Welcome Foolish Mortals...
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 11:56 pm
The Haunted Mansion movie has just been released on DVD and I though I might give my two cents.
The Movie:
Like any of you really need to know "The Haunted Mansion" is based off the ride of the same name. Late 1800’s: After the death of his love, Elizabeth, Edward Gracie kills himself during a Masquerade ball, cursing everyone inside to roam the house for all eternity. Jump to present day: The Evers family is brought to the house under the ruse that they would be selling the house for Mr. Gracie. Once inside they find that things are not as they seem and they are trapped until they can solve the mystery of the Gracie Manor and lift the curse laid upon it.
First off I still believe that this is just a glorified one and a half hour long commercial for the ride, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad movie by any means. Actually it has alot of heart to it. The screenwriters and director, Rob Minkoff, did a fantastic job of bringing life (to properly use a pun) to the house. Jennifer Tilly did a great job as Madam Leota. The Kids played by Aree Davis and Marc John Jeffries were great. Eddie Murphy on the other hand was Eddie Murphy. His portrayal is same character we've seen in every movie since "Nutty Professor."
Referencing nearly every part of the ride itself, it makes a great companion to the ride for the fans.
Sound: This is where the movie really shines. The 5.1 surround sound track offers a great atmospheric quality to the film. Add to that the music, which in parts references the ride music is great also.
Special Features:
You have have your basic featurettes and one deleted scene. There is a music video for a song that isn't even in the movie, "Superstition" by Raven (also known as Raven-Symoné from "The Cosby Show" and "Dr. Dolittle",) is really out of place and badly done, but at least she has nice boobs. The best part of the special features is the virtual tour of the sets hosted by Emma (Dina Waters) and Ezra (Wallace Shawn). Without giving any thing away it offers a great view of all the sets and how much detail they put into the sets and characters. There is a great featurette on the original "Haunted mansion Ride," but you must own a DVD-ROM on your computer to access this. Also included is a Filmmakers Commentary and Outtakes.
So in the end it looks like it up to you to decide weather to rent or to buy. I for one bought it. $15 at Wal-Mart in Huntington Beach.
Movie: 3/5
Sound: 5/5
Special Features: 4/5
Favorite line: Madam Leota: "Look I don't make the rules, I just work here!"
The Movie:
Like any of you really need to know "The Haunted Mansion" is based off the ride of the same name. Late 1800’s: After the death of his love, Elizabeth, Edward Gracie kills himself during a Masquerade ball, cursing everyone inside to roam the house for all eternity. Jump to present day: The Evers family is brought to the house under the ruse that they would be selling the house for Mr. Gracie. Once inside they find that things are not as they seem and they are trapped until they can solve the mystery of the Gracie Manor and lift the curse laid upon it.
First off I still believe that this is just a glorified one and a half hour long commercial for the ride, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad movie by any means. Actually it has alot of heart to it. The screenwriters and director, Rob Minkoff, did a fantastic job of bringing life (to properly use a pun) to the house. Jennifer Tilly did a great job as Madam Leota. The Kids played by Aree Davis and Marc John Jeffries were great. Eddie Murphy on the other hand was Eddie Murphy. His portrayal is same character we've seen in every movie since "Nutty Professor."
Referencing nearly every part of the ride itself, it makes a great companion to the ride for the fans.
Sound: This is where the movie really shines. The 5.1 surround sound track offers a great atmospheric quality to the film. Add to that the music, which in parts references the ride music is great also.
Special Features:
You have have your basic featurettes and one deleted scene. There is a music video for a song that isn't even in the movie, "Superstition" by Raven (also known as Raven-Symoné from "The Cosby Show" and "Dr. Dolittle",) is really out of place and badly done, but at least she has nice boobs. The best part of the special features is the virtual tour of the sets hosted by Emma (Dina Waters) and Ezra (Wallace Shawn). Without giving any thing away it offers a great view of all the sets and how much detail they put into the sets and characters. There is a great featurette on the original "Haunted mansion Ride," but you must own a DVD-ROM on your computer to access this. Also included is a Filmmakers Commentary and Outtakes.
So in the end it looks like it up to you to decide weather to rent or to buy. I for one bought it. $15 at Wal-Mart in Huntington Beach.
Movie: 3/5
Sound: 5/5
Special Features: 4/5
Favorite line: Madam Leota: "Look I don't make the rules, I just work here!"
That was the best line ever ;)