Independent Cinema Breaks Conventional Boundaries

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Wrong Door
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 1990, 2023 Visual Vengeance Blu-Ray
Runtime: 1h 13m
Director(s): James Groetsch, Shawn Korby, Bill Weiss
Cast: Matt Felmlee, Loreal Steiner, Jeff Tatum, Jeannine Bourdaghs
Where To Watch: available November 28, 2023; pre-order here www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In THE WRONG DOOR, Ted Farrell, a sound design student, finds his ordinary life upended by a series of eerie and unexpected events. Donning a jester costume for a part-time job, Ted inadvertently becomes entangled in a sinister murder mystery. This fusion of everyday life with a dark, twisting plot sets the stage for a film as captivating as it is unpredictable. This is what indie horror filmmaking is all about; this film planted so many seeds that inspired some modern-day horror films. Sure, it’s rough around the edges, but it's fun, original, and entertaining. It's another hit for Visual Vengeance!

THE WRONG DOOR, the brainchild of a group of film students, blends suspense with creativity against the backdrop of Minnesota landscapes. The film's raw, unpolished look, accentuated by the choice of Super 8 film, adds to its authenticity and gritty charm.

The narrative of THE WRONG DOOR is a rollercoaster ride that occasionally derails with pacing and audio issues. Again, that’s where films like this shine; if this were a beautiful film shot on an iPhone today, it wouldn’t be the same. It transforms from a straightforward film project into an adrenaline-infused thriller reminiscent of more profound suspense films. Despite its limited budget, the film successfully creates tension and unease. However, it's not immune to narrative inconsistencies that occasionally disrupt the flow.

A fascinating aspect of THE WRONG DOOR is its unique treatment of sound—or rather, its notable absence. This silence becomes a character in its own right, creating a sense of emptiness that fills the narrative. While this bold choice adds a distinctive flair to the film, it also results in periods of unease that could be both positive and negative.

Despite these narrative hurdles, THE WRONG DOOR remains intriguing. The protagonist's jester costume injects an element of the surreal into the plot. The film's exploration of sound effects and audio enigmas provides a refreshing twist on standard thriller elements. The central plot, a risky cat-and-mouse game, maintains viewer engagement, even if it treads familiar ground at times. As the film ends, it weaves the various narrative strands together. Though somewhat predictable, the climax is executed well, showcasing the film's innovative use of sound in these climactic scenes.

THE WRONG DOOR is a notable example of what can be achieved in independent cinema with limited resources. It demonstrates the power of a compelling narrative woven through a unique lens. The film could benefit from a more streamlined plot and consistent pacing, yet it's distinctive concept and skillful suspense make it a valuable addition to the horror/thriller genre. For enthusiasts of indie films, THE WRONG DOOR offers an exciting experience, particularly for its groundbreaking approach to sound design and its embodiment of grassroots filmmaking.

Bonus Materials
– Region Free Blu-ray
– Brand new director-supervised 2K HD transfer from the original Super 8mm film elements
– Commentary with directors Bill Weiss and Shawn Korby
– Commentary with director James Groetsch and producer John Schonebaum
– New Documentary: Men Make Movie If Not Million$
– James Groetsch Interview
– Shawn Korby Interview
– Bill Weiss Interview
– Actor Matt Felmlee Interview
– Distributing The Wrong Door: Chris Gore Interview
– Second feature: Alternate Director’s Cut of The Wrong Door (2019)
– Super 8 short: Raiders of the Lost Bark (1983)
– Super 8 short: The Pizza Man (1988)
– TV Episode: The Gale Whitman Show
– Original unedited Muther Video VHS intros
– Image Gallery
– Original Storyboards Gallery
– Film Threat Review
– Now Hiring Trailer
– The Wrong Door Trailer
– Visual Vengeance Trailers
– Limited Edition Slipcase – FIRST PRESSING ONLY
– Limited Edition Door Hanger – FIRST PRESSING ONLY
– 2-sided Insert
– Collectible folded poster
– Reversible Sleeve Featuring Original VHS Art
– 'Stick Your Own' VHS Sticker Set
– Optional English subtitles

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[photo courtesy of VISUAL VENGEANCE, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]