Wick

This is another movie that I found used, in its 2-disc Criterion glory. How is the movie? I'm a big horror movie fan, and I like classic films a lot. Is this something that's worth getting for $40 Canadian?

Ambassador

This is one of the cult horror movies that's almost impossible to predict how much a person will like until after they've seen it. You're best bet is either:

1.) To rent it first (as if anyone on this forum still does that!)

2.) Get a sense of how interesting the reviews on Amazon and IMDb sound to you and whether or not anyone compares it favorably to movies you like

Criterion's treatment of the movie is wonderful, as usual.

Wick

Thanks for the reply. I probably would like it, but I was unable to order it because it sold just before I put the order through or something. I'll have to rent it or buy one of the other DVD releases (at least it'll be cheaper...)

siegfried

I have the Image release, and the quality is very good.

Heat

I have rented the Criterion version. It’s one of those movies that is worth watching once, and the special features on the Criterion version are certainly worth watching.

But $40 Canadian (US$36)? That’s crazy, there is so much more that you could do DVD-wise with US$36. Consider yourself lucky that it sold. When you do finally find a copy to rent, try to find the Criterion version – as I said the bonuses on this film are very good.

Sean O'Hara

Instead of renting, it might be cheaper to pick up a public domain edition from a dollar store. If you like it, you can upgrade to the Criterion.

NoirFan

Big Carnival of Souls fan here. Can anyone recommend similar titles from the same era: weird, atmospheric midnite movies in the vein of Daughter of Horror and Carnival ?

Wick

I certainly didn't do my homework when I attempted to order it, because it's TWELVE DOLLARS (Canadian) on Ebay. Wow.

Shack

It's also available for download from the Internet Archive (www.archive.org) if you want to take a look before you invest in the Criterion.

Direct link: http://www.archive.org/details/CarnivalofSouls

Wick

Thanks for the link. I never thought about that. It's available because it's a public domain film, right?

Heat

You might like "Picnic at Hanging Rock" and, for some reason, "Zulu" (1964) comes to mind when I think of weird & atmospheric.

X

I found Horror Hotel to be similar and it spooked me more than just about any movie I've seen recently.

There's even a version that comes with Carnival of Souls:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...-1061755?n=130

Shack

Yep. I downloaded the mpeg1 version and it's not bad at all. There's actually a lot of cool stuff in the internet archive, all public domain and easy to download if you have a quick connection.

Joe Frank

I also intended to recommend Horror Hotel. Other creepy atmosphere films from that era that are worth a look are Castle of Blood and Horror Express.

Highly recommended are two Corman classics, Bucket of Blood and The Terror. The first, something of a horror/comedy, is absolutely brilliant and would be among my favorite 25 American films.

natevines

I love this film, but I was just wondering SPOILERS:































Was this the FIRST film to employ this kind of plot twist, in the vein of Ambrose Bierce's 'Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge'? I love these kinds of endings, but hollywood's kind of killed them.

Joe Frank

To my knowledge it was the first. Jacob's Ladder, The Sixth Sense, The Others, whatever, really lacked the atmosphere to pull it off. If you have seen the remake, it shows how absurd it is to try to recapture atmosphere with better actors and a good DP; it simply cannot be duplicated.

siegfried

How about "Strangler of the Swamp"; or some Edgar Ulmer flicks like "Man from Planet X", "The Amazing Transparent Man", "Detour", "Bluebeard", "The Black Cat".