The gothic Spanish imports were massively popular back in the 1960s and 70s. It seemed like American audiences couldn't get enough of the violence and gore that they offered. But in 1969 "La residencia" was released. In American it was re-named The House that Screamed. Arrow Video is giving this 60s gothic horror film a chance to thrive on Blu-ray.
Thérèse (Cristina Galbó) is the latest arrival at the boarding school for wayward girls run under the stern, authoritarian eye of Madame Fourneau (Lilli Palmer). As the newcomer becomes accustomed to the strict routines, the whip-hand hierarchies among the girls and their furtive extra-curricular methods of release from within the forbidding walls of institutional life, she learns that several of her fellow students have recently vanished mysteriously. Meanwhile, tensions grow within this isolated hothouse environment as Madame Fourneau’s callow but curious 15-year-old son Louis (John Moulder-Brown) ignores his mother’s strict orders not to get close to the “tainted” ladies under her ward.
Narciso Ibáñez Serrador wrote and directed a chilling atmospheric gothic tale that will give you haunt your dreams. A lot of these Spanish horror imports are exploitative, which to be totally honest is not my cup of tea. But The house that screamed is not an exploitation film. While there is some sexual content it is done discreetly. I can see how Narciso Ibáñez Serrador's film must have been inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's classic Psycho.
Arrow Video has given this film a Blu-ray release, but not just any Blu-ray release. One of the most amazing features that Arrow Video added here is both restored versions of this film. I am talking the 105-minute uncut La Residencia aka "The Finishing School" and the 94-minute US theatrical version titled The House That Screamed. 2 films for the price of 1!
Both films are presented in 1080p in 2.35:1 aspect ratio and feature a brand new 2K restoration from the original negative. The soundtracks are original lossless English mono audio on both versions, and lossless Spanish audio on the uncut version. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing on both versions, and optional English subtitles for the Spanish audio.
When watching these restorations there are some speck of dirt and some minor imperfections in the picture. But the colors are bright and pop and the audio is clear with no signs of hiss or age related degradation. For a film that is well over a half a century old this is a great looking restoration! But a great looking restoration is not all that is included here. Arrow Video added some cool bonus features as well. Take a look at what is included.
Special Features:
* Brand new audio commentary by critic Anna Bogutskaya
* This Boy’s Innocence, a previously unreleased interview with actor John Moulder-Brown
* Archive interview with Mary Maude, from the 2012 edition of the Festival of Fantastic Films
* All About My “Mama”, a brand new interview with Juan Tébar, author of the original story
* The Legacy of Terror, a brand new interview with the director’s son, Alejandro Ibáñez
* Screaming the House Down, a brand new interview with Spanish horror expert Dr Antonio * Lázaro-Reboll, discussing the history of the film and its director
* Alternative footage from the original Spanish theatrical version
* Original trailers, TV and radio spots
* Image gallery
* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Colin Murdoch
* FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Shelagh Rowan-Legg and double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Colin Murdoch
I love gothic horror films that are not afraid to take there time in telling their story of terror! The House That Screamed is just such a film. Now admittedly this film is not a perfect horror film, far from it. The pacing can drag the film a bit, but it is an entertaining horror entry. In this generation of instant gratification, many can't handle that kind of slow burn horror, but if you love that kind of films The House that Screamed is going to be right up your alley.
So if you love gothic horror Arrow Video's new deluxe edition of The House That Screamed is going to be a film you are going to want to add to your collection! Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray of The House That Screamed receives...
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