Wes Craven's Invitation to Hell
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Actor: Joanna Cassidy, Joe Regalbuto, Kevin McCarthy, Robert Urich, Susan LucciBrand: Lions Gate
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 96 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-08-19
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Lions Gate
DVD Reviews of Wes Craven's Invitation to Hell
DVD Review: morality tale - told through ice cold computer early 80's atmosphere
Summary: 4 Stars
I find Invitation To Hell to be a strange and wonderful little flick. I remember the first time I watched it. It really sucked me into that cold, detached, materialistic atmosphere very well. Not like that's a place you want to visit other than with escapism.
And even though it was just Tv movie from 1984, the acting was very good (IMO) Even TV flicks from 20 years ago, carry way better acting than anything you'd see of similar ilk these days. I credit Wes Craven for his excellent directing skills and love of true, effective creepiness. Also credit Joanna Cassidy for an excellent turn as the once decent, well mannered wife. Her morph into a superficial, devious and evil sexpot was really believable and effective. Robert Urich as well. To me he was great as the unintimidated, "simple needs" family man...the rock of good surrounded and tempted by sex, money power and superficial acceptance. These are all the selling points of "The Club", headed by Susan Lucci.
i know this all sounds a bit cheesey and in a lot of ways, it is. But with good acting, an ominous "feeling" and atmosphere running through the picture, some good directing, taut little script, the movie comes off most entertaining.
Even Susan Lucci, I think, did a fine job within her hard to believe role. She came off perfectly seductive, tempting and devoid of goodness. I suppose she's meant to represent the devil. In this case, the Devil in early 80's hair and make up and a really hot red dress (among other interesting outfits)
This flick plays as much a morality tale as it does a TV horror film. Again, it does own that somewhat cheesy TV horror flick dressing. But to me, underneath, lies a pretty cool, thought provoking, fun movie that sticks with you.
*I've always liked the first 70-80% of the film best. All the morality stuff....the family's decent into madness and deeper evil (loved ones losing their souls, etc.) The ending couldn't help but be a bit over-the-top and cheesy. It was 1984 and this was a TV budgeted movie.
**I really liked the whole scene with the dog too...(Urich's character would not fall to Lucci's temptations, but his family does) This "dog scene".....Urich's first dealings with his family after their initiation into The Club. their entrance into "the spring" All that with the dog knowing how they've changed. How we now hate Joanna Cassidy's character for not only taking the family dog the vet to be euthanized, but also for "wanting to watch"...I liked the vet character and his good decision to not let her get away with that. At that point of the movie, we really bond with Urich's goodness
The full frame transfer of this DVD is very good. Colors are strong and images sharp. the sound is clear, somewhat dynamic and dialogue is audible throughout
Nice relase of a memorable little Wes Craven nugget from '84
**One thing. I sure wish these TV movies on DVD would start to include TV SPOTS. i mean, who wouldn't want to see a TV Spot for the "upcoming" Friday Night At The Movies feature. Anyway, that's one thing this DVD is lacking...Special features. No trailer, TV Spots or commentary.
I sure wish the older films (whether A grade or B grade) would get some more respect in the way of special features. I mean, newer films are so loaded with fluff and BS. It's the older films we'd like to see good special features inclusive. Who needs to "look back on" (or see for that matter) Cyote Ugly. Just an example. Or say, any of the bloated but empty CGI flicks. Do we really need special features for those? i don't even need the film, let alone special features! Always containing some fluff piece featurette with a bunch of lame, supposed actors overusing the word "amazing" for a half an hour
the 70's was a true golden age of cinema, in so many ways. And the late 70's into the early 80's was a wonderful, inventive, fun time for horror flicks. We WANT special features for these!
So, "Invitation To Hell" has no special features but it's a worthwhile purchase for those seeking a cool little "morality tale horror film" they could've missed out on back then.
Description of Wes Craven's Invitation to Hell
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