Behind the Screams: Craven’s Horror Legacy

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MOVIE REVIEW
Wes Craven Film Collection – Limited Edition 3D Lenticular Hardcase + Booklet + Art Cards
Deadly Blessing: –
The Serpent and the Rainbow: –
The People Under the Stairs: –

Genre: Horror, Thriller / Fantasy, Horror / Comedy, Horror, Mystery
Year Released: 1981 / 1988 / 1991, 2024 ViaVision Blu-ray set
Runtime: 1h 40m / 1h 38m / 1h 42m
Director(s): Wes Craven
Writer(s): Glenn M. Benest, Matthew Barr, Glenn M. Benest, Wes Craven / Wade Davis, Richard Maxwell, Adam Rodman / Wes Craven
Cast: Maren Jensen, Sharon Stone, Susan Buckner, Jeff East / Bill Pullman, Cathy Tyson, Zakes Mokae, Paul Winfield / Brandon Quintin Adams, Everett McGill, Wendy Robie, A.J. Langer
Where To Watch: available now, order here www.viavision.com.au, or in the US here www.orbitdvd.com

RAVING REVIEW: Embark on a chilling exploration of terror with the Wes Craven Film Collection from ViaVision. Featuring DEADLY BLESSING, THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW, and THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS, this set is a must-own for any horror lover. It stitches together the eerie, the supernatural, and the satirically dark to showcase the breadth of Craven’s directorial range. While you may know Craven’s work on A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET or SCREAM, these films look into some of his other classics.

Venture into the dark corners of human fear with the Wes Craven Film Collection. This anthology encapsulates the quintessential elements of horror through three of Craven's films, each distinct in setting but uniformly unsettling in its portrayal of the human psyche and societal undercurrents.

In DEADLY BLESSING, the narrative delves into the life of Martha (Maren Jensen,) a widow ensnared by the mysterious circumstances surrounding her husband’s death and the dark veil of a neighboring cult's sinister beliefs. This film combines psychological thriller and slasher elements, creating a suspenseful experience examining themes of isolation and paranoia. Craven crafts a narrative of tension and dread, propelled forward by Martha’s increasingly terrifying encounters with her friends and foes. I love that it questions what “beliefs” can do when unchecked.

Transitioning from the rural scares of country life to the enigmatic practices of Haitian voodoo, THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW presents a starkly different horror landscape. Here, Dennis Alan, a scientist portrayed by Bill Pullman, finds himself in a gripping confrontation with death itself as he explores zombification myths in Haiti. Based on real-life research by ethnobotanist Wade Davis, this film captures a culture shrouded in mysticism and pits empirical skepticism against ancient superstitions under Craven’s directorial hand. The atmospheric tension is palpable, blending political intrigue with the visceral fears of the supernatural. While this was my least favorite part of the set, I enjoyed how it almost felt like a documentary at times; the film felt very grounded, even when discussing otherworldly happenings.

Completing this trippy trilogy of films, THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS shifts the horror from global explorations to the confines of a domestic setting, where societal norms and racial tensions boil over into a grotesque satire. Unlike anything you've seen before, a young boy’s struggle to escape a house of horrors run by two siblings becomes a mirror reflecting the monsters that society harbors within. This film combines horror with dark humor, critiquing social inequalities while engaging the audience in a provocative and harrowing narrative.

Collectively, these films provoke thought while offering various forms of horror, challenging viewers to reflect on what lurks beneath the surface of fear and society. Enhanced with insightful audio commentaries and a detailed booklet, the Wes Craven Film Collection is a tribute to and a critical analysis of Craven’s contributions to the horror genre. Each film's distinct thematic and narrative approach confirms Craven’s skill at weaving complex stories that resonate with real-world fears and cultural commentary.

This collection is indispensable for those who appreciate horror that does more than just frighten. It invites audiences to dissect the layers of narrative and thematic depth found in Craven’s work. From the suspenseful and cultish terrors in DEADLY BLESSING to the mystical and otherworldly horrors in THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW, and finally, to the darkly satirical take on societal issues in THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS, this set is a comprehensive exploration of Craven’s cinematic legacy. While uniquely engaging, each piece collectively underscores the director’s ability to transcend traditional horror storytelling, making this collection valuable for newcomers to Craven’s work and long-time horror enthusiasts.

Deadly Blessing Special Features and Technical Specs:
1080p High-Definition presentation on Blu-ray
NEW Audio Commentary by film historian Jarret Gahan
Audio Commentary by director Wes Craven
“Say Your Prayers” – interview with actor Michael Berryman
“Secrets Revealed” – interview with actor Susan Buckner
“Rise of the Incubus” – interview with designer John Naulin
“So It Was Written” – interview with writers Glenn M. Benest and Matthew Barr
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spots
Radio Spots
Still Gallery
Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
Audio LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English HOH Subtitles

The Serpent and The Rainbow Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-Definition presentation on Blu-ray
NEW Audio Commentary by film scholar Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
Audio Commentary by actor Bill Pullman
“The Making of The Serpent and the Rainbow” – featurette (2016)
Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
Audio LPCM 2.0 Stereo
Optional English HOH Subtitles

The People Under The Stairs Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-Definition presentation on Blu-ray
NEW Audio Commentary by film scholar Craig Martin
Audio Commentary by director Wes Craven; moderated by Michael Felsher
Audio Commentary by actors Brandon Adams, A.J. Langer, Sean Whalen, and Yan Birch
“House Mother” – interview with actor Wendy Robie
“House of Horrors” – interview with cinematographer Sandi Sissel
“Settling the Score” – interview with composer Don Peake
“What Lies Beneath: The Effects of The People Under the Stairs” – featurette (2015)
Behind the Scenes Footage
Vintage 1991 Making-of Featurette
Storyboards
Still Gallery
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spots
Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
Audio LPCM 2.0 Stereo
Optional English HOH Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of VIAVISION]

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