Audio:
Talk about blistering sound! The audio portion of this disc is terrifyingly good! The 5.1 digital platform transforms your home theater into your very own house of horrors. There are so many things going bump just about everywhere that you'll be looking over your shoulder for a good portion of the films' presentation. The sub & surrounds are put to good use and the center is crystalline in its delivery of the films' dialogue. In some areas the surrounds overpower the center but, by adjusting the volume on the center this is easily corrected. There is a director's commentary that accompanies the movie that's rather well done. William Malone(Director) identifies all the nuances he expereinced in making the film & seems to be very happy with the end result. Insightful & entertaining, I found his talk to be interesting & enjoyable at the same time. One of the funnier moments of the commentary is when Malone is discussing Rush's character. Geoffrey Rush in John Water's clothes = Vincent Price! While there are a fair amount of quiet moments in the commentary, Malone's insights when provided are really great. Great Commentary!

Video:

The video is a beautiful anamorphic transfer that is a credit to Warner Brothers dedication to releasing their titles in the anamorphic format. That having been said, there are a few moments of pixellation , compression artifacting & just a hint of graininess that can be seen in only the darkest scenes filled with fog or mist. None of this takes away from the watchability of the film. These moments are not really worth mentioning but since this is a review…they've been noted. I can't leave the video portion without mentioning the animated menus on this release. They are magnificent. Film themed menus that set the stage for the terror you are about to experience.

Extras:
Loaded Disc Alert!!! There's a 20-minute comparison between the classic original & the remake boasting an interview with the director of the remake, William Malone entitled a "tale of two houses". In it, William Castle's features, The Tingler & House on Haunted Hill are featured. The comparisons made between the two films identify the original 1958 characters/actors with their 90's counterparts. Deleted Scenes. There are four in all and each is prefaced by the director in a brief commentary. Of the four scenes two could have remained on the cutting floor while two others that dealt with zombies definitely should have made it into the final release. Additionally, there is a clip for Malone's 1980's film entitled "The Creature" There is also a featurete entitled "Behind the Screams" which analyzes six particulary chilling segments while showcasing their incredible special effects. Theatrical Trailers two in all. One for William Castles' Classic & one for the remake. The Chamber: in which you, the viewer, are treated to the mesmerizing & insane images as presented in the saturation chamber. Cast & Crew bios round out the "meat" of the extras. For those of you with DVD-ROM capabilities, in addition to the aforementioned materials, there is also a game entitled "escape from the house DVD challenge" Two essays one for the original & one for the remake. The original website for the film & a trailer sampler feature five trailers for similarly spooky films.

Overall:
Part Nine Inch Nails/Trent Reznor video and part Chattering Cenobite from Hellraiser, House on haunted Hill is a creepy stinger filled homage to William Castle's 1958 schloky classic of the same name. Updated for the 90's, Hill offers a great deal of terror. Actually far more than I expected. As Haunted house movies go, it's done very well & deserving of your attention. Again, Just for your viewing safety, I'd suggest a daytime viewing WITH all the lights on & plenty of company! Recommended.