DVD Corner

Dark House Blu-ray Review

“Dark House” is virtually unwatchable.

Director Victor Salva (best known for helming “Jeepers Creepers” 1 and 2) returns to the film world with a new horror film starring Tobin Bell (“Saw”) and Zack Ward (“A Christmas Story”). In his latest feature, the story revolves around a gifted 23 year old man (Nick) who has the ability to see how a person can die if he touches them. When Nick learns that he has inherited a mysterious house (that may or may not exist) from his late mother, he, his pregnant girlfriend, and a mutual friend decide to venture out into the middle of nowhere to find it. Unfortunately, this seemingly harmless trip turns into an utter nightmare when supernatural beings rear their head (I’m not spoiling anything here). Who exactly is Nick and what is the importance of this house? Why is Nick being followed? All of these questions will be answered in the end.

Even though writer/director Victor Salva has created a semi unique motion picture that begins one way and ends in a completely different way, the twists and turns are so outlandishly absurd that you likely won’t care how the story turns out. I could get more specific about certain story events, but I am going to refrain from spoiling what type of things Nick and company encounter out of respect for the viewers. I will say that many elements of the film (including the voices talking through the air vents and Nick’s girlfriend becoming randomly pregnant in the next scene) feel entirely forced. I’m all for expecting the unexpected, but when story elements and important exposition continually come out of the blue, it becomes flat out clumsy. It doesn’t help matters when you have paper thin characters whose actions are beyond stupid either.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? Crisp, but not spectacular.

Audio Track: DTS-HD MA 5.1. How does it sound? The sound f/x, score, and dialogue all sounded clear. A solid DTS track.

The lone extra is a “The Making of Dark House” featurette that contains set footage, set photos, film clips, cast and crew interviews, as well as discussions about the script and film, pre-production, casting, the house, and location shooting.

Overall Thoughts: “Dark House” is simply woefully inept. Hopefully, Victor Salva will fare better if and when he makes a third installment in the “Jeepers Creepers” franchise.

April 10, 2014 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Dark House 2014, Dark House Blu-ray Review, Jeepers Creepers, Tobin Bell, Victor Salva, Zack Ward