Synopsis
Linda Blair plays Rachel, a teenager whose parents take in her cousin Julia when Julia’sparents are killed in a car crash. Julia bewitches everyone but Rachel, who realizes that Julia is,in fact, Evil. This is the European theatrical cut of the TV movie, which aired Stateside asStranger in Our House. Though an important release for those following Craven’s early career,especially his early movies, this remains nonetheless very much a 1978 network TV film, withall the limita…ions that implies.
Audio
I was very surprised to find a TV flick of this vintage in both 5.1 and 2.0, rather than mono.That said, much of the film still plays as if it is mono, though the music sounds fine (limitationsof the source material factored in) and there are some sound effects in surround here andthere.
Video
Some of the exterior shots are a bit on the muddy side, but the interiors look fabulous. Theprint is in very nice shape, almost completely free of damage. The format is 1.33:1 fullscreen,but given that this is a TV film, the case’s claim that this is “modified” sounds spurious tome.
Special Features
The main extra is a commentary track by Craven and producer Max Keller. Theirs is a verychatty trip down memory lane, recalling the trials and tribulations of making the film. There arealso trailers for Hell’s Gate, Wendigo, Legion of the Dead and Sleepless, and director and castfilmographies. The menu’s main page, intro and transitions are animated and scored.
Closing Thoughts
This isn’t Last House on the Left or A Nightmare on Elm Street, but it is a significant releasefor horror fans all the same.
Special Features List
- Commentary
- Trailers
- Cast and Director Filmographies
