Rating: 
Summary: Did nothing for me....
Review: This film failed to captivate me or do anything for me. Horror is one of my favorite generas of film, but this one just seemed too campy. I mean if you watch this film their is a silly narrators voice and it kind of goes through the history and events that have led to this house being so evil. The feel of comes off like old news real footage that can't be taken seriously. I have no problem with old films either, I love frankenstein, Dracula, and The Mummy as they have a feel and styling that earns merit. I've read all the positive reveiws and I know this film has made an impact on some...all I can say is I know horror films, if you want to make horror films a big issue I've got three words you all know BRING IT ON.
Rating:
Summary: Boring! I agree with plastereddragon!
Review: I have to say that I totally agree with plastereddragon who said:"Okay, I admit it, I fell asleep during this plodding, boring film. I understand that this film fits in the classic-thriller genre, which is not to be confused with the modern-thriller genre. I am quite able to appreciate classic thrillers but, sorry to all those who seem to think this movie is awesome--it's not. It is boring and predictable and utterly forgettable." Well said mate! It baffles me how some individuals can appreciate almost every "old" film. Probably because most of the reviewers here are quite "old" themselves. :) The remake, filmed in 1999 was of much more interest to me. I know I am in a minority here, but minorities should voice their opinions, and that's just what I'll do. I appreciate a movie based on its merit, for example, The Birds (Alfred Hitchcock) is a fantastic film. So is Junior Frankenstein (1974), what a fantastic little comedy. I do not appreciate (like most reviewers, and most here) a movie purely based on its age! That's enough ranting from me. Merry Xmas, and a Happy New Year to all!
Rating: 
Summary: really good the first time
Review: The first time I saw this movie it was very scary. After this ( and I have watched it over and over) it was a little scary because I knew what was going to happen but it was still a good movie. Julie Harris is wonderful as Eleanor. She makes you feel everything she is going through. She gave up her life to take care of her ill mother and then her sister treats her like she is nothing. She has a chance to get away from her sister when she goes to Hill House. And this is when everything starts. Good ghost movie.
Rating:
Summary: "You May Not Believe in Ghosts, but You Cannot Deny Terror"
Review: Anthropologist Dr. John Markway (Richard Johnson) satisfies his interest in ghosts and the paranormal by investigating Hill House, a strange piece of New England architecture that is reputed to be haunted by all manner of ghosts and demons. To assist him in his investigation and observations, he has enlisted the aid of three young volunteers: Eleanor (Julie Harris), a gaunt spinster who spent most of her youth caring for her invalid mother; Theodora (Claire Bloom), a brash young woman who tacitly implies that she is lesbian; and the skeptical Luke Sanderson (Russ Tamblyn), heir to Hill House who hopes that proof of its haunting might increase its market value. Eleanor and Theodora were chosen because of their propensity for psychic experiences; Luke is there, of course, because he owns the place. Once sequestered inside Hill House, the group does experience many terrifying and unsettling phenomena. But most of the preternatural events seem to be directed specifically at Eleanor, and when she starts to appear as if she's becoming emotionally unhinged, the others begin to wonder if Eleanor might be behind the fearful phenomena.... Robert Wise's 1963 version of THE HAUNTING is probably one of the most interesting haunted-house stories on film. Based on author Shirley Jackson's renowned 1959 novel THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, director Wise and screenwriter Nelson Gidding stay fairly loyal to the novel in creating real thrills and chills without showing any gore--or actual ghosts! Instead, the filmmakers tell the story of a young woman who may or may not be losing her grip on sanity, and by placing her in an unsettling environment, they then use sound and suggestion to let the real terror develop in the viewer's imagination. The acting is very good, especially Julie Harris' depiction of a woman moving slowly out of touch with reality. And it's always a delight to ogle the beautiful dark-haired Claire Bloom. Robert Wise's direction is superb--which is to be expected from a man who worked closely with Orson Welles in editing Welles' masterpiece CITIZEN KANE (1941)--and his early experience as a sound editor works to the film's advantage as Wise shows the seemingly mundane while the sound FX are scaring the audience's pants off. Excuse the platitude, but they just don't make 'em like this anymore. Once movies like THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT (1972) and THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE (1974) let the genie of graphic violence out of the proverbial bottle, there was no going back. But movies like 1963's THE HAUNTING still stand as proof that you don't need gore to have the wits scared out of you, and any true fan of horror and spooky movies should enjoy watching this classic. The DVD offers a fairly clean and crisp digital transfer of this beautiful black-and-white film. Included in the disc's bonuses is an interesting feature commentary by director Wise, screenwriter Gidding, and the principal actors (though it is obvious that they were not in the same room together when their comments were recorded). All in all, this DVD version of THE HAUNTING is a very nice piece to add to the collection of any serious horror fan.
