The Haunting [DVD] [1999]

This has always been known as a mediocre horror film due to it's overuse of dated CGI visuals. However this new blu-ray release helps elevate the movie now that you can enjoy the beautiful cinematography and great sound design that is on display here. The upgraded blu-ray quality really helps the movie seems more scary and thrilling. The cast is really top notch as well and helps build the drama of the story.

This Dreamworks film finally makes its way to bluray via…The Paramount Presents Collection. It doesn’t make too much sense, even with Dreamworks falling under the Paramount mountain., but then again either does Owen Wilson’s casting in a horror flick. The PP series has MOSTLY been good (I’m angrily looking at you, whoever DNR’d the VistaVision of Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief) But the series has it’s releases come in a slipcover that flaps out to reveal original poster art, it’s not gonna seduce the Vinegar Syndrome fetishists (*slowly raises hand*) but is a nice touch. The video here is a Solid 4.5, based on a new 4K transfer, but the real treat is the audio. This was the second film, after The Phantom Menace, to be mixed in the then state the art Dolby EX system, and was a legendary mix. Even lossy on DVD it would cause structural damage to your house, like Hugh Crane himself doing a little redecorating. While the bass has been toned down some, the lossless bluray mix hasn’t lost any potency - it can still get you yelled at by your neighbors or sleeping wife. The bonus features includes trailers, an archival run of the mill documentary hosted by Catherine Zeta Jones, and a new interview with Jan De Bont, where he comes across as proud of the film but admits it’s flaws as well. If you're a fan, or if you're like me and are a glutton for the film’s sets and sound mix even though you know what you're in for, it comes highly recommended.

I was excited when Paramount announced 1999's The Haunting would be released on Blu-ray after soooo many years. I think they should have gone ahead and simply released it on 4K UHD Blu-ray with the standard Blu-ray and digital copy combo based on today's TV's, but hey. I'll take the Blu-ray. It is what it is. This edition comes with the standard Blu-ray and a digital copy, along with a cool slipcover. The video and audio quality on the disc is excellent, but as stated before, they could have gone all the way and simply released it on 4K UHD. There's room for improvement and Paramount simply wasn't thinking long-term here, especially seeing as more and more people are upgrading to 4K TV's and media players. If you're a fan of this movie, go ahead and pick it up. There's no telling if Paramount will ever re-release this movie at the rate they finally put this out on Blu-ray. Recommended.

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don't let the cast put you away, they all bring their A game! some of the movie has cliche problems but it doesnt take away from it. i saw this when i was a little kid and i didnt really like it or understand it, i was expecting some crazy hauntings and stuff. but the story is simple which i will not spoil here. this version of the movie looks great with the 4k upgrade!

Great movie paramount released these older titles and their slipcover and art work are great

Good enough for a Halloween binge watch night. Picture looks great.

Saw this in theaters. Fun remake to a seemingly endless takes on the short story.