The Last House On The Left [VHS]

In spite of the many sociological comments and theories from educated, latter-day critics, it still doesn't change the fact that Wes Craven's first feature film is just a violent exploitation film for the most-part, and one that he didn't particularly want to make, but rather one that he was given the opportunity to by some sleazy porno distributors. 'Here's 90K! Go make us a 'scary' movie!'.The acting here by the two young female victims and their evil gang of captors isn't so bad on the whole, but the film is a very inconsistent and flawed one which gets quite jarring at times with its jumping from violent torture scenes to comedy scenes with the two coppers that you feel like you are watching two different films sometimes; and everything turns quite ridiculous come the final third of the film where the murdered girl's father is setting up booby traps to capture and avenge the killers for their crimes.I must also comment on lead actor David Hess's music that he wrote for the film. Many find his music adds some unique contrasts to the film; whereas others simply find it inappropriate and irritating! I am in the latter camp, I'm afraid. I think a more minimal, darker ambient score would have been the ticket. Hess's music is far too jokey and upbeat for the most-part; and if it's not being jokey, then it's just bland, MOR hippy folk music.So to conclude: Last House isn't a great film, but it is nonetheless an important and influential one that pushed the envelope in showing violence at its most raw and primal. But I guess the film's message is an anti-violent one which certainly exists on a higher plain than similar films like 'I Spit on Your Grave!'.

This is another movie that is on the lists of "Banned, Goryfest" type movies and as that is something I enjoy, I was so looking forward to seeing this one. What a letdown! It was dull, the storyline is very poor and the acting is worse. The supposed gory scenes were either off camera or very very tame by today's standards. I couldn't believe that this is the same movie that is on the list of the Worst Horror movies for violence. It was so tame, it could even get away with a 15 rating!If you are looking for a good, gory horror movie.. dont bother with this one

Its difficult to understand why this remained a "video nasty" for so long, and to only be available uncut recently. The three scenes they had cut seem fairly tame if you compare to films like Saw. This was the film that made Wes Craven and Sean Cunningham serious horror players, the print has been cleaned up a bit on disc one, but could do with a proper remaster, disc two Krug & Company is the same film with a different title, but slightly edits ont of the gore scenes, interesting on this version there are two areas of dialogue extended not on disc 1 , the most important is when the parents of Mary find her in the woods and she tells who did it, . Disc 2 print has not be remastered at all, and really is grainy and original. Disc 3 is an excellent bonus of the rise and fall of the slasher film. I think this is one case where reputation far exceeds the film content, but Wes and Sean would go onto bigger and better things like Freddy Krueger (I wonder if this film was the inspiration for that name), and Friday 13th etc

First saw this on dvd in 2003, was cut missing three scenes. later watched it uncut with David Hess who plays Krugg at Manchester film festival. One of the early horror films Wes Craven made with Sean Cunningham this is a raw gritty and very disturbing horror film, orginally banned upon it release it caused a backlash due to some of the graphic violence and sexual content. Two girls go to see a rock band and on the way back score some drugs, which leads to them being kidnapped by two escaped prisoners and there friend. They are taken to the woods and tortured before being killed violently. The group decide to take refuge with a couple in the house nearby not realising they are the parents of one of the girls. Good horror film but will not be to everybody's taste brilliant soundtrack written by star David Hess.

A very good film I don't understand why there are negative reviews, yes there are some uncomfortable moments within this film but it is one you should definitely see just to say youve seen it or even just to give it go. This edition is great however with the special edition contents that will bring light and understanding to the viewers. At the end of the day a must have for fans of films once banned

I stupidly got the original when I wanted the remake. This 1972 original was laughable but not in a good way ! By today's stsndards, its lame to say the least. By the standards back then ? Still lame. The whole movie was like witnessing a scitzophrenics fever dream ! The music was comedic. Reminded me of a circus. No gore, no horror. Just absolute drivel. The remake is definetly the one to watch. This is great if you don't mind wasting an hour & a halfs time that you will never get back.

Great legs, Cassell! But a good or bad story, and a good or a lousy picture quality are not of any importance. What does matter is: the maker / director, if not the ( male ) actors who were willing to participate, should have been locked up in prison and more likely in a psychiatric institution. Sadistic sickos.

Another fantastic package from Arrow. The feature comes housed in a sturdy hardcase slipcover with booklet poster and artcards. Please keep it coming. I have already owned numerous editions of this film throughout the years and my opinion of it has changed accordingly. Today I'll state that it's a fine exploitation film hampered by some ill-advised attempts at humor but all in all its pretty watchable. Just ignore the pathetic remake and you should be all ready.