (2) the DVD comes with a rare extra -- the "original theatrical prologue," about 5 minutes of preliminary shock-stuff before the opening title sequence -- which is a revelation to those of us who know the Corman/Poe films primarily from TV; and (3) the producer/director Roger Corman provides running commentary through the whole film, which is both entertaining and informative. Corman passes along some of his general film theories and also some history about the various actors and scenes in the film. Personally I find (3) the best aspect of the DVD. Consider also: (4) at approximately $12, this is truly a bargain DVD -- so if you've never seen the film, this isn't a risky proposition. It's a lot of fun, and the final 10 minutes are classic Gothic horror. Go for it!Movie Review: MORE ATMOSPHERE THAN YOU CAN SHAKE A STICK AT
Summary: 4 Stars
Although I have not read the original Poe story, this movie certainly adheres to Poe's spooky and morbid feel. A well-told tale, it does not disappoint despite its age. Sound and picture are adequate, although MGM could have done better by releasing this in anamorphic form instead of letterbox (for better resolution). I would have given it 5 stars were it not for the letterbox issue and the lack of booklet/card and some more substantial extras that a film of this significance deserves. Sets are wonderfully done, with some good castle exterior shots (even though we know they're only paintings). It's hard for a 40 year old film to scare modern audiences who've seen it all before, but this one sure does a good job (like when they open the coffin ...). Classic Poe, classic Price ... make sure you watch this one with the lights out!Movie Review: Spend some time in the dungeon
Summary: 4 Stars
Somewhat flat acting by everyone except Mr. Price (who is quite entertaining, if a bit over the top) is redeemed by terrific sets and subtle, effective direction by Mr. Corman. The widescreen transfer of the very good source print is crisp and bright, with wonderful colors. Mr. Matheson's story goes off in its own direction from the Poe original, but it nevertheless preserves many of the troubled author's beloved themes, and is involving and entertaining in a "literate comic book" type of way. A wonderful commentary track by Mr. Corman (who always has lots of great stories and inside info in his DVD commentaries) and a nice selection of genre trailers make this inexpensive DVD a great bargain. You get a lot for your money here.