Rating:
Summary: Waste of Money
Review: *yawn* Okay, I admit it, I fell asleep during this plodding, boring film. I understand that this film fits in the classic-thriller genre, which is not to be confused with the modern-thriller genre. I am quite able to appreciate classic thrillers but, sorry to all those who seem to think this movie is awesome--it's not. It is boring and predictable and utterly forgettable. If you are looking for classic-thriller material that will actually scare you or at the very least interest you, take a look at the works of the talented Alfred Hitchcock. If it is a psychological thriller you are after, try "Of Unknown Origin" with Peter Weller. There is nothing thrilling about this movie, and the "psychology" is basically dubbed voice-overs where the characters narrate their thoughts aloud. People who felt that the 1999 version of "The Haunting" was inferior to this film in any way need to have their heads examined. Firstly, the 1999 version is a completely different genre (modern horror), and secondly, rated against others of its own genre the 1999 version of "The Haunting" holds up well. Unless you are someone that believes that every film made before 1970 is good, I wouldn't bother with this movie.
Rating:
Summary: Satisfying
Review: The Haunting is not quite the norm of the modern horror genre, but that's probably why it's so well-watched. There is little suspenseful music during the 'really scary' parts which I found to be unique & efficient. The acting is extremely well-done which is in stark contrast to today's box-office bashes. The story follows an old estate, Hill House, which has a typical assortment of mysterious deaths in its history that have led to variously typical rumors regarding the place. A team of researchers, led by Dr. Marquay, let the house for studies in the supernatural. The good doctor has called in a psychic, a victim of a poltergeist, and the heir to the deserted estate. Eventually, Eleanor (Julie Harris) is driven mad by the forces inside the house. The unexpected ending makes for a slightly off-beat comsummation to an otherwise well-told story.
Rating:
Summary: give me back my money
Review: fell asleep about an hour into the movie, waited for some classic or scary scenes but they just never came. this movie may have scared people back then, but its pretty much comedy now. stick to classic horror films like texas chainsaw, shining, exorcist, amityville, etc.
Rating: 
Summary: The Haunting...
Review: Certain to remain one of the greatest haunted-house movies ever made, Robert Wise's The Haunting (1963) is antithetical to all the gory horror films of subsequent decades, because its considerable frights remain implicitly rooted in the viewer's sensitivity to abject fear. A classic spook-fest based on Shirley Jackson's novel The Haunting of Hill House which also inspired the terrible 1999 remake directed by Jan de Bont, the film begins with a prologue that concisely establishes the dark history of Hill House, a massive New England mansion that will play host to four daring guests determined to investigate--and hopefully debunk the legacy of death and ghostly possession that has given the mansion its terrifying reputation. This is a horror film that requires the viewer to participate and use there minds. Watch this one alone in the dark. Very Scary.
Rating:
Summary: Truly Haunting
Review: The first time I saw this movie It was During the day, and I still got freaked out this is one of the truely scary movies of our time. There is no other movie that even comes close to this ,well except maybe The Others, which has a simular style of mood and lighting. A great scary movie to watch on halloween!!
Rating:
Summary: Insights into the mind of Shirley Jackson
Review: The best part of this DVD is the audio commentary by the director and the actors. Several times they refer to discussing this movie with author Shirley Jackson who died shortly after this film was made. It was very interesting to see the different ways the cast saw the characters opposed to Shirley Jackson's views. A peek into the mind of Shirley Jackson is a rare treat for her fans.
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