The Amityville Horror (Widescreen Special Edition)

As a fan of the original movie that brought the terror filled true tale of the Lutz's to the big screen, I have to say I went into this remake of that now classic film with some reservations. After having read the book I was always convinced that something big was missing from the original movie, yet I could never figure out what. Then I saw the new remake with Ryan Reynolds and I figured out the missing elenent: George Lutz's descent into insanity from the spirits of the house. It is without a doubt the greatest asset the new movie can offer. Sure it's effects are far superior and the look of the movie is crisp and modern but what truly stands out is Reynolds as Lutz, careening mentally out of control for all to see. What drives him to that point are the visions and the dreams, and before too long, George is left wondering what is reality and what is just going on in his head that's been planted there by the sick main demon spirit Ketcham, a psychologically wrecked man who took up residence at the property long before it was a house to be lived in. The tale of Ketcham in all his gory glory is another inspiring piece of this movie which has it all: modern effects that transform the original story into a hellish nightmare ride that will have you leaving all the lights on in your own house at night long after having watched it, excellent acting, the feeling that this could really happen, and of course, the house, which actually is not the original house but bears such an uncanny resemblance to it, aside from the extended porch, you would never suspect they are not one in the same. More like this, please Hollywood, take note.

Better Remake To The earlier Amityville Horror Movie With Better Storyline And Special Effects.

Great Movie

The DVD is in excellent condition, but came in a case that seems homemade... Therefore, I am 99% satisfied

Loved it

Excellent condition

One of my favorite horror movies, the acting is incredible, I could watch it many more times!

I'm going to use the first few lines from my review of the original. In 1974, Ronald DeFeo brutally massacred his entire family via shotgun blasts while they were sleeping in their beds. One year later, the Lutz family moves into the same house. With 3 kids, it was too sweet a deal to pass up and was exactly what George and Kathy were looking for. And then just after a few days of moving in, strange things begin to occur. Most notably with George and also with their only daughter Amy. While George is beginning to go insane, Amy has made a new ghostly friend.I think the remake did an ok job in the story, but way overboard with the typical scares. While the original had a sort of drawn out story, it had the subtle scares. The remake though has a bit of better story at first, but uses the typical Hollywood scares that most of us are used to by now. The best thing I liked about the movie was them showing George Lutz (Ryan Reynolds) going crazy. It was more in depth and Ryan played the part really well. It was actually funny in a dark way listening to Ryan talk crap to the family sometimes, because to him it seemed like he was ok, while they were the ones being idiots or badly behaving. I really think Ryan gets a lot less credit than he deserves as an actor. Sure he gets put into comedy roles such as Van Wilder and Waiting, but I think he can act. When he told one of the boys to hold the wood while he chopped and then grabbed his face and got all evil looking, I looked at my buddy and said "Dude, that would be really scary to see as a 12 year old if not now". I also like how the story leaves out a lot of the priest parts that I didn't like from the original. I also thought the children's scenes were a lot better than the original and made me feel for them a bit more.What I didn't like though was the typical jump scares that felt unnecessary, but somehow I understand why they are there. If they weren't there, I could see people getting bored with the movie. Not everyone, but a lot. There were a few good ones though like when we see Jody sitting with Amy during one scene and the mom doesn't see her. But man they used way too much of her to try and scare us. Sure, little dead kids are scary, but come on. I liked how it was left to our imagination (sort of) in the original if she was there or not. The remake gives us no doubt. At least they didn't use some bad effects as her eyes outside a window this time...heh. And the ending was horrible... the way they wrapped it up was just bad. I almost thought I was watching 13 Ghosts in the end while George Lutz was walking past cages. Then he sees the main killer ghost... ridiculous.In the end, I'd give it a rent. I liked it just enough to buy it, mainly because of the character development of George Lutz and also some of the scenes. It can be a good movie for some though, and probably a fun date movie if you like horror.P.S. - They ruined the `Get Out' scene (my favorite scene) in this one in my opinion. It was so fake compared to the original.