In the 1850s, an evil – some might even say monstrous – slave trader murdered his family and locked their bodies away in the attic of his colonial mansion. Fast forward to the late 1980s, and pop singer Kate moves into the house with her son, Jason, and her boyfriend David, who also happens to be Kate’s former psychiatrist. But something isn’t happy about their presence in the house, and (eventually) makes its feelings known in some terrifying (for the 80s, at least) ways…
A lot of what happens during the film probably provided some medium-strength scares back in the day, although there’s not a whole lot going on for most of the first 75 minutes or so. The visions and possessions are well done for the most part, but it takes a more than a few crazy-eyed glances and ghostly reflections in shiny surfaces to get a reaction from audiences these days. It’s a slow burner for sure, with the idea of making a serious ghost story not quite paying off in today’s climate. Despite the lingering danger, there’s no real feeling of tension or suspense, and anyone watching this for the first time is likely to come away feeling a little underwhelmed.
Having said that, the final 15 minutes are tons of fun. Many of the small (yet extremely obviously signposted) details from earlier in the movie reappear during the finale, which sees all attempts at seriousness go flying out of the window in a practical effects-laden thrill ride that almost make it worth the price of admission. Almost.
Over in the extra features, we find a 33-minute “making of” which includes interviews with many of the cast and crew. It’s revealed that Twin Peaks co-creator Mark Frost wrote the original draft of the screenplay, which was then re-written before filming. One can’t help but wonder how the film might have turned out if that original screenplay had been kept. Director Richard Friedman and producer Dan Bacaner provide a full-length audio commentary, and there’s an additional interview with Billy Barber, the man responsible for Scared Stiff‘s annoyingly/wonderfully catchy theme tune.
It might not be up there with the best 80s movies, but it’s passable enough for a couple of hours worth of entertainment on a rainy afternoon.
Special features: Brand new 2K restoration from original film elements, original uncompressed Stereo audio, English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, brand new audio commentary with director Richard Friedman, producer Dan Bacaner and film historian Robert Ehlinger, Mansion of the Doomed: The Making of Scared Stiff: brand new documentary featuring interviews with Richard Friedman, Dan Bacaner, Robert Ehlinger, actors Andrew Stevens and Joshua Segal, special effects supervisor Tyler Smith and special effects assistants Jerry Macaluso and Barry Anderson, brand new interview with composer Billy Barber, Image Gallery, Original Theatrical Trailer, Reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options (first run only)
SCARED STIFF / CERT: 18 / DIRECTOR: RICHARD FRIEDMAN / SCREENPLAY: MARK FROST, DANIEL BACANER / STARRING: ANDREW STEVENS, MARY PAGE KELLER, DAVID RAMSEY, JOSH SEGAL / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
