Age-Old Tale Takes Modern Spin

Read Time:4 Minute, 48 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Last House On The Left
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2009, 2023 Arrow Video 4k
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Dennis Iliadis
Writer(s): Adam Alleca, Carl Ellsworth, Wes Craven
Cast: Garret Dillahunt, Monica Potter, Aaron Paul, Tony Goldwyn, Michael Bowen, Josh Cox, Riki Lindhome, Sara Paxton, Martha MacIsaac, Spencer Treat Clark
Where To Watch: available September 12, 2023; pre-order now here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Here’s a unique opening for one of my reviews! Have you ever considered an ancient Swedish ballad and its potential connections to modern horror? Well, "Töres dotter i Wänge" is just such a tune, and its tale of a father’s relentless quest for justice after his daughter Mari's harrowing incident is our story for the day, from Ingmar Bergman's 1960 film Jungfrukällan (The Virgin Spring) to the 1972 film by the master of horror, which was Wes Craven’s low budget directorial debut The Last House on the Left.

Step into the world of 2009’s THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT. Picture this: A tranquil family retreat is about to be turned on its head. When Mari's (Sara Paxton) innocent outing spirals into chaos, we're left gripping our armrests. And the culprits? Justin (Spencer Treat Clark) and his gang. Talk about performances that captivate! Our lead trio, Paxton, Emma (Monica Potter,) and John (Tony Goldwyn,) transport us to another time and another world. But a shadow of its grittier 1970s sibling looms large, giving the film an intriguing layer of nostalgia.

Once upon a time, in 1972 to be exact, this tale was a groundbreaking beacon, showcasing the intense tussle between urban elegance and rural rawness. Zipping to 2009, our narrative has gotten a glamorous facelift but at the expense of some of its original rustic charm. Can modern flair and old-school rawness coexist? That's the question. Craven’s original had a gritty feel that matched the film’s setting.

Enter director Dennis Iliadis, with a playbook that sees violence as a cinematic canvas, painting a story that pushes boundaries. Navigating through THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, one can't help but feel the film’s pulse, beating in rhythm with its generational vibe. Its contemporary lens, though oozing visual charm, seems to grapple with a split personality. Are we in for a sleek thriller, a deep dive into drama, or a mishmash of both? While the plot might occasionally serve a bit of déjà vu, the overall film reminds us that the director has a knack for crafting visual magic.

Let's get real; horror isn't just about those spine-jolters or ghostly whispers. An absolute screamer must weave its web around your heart, pulling you into its depths. On this metric, our movie pirouettes gracefully on the fine line of visual allure and expressive depth, often leaning more towards the former.

In conclusion, for those yearning to quench their thirst for an aesthetic visual voyage paired with a dash of vintage vibes, THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, 2009 edition, is the ticket. Isn’t it fascinating? A tale as old as time still finds its voice across ages, each rendition echoing the heartbeat of its generation.

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
– Two versions of the film: the original Theatrical Version (4K Ultra HD Blu-ray) and the Unrated Version (Blu-ray)
– Original uncompressed stereo audio and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio for both films
– Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing on both films
– Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Zoë Rose Smith
– Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Eric Adrian Lee
DISC ONE – THEATRICAL VERSION (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)
4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) of the original Theatrical Version of the film
Exclusive new filmed introduction by director Dennis Iliadis
Brand new audio commentary by David Flint and Adrian Smith
A River of Blood, a new 31-minute interview with Sara Paxton
The Notorious Krug, a new 27-minute interview with actor Garret Dillahunt
Suspending Disbelief, a new 18-minute interview with screenwriter Carl Ellsworth
Reviving the Legend, a new 33-minute interview with producer Jonathan Craven
Look Inside Featurette, from the film's original 2009 release
Deleted scenes
Theatrical trailer
Image Gallery

DISC TWO – UNRATED VERSION (BLU-RAY)
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of the Unrated Version

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